Re: Thermoregulation

[Scott Ewing <scott.ewing@xxxxxxx>]

>For some unknown reason my main machine has started complaining
>about temperature - only a degree or two over recommended maxima,
>but I realise it probably isn't going to get better and isn't
>desireable (spelling?).

To be honest, if your CPU/case temperature is high enough to trigger
alarms in the bios or your temperature monitoring software, it's time
for a serious cooling rethink. Just out of interest, how high a
temperature are we talking about

>My main machine resides against an external wall - any ideas of
>an elegant (visually) way of bringing the internal T down using
>cooler external air - ideally passively?

After a little bit of experimenting on Ken's part, it was discovered
that the most effective cooling solution is a blowhole. it's just in the
right place to shift the hot air out of your PC, this means the addition
of one fan right at the top of the case.

The blowhole solution however involves cutting a hole in your case,
which brings me nicelly to another solution - a new aluminium case.
Aluminium cases provide better colling straight out of the box because
the alu is a better thermal conductor than the nicelly painted steel of
your standard beige box.

Depending on how much space you need, there are a few options for an alu
case, Kustom PCs (no affiliation, just my local) has a large range of
alu cases, seen here http://kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?subcat=1
The LianLi range is great now, they have managed to reduce the cost of
their cases while maintainng the quality build.

The PC 0700 is a standard sized ATX case, usb ports in the front etc.
etc. http://kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?view=1071
There is also the PC 50 : http://kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?view=1056
similar idea to the 0700
If you need to live in your PC case, or just need a lot of drives, i
would consider the PC-70, it's basically a huge version of the above two
cases. http://kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?view=1005

Kustom will throw a blowhole in for you, 80mm for 9 quid, and a 120mm
one if you really need heat evacuation for 11 quid. Top two products
here : http://kustompcs.co.uk/product.php?subcat=3

This is a fairly asthetically pleasing solution, imo the alu cases are
simply stunning.

>ps thanks to all who suggested ways to restore the data
>accidentally "lost" on my brother's drive following the
>death of his baby daughter.  I am sure you will all be
>gratified to hear I just burned a DVD with a video clip
>and a (short) slideshow of images salvaged from "the
>ether"  - the fact that all the folks on this list act
>as a support and information network for one another is
>a real postive testament to the implementation of all
>this technology and I thank all of you who made
>suggestions (all entirely helpful) and those who
>expressed sympathy and good wishes.

glad to haer you got the data back.

HTH
Scott



UK Home Automation Meet 2004 - BOOK NOW!
http://www.ukha2004.com

http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
Post message: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subscribe:  ukha_d-subscribe@xxxxxxx
Unsubscribe:  ukha_d-unsubscribe@xxxxxxx
List owner:  ukha_d-owner@xxxxxxx