Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hanguker]

Well, I just received my really awesome CPU cooler. The 3RSyster Iceage 120mm:

http://www.3rsys.com/english/products/view.asp?navi=aircooler&idx_num=83

Nice cooler...nothing but great reviews.

Problem is...it's too BIG!!! I'm such a dip!





On the bright side, this thing cools like a demon! My E4400 Core2 is overclocked to 3.0Ghz (from 1.8 ) and I'm running at 22-25 under light load (icy). Down from 35-50 on my stock intel.

I want to keep it but can I live without a side panel? The desk-box the case is in kind of acts like a big secondary case, I guess. Also, I could half duct-tape my side panel on.

[bassexpander]

Buy a new case (they're cheap) or just chop a hole in the side of what you've got.

[hanguker]

[bassexpander]

a drill and a cheap pair of tin-snips.

[Demophobe]

Go a machine shop or an auto shop.

[ttompatz]

I have never had a side on my case (I'm into the guts far to often to bother).

No worry, especially if you have adequate airflow over the MB, CPU and GPU.

[JustJohn]

Unless the airflow was really well thought out you computer will most likely run cooler with the case open.

The biggest problem is dust getting in there.

[spliff]

I think this has the best reviews but they look pretty similar.

http://search.danawa.com/dsearch.php?ut=0&k1=CJH-IntL+HDT-S1283&x=27&y=8

[Steffie183]

You don't really need the side panel. If you blow the dust out occassionally and make sure animals don't get in it you should be fine. Like JustJohn said, it'll probably run even cooler. I've had computers last for years without the side panel. Granted we had a bit of dog food inside occassionlly from the mice. I doubt you'll have that problem though.

[Khenan]

I've let my computer roll with no sides on the cases many times, for extended periods. You definately don't have anything to worry about, except for dust and increased noise.

However, if you want to be very picky (which you may well be inclined to do, since you coughed up for a cooler like that), often the open case will make the inside of your box warmer. This is somewhat counterintuitive, but it all depends on your airflow setup in your box. If you have several fans set up for maximum airflow (like I do), then leaving the case open will completely disrupt the normal flow of air, and you will get significantly less airflow in the (g/cm^3)/sec of air/volume per time sense - which is what really counts.

Either way, you're prolly fine.. (btw, gratz on the awesome overclock! )

[hanguker]

Thanks so much for all the useful replies everyone. I think I'm going to leave the side off for now and then maybe cut a hole later if I feel ambitious.

It does seem to be working just fine right now. Really cooling the CPU well.