Practical Tests
Lets run some practical tests. We used the above mentioned set ups and checked the temperature at idle and load conditions. The temperature of the case (ambient temperature) was measured using a temperature probe placed towards the top of the case, since hot air becomes light and travels to the top of the case. So its hottest at the top.
Processors and graphics cards (most of the them, barring some entry level cards) have a temperature diode on the chip. You can view the temperature of the components by using a software program like Everest.
We subjected the system to load by playing Need For Speed: Carbon.
Test System
AMD 3200+: Socket 939
Asus A8N-E
Corsair 512x2, 400 MHz DDR RAM
XFX 7600GT PCI Express
Seagate 120GB SATA
| All temperatures are in Degrees | 120mm front intake & 120mm rear exhaust (Idle / Load) | 80mm front intake & 80mm rear exhaust (Idle / Load) | No front intake and 80mm rear exhaust (Idle / Load) |
| Case Temperature | 31/35 | 33/38 | 35/42 |
| Graphics Card | 52/71 | 54/77 | 56/82 |
| Processor | 39/46 | 42/51 | 43/55 |
| Hard-Drive | 38/42 | 40/45 | 40/48 |
Silent Systems
Along with the fans comes noise. C’mon you wouldn’t want your computer to be whirring like a jet engine in the dead of the night. Its very simple, if you want a silent fan, you will have to trade it for lesser CFM because, more CFM comes with more RPM (Rotations per minute) of the fan and more the RPM, higher is noise level. Though there is a series from Vantec called the ‘Stealth Series’ which offers low noise levels. The 120 mm fan gives out 28 dB of noise with a CFM rating of 54.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you should implement all the steps and play around a little to see what suits you the best. Lesser temperatures means system stability and a longer life span of products.
Good try.
