Cooling Options for a
Custom PC
Cooling is essential for any PC. For optimum results cooling needs to address several different areas, namely:-
- Processor
- RAM
- Northbridge Chipset
- Southbridge Chipset
- Graphics Card
- Case
We only use the best components and these traditionally include the following brands:-
- ASUS
- Arctic
- Scythe
- Noctua
- Zalman
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Processor Cooling Options - the standard heatsink provided with the CPU is adequate for the purpose, however, they tend to be loud under load. The alternatives are high efficiency silent Heatsinks or alternatively Water Cooling.
We prefer to avoid Water Cooling because it can be noisy but more importantly, clients rarely undertake the necessary maintenance that is required! As a result, we prefer to limit water cooling to Exhibition units.
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Northbridge and Southbridge Cooling - is normally passive with today's
motherboards, ie no fans.
On the wholse, passive cooling is adequate, but there are instances where the heatsinks provided are simply too small and a more sophisticated solution is required. In instances such as this, the standard heatsinks are replaced with appropriate alternatives.
Such cooling solutions are usually essential when the case has poor airflow (perhaps due to limited fan mounting options, or overclocking is being considered
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Graphics Cards - passive solutions are preferred in order to keep case noise to a minimum and are certainly the card of choice for the studios. However this is often impractical when considering the more poweful cards. Silent cards form part of the custom pc components available for you to choose from.
The cooler shown to the left is just one example of the latest high end cooling solutions.
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| Case Cooling - Position of the case is extremely important. Ensure that you leave adequae gaps around it so that air can circulate freely. Internally, we will automatically install adequate case fans, to ensure the system maintains an optimal operating temperature. In some cases, there is no need to install case fans at all (the lower powered systems).
The case fans we use range from standard models to low noise 7dba models. The unit you choose will determine (if appropriate) the fans we install.
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| RAM Cooling - is rarely required unless you propose to push the system beyond its normal comfort zone ie overclocking, or perhaps the case has limited air cooling. In such cases, RAM heatsinks are recommended if they don't already come with them. |
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