Is it ok to run fanless?
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 8:37 am
Recently I started a topic about 100% silent Linux server - viewtopic.php?f=29&t=83332
The hardware has arrived, and the PC is built. The only question remains about cooling.
Just to repeat, the system is built as follows:
Intel D2700DC (CPU + Mobo + GPU)
4GB Corsair value RAM
Seasonic X-400 Fanless PSU
Thermaltake V4 Black Edition case
+ DVD drive
+ Intel SSD
Now the question is - is it safe to leave the system with no fans at all, or should I leave the rear exhaust fan operational?
I'm currently running a stress test 'dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/null bs=1024 &' x4, with all cores pegged at 100%. And there is a little warmth above the top grille. The PSU seems to be completely cold, but the heat sink on the Atom is a bit warmer. I can touch the heat sink and it's warm, but if I don't remove the hand for 10+ seconds it starts to get hotter than I would prefer.
It's also autumn here, so the room temperature is a little lower than in summer.
Since the PC will be running 24/7 in a living room or bedroom, I would like to make sure the stupid fans can't be heard.
So far it seems that it should be fine, as I can touch the heat sink, and there is no way I could touch a modern GPU when under load, so I'm thinking running fan less should be ok.
The convection should take care of everything, right?
The hardware has arrived, and the PC is built. The only question remains about cooling.
Just to repeat, the system is built as follows:
Intel D2700DC (CPU + Mobo + GPU)
4GB Corsair value RAM
Seasonic X-400 Fanless PSU
Thermaltake V4 Black Edition case
+ DVD drive
+ Intel SSD
Now the question is - is it safe to leave the system with no fans at all, or should I leave the rear exhaust fan operational?
I'm currently running a stress test 'dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/null bs=1024 &' x4, with all cores pegged at 100%. And there is a little warmth above the top grille. The PSU seems to be completely cold, but the heat sink on the Atom is a bit warmer. I can touch the heat sink and it's warm, but if I don't remove the hand for 10+ seconds it starts to get hotter than I would prefer.
It's also autumn here, so the room temperature is a little lower than in summer.
Since the PC will be running 24/7 in a living room or bedroom, I would like to make sure the stupid fans can't be heard.
So far it seems that it should be fine, as I can touch the heat sink, and there is no way I could touch a modern GPU when under load, so I'm thinking running fan less should be ok.
The convection should take care of everything, right?