CPU Question

harleyquinn · 05-30-2003, 12:36 PM

I'm considering building my own PC (but probably not until later in the year because of $ issues). I'm going to get a book to help me, but I've been looking at parts and have a question. Is there a difference between the "normal" fan in the computer case and the fan for the Pentium 4 CPU? In other words, will I need both or just one, and if so, which one would be better?

Just curious.

Thanks!!!

Night Stalker · 05-30-2003, 12:43 PM

Oooooo YES! The CPU and GPU (vid card) get very hot and need plenty of cooling. They come with their own heatsinks and fans usually. You still need the case fan. Depending on how much you put in your case, you may want 2 - 4 case fans. If you have multiple case fans some should be intake and some should be exhaust to maximize air flow.

I currently have 2 (one in, one out).

Larry_OHF · 05-30-2003, 12:43 PM

If I am understanding you right...the fan on the processor is only in a position to keep the processor itself cool. Other units in your case will also need some fresh air, so that is where the external fans come from. Many of the good Video cards also have their own fans, bu again...just for that particular equipment.

I have seven fans all together.

1. CPU
2. Video card
3-4. Intake fans
5-7. Output fans.

andrewas · 05-30-2003, 12:44 PM

You should use both, they are for different purposes. The case fan improves airflow through the case in general. It is possible to build a machine without one, but high-end processors put out enough heat that you really should have one.

The one on the P4 is directly cooling that chip, and no CPU today can operate without one, the heat generated is high enough to melt parts of the motherboard if it isnt dissipated quickly enough.

Elif Godson · 05-30-2003, 12:45 PM

The more concentric air flow that you have the better. Your case should have an exhaust fan and your CPU should always have a fan on it. My PC has four fans in, one in the front, 2 at the back, and 1 on the cpu.Oh yea, and one on the ole video card. It is fun to do a smoke test on it just to watch how the smoke travels through the case, if it lingers you dont have enough flow, if it blows out quickly you are dead on. [img]smile.gif[/img] Hope this helps

[ 05-30-2003, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: Elif Godson ]

harleyquinn · 05-30-2003, 12:50 PM

Wow you guys were fast to jump onto answering my question!! LOL
Thanks. I just wish I had the $ to start building one now, but my kitty and my car decided to get sick in the same week, so I'm poor ATM.

Thanks again guys. It's so great to have a place I can ask all my stupid questions and not get harrased for it

Cake for all who helped [img]graemlins/cake.gif[/img]

realbinky · 05-30-2003, 01:57 PM

If you really want to save some $, consider an AMD. I recommend newegg.com for your purchasing needs.

05-30-2003, 12:36 PM	#1
harleyquinn Symbol of Cyric Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: NY Age: 48 Posts: 1,190	I'm considering building my own PC (but probably not until later in the year because of $ issues). I'm going to get a book to help me, but I've been looking at parts and have a question. Is there a difference between the "normal" fan in the computer case and the fan for the Pentium 4 CPU? In other words, will I need both or just one, and if so, which one would be better? Just curious. Thanks!!! __________________ [img]\"http://www.bethspage.us/sig.jpg\" alt=\" - \" />

05-30-2003, 12:43 PM	#2
Night Stalker Lord Ao Join Date: June 24, 2002 Location: Nevernever Land Age: 49 Posts: 2,002	Oooooo YES! The CPU and GPU (vid card) get very hot and need plenty of cooling. They come with their own heatsinks and fans usually. You still need the case fan. Depending on how much you put in your case, you may want 2 - 4 case fans. If you have multiple case fans some should be intake and some should be exhaust to maximize air flow. I currently have 2 (one in, one out). __________________ [url]\"http://www.duryea.org/pinky/gurkin.wav\" target=\"_blank\">AYPWIP?</a> .... <img border=\"0\" alt=\"[1ponder]\" title=\"\" src=\"graemlins/1ponder.gif\" /> <br />\"I think so Brain, but isn\'t a cucumber that small called a gherkin?\"<br /><br />Shut UP! Pinky!

05-30-2003, 12:43 PM	#3
Larry_OHF Ironworks Moderator Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Midlands, South Carolina Age: 48 Posts: 14,759	If I am understanding you right...the fan on the processor is only in a position to keep the processor itself cool. Other units in your case will also need some fresh air, so that is where the external fans come from. Many of the good Video cards also have their own fans, bu again...just for that particular equipment. I have seven fans all together. 1. CPU 2. Video card 3-4. Intake fans 5-7. Output fans. __________________

05-30-2003, 12:44 PM	#4
andrewas Harper Join Date: October 2, 2001 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Age: 42 Posts: 4,774	You should use both, they are for different purposes. The case fan improves airflow through the case in general. It is possible to build a machine without one, but high-end processors put out enough heat that you really should have one. The one on the P4 is directly cooling that chip, and no CPU today can operate without one, the heat generated is high enough to melt parts of the motherboard if it isnt dissipated quickly enough. __________________ [img]\"http://www.sighost.us/members/Zvijer/andrewas.gif\" alt=\" - \" />

05-30-2003, 12:45 PM	#5
Elif Godson Dracolich Join Date: August 28, 2001 Location: Hurricane Valley Age: 51 Posts: 3,089	The more concentric air flow that you have the better. Your case should have an exhaust fan and your CPU should always have a fan on it. My PC has four fans in, one in the front, 2 at the back, and 1 on the cpu.Oh yea, and one on the ole video card. It is fun to do a smoke test on it just to watch how the smoke travels through the case, if it lingers you dont have enough flow, if it blows out quickly you are dead on. [img]smile.gif[/img] Hope this helps [ 05-30-2003, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: Elif Godson ] __________________ Children get Arthritis too! http://awtampa.kintera.org/jaaware

05-30-2003, 12:50 PM	#6
harleyquinn Symbol of Cyric Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: NY Age: 48 Posts: 1,190	Wow you guys were fast to jump onto answering my question!! LOL Thanks. I just wish I had the $ to start building one now, but my kitty and my car decided to get sick in the same week, so I'm poor ATM. Thanks again guys. It's so great to have a place I can ask all my stupid questions and not get harrased for it Cake for all who helped [img]graemlins/cake.gif[/img] __________________ [img]\"http://www.bethspage.us/sig.jpg\" alt=\" - \" />

05-30-2003, 01:57 PM	#7
realbinky Elminster Join Date: March 14, 2001 Location: Milford, MA 01757 Age: 52 Posts: 442	If you really want to save some $, consider an AMD. I recommend newegg.com for your purchasing needs. __________________ <br />Move all ZIG for great PROGRESS!<br />Project M.U.L.E.<br />At least my kids think I\'m smart...

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