Another Coolermaster U3 & Bottom Tray Mod

I recently bought a Coolermaster Notepal U3 and decided to mod it with 12V fans like many others before me. I also modded my bottom tray and ran some tests. Thought I'd share for anyone interested in doing something like this for their M15X.


Section 1: Notepal U3 Mod







Fans are EK Vardar F4-120 2200RPM (Dual Ball Bearing/ 77cfm / 3.16 mm H20 / 33.5 dba /2.16W). As you can see three of them in a row line up perfectly with the holes in the cooler's base. They get quite loud at full speed but push a lot of air. I tried some 1000rpm fans before I got these and they were dead silent but hardly pushed any air. If you want the fans to make a real difference you're gonna have to accept some noise. Some fans are quieter than others but once you start pushing 1800+ rpm, they all tend to get quite loud. Look for fans with high static pressure ratings and either ball or fluid dynamic bearings. Try to avoid sleeve bearing fans for horizontal mounts like this.

Fan Controller is a Zalman Fanmate 2. It's a decent fan controller rated at 6W so I'm a bit over its rating. The fans make a low humming sound when connected to the controller so I'm probably going to replace it. Power adapter is a 110-240V AC to 12VDC 1A (12W) adapter with 5.5mm plug.

Here's a crude diagram for anyone interested:


Section 2: Bottom Tray Mod

Using my rotary tool, I cut out three sections from the tray. I then needed some metal mesh material to cover the openings. I had a cheap 10 dollar cooler that I sacrificed for this. I cut out the metal mesh and used epoxy to hold it in place. Thanks to King of Interns who's tray mod inspired me to do this .







Section 3: Results



Ok, so was this worth it? Let's see.


CPU: Intel Corei7-920xm @ stock clocks and voltage (MX-4 Thermal Paste)

GPU: AMD Radeon 7970m @ stock clocks and voltage (850/1200) (MX-4 Thermal paste/ Arctic pads)

Power Supply: Dell PA7E Series 210W (Center pin intact)

Ambient Room Temperature: ~19.6 to 19.8C

Benchmarks Used: 3DMark06 Unlocked Full Version and OCCT 4.4.1

REMARKS: Tests were done without fan controller. 12V test was done with direct current from adapter. 9V tests were done with voltage dropping resistors on each fan (22Ω 1W).



3DMARK06 SETTINGS:

Tests Used: ALL CPU/GPU Tests Selected

Test Loop: Each test was run in a continuous loop of 5 runs per test

Screen Resolution for testing: 1280x1024

Monitoring Software: HWinfo64



OCCT SETTINGS:

Test Used: GPU DX11 Burn Mode

Duration: 10 minutes per test

Remarks: All default settings

Monitoring Software: HWinfo64



3DMARK TEST 1: COOLER FANS OFF / MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 74C
  
  
• CORE 1: 70C
  
  
• CORE 2: 74C
  
  
• CORE 3: 78C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 73C



3DMARK TEST 2: COOLER FANS @ 12V / MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 69C
  
  
• CORE 1: 66C
  
  
• CORE 2: 69C
  
  
• CORE 3: 74C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 67C



3DMARK TEST 3: COOLER FANS OFF / BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 74C
  
  
• CORE 1: 69C
  
  
• CORE 2: 73C
  
  
• CORE 3: 78C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 72C



3DMARK TEST 4: COOLER FANS @ 12V/ BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 64C
  
  
• CORE 1: 61C
  
  
• CORE 2: 66C
  
  
• CORE 3: 70C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 63C



3DMARK TEST 5: COOLER FANS @ 9V / MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 72C
  
  
• CORE 1: 69C
  
  
• CORE 2: 70C
  
  
• CORE 3: 75C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 69C



3DMARK TEST 6: COOLER FANS @ 9V / BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


CPU MAX TEMPS:

• CORE 0: 68C
  
  
• CORE 1: 62C
  
  
• CORE 2: 68C
  
  
• CORE 3: 70C

GPU MAX TEMPS: 64C



OCCT TEST 1: COOLER FANS OFF/ MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


GPU MAX TEMP: 76C


OCCT TEST 2: COOLER FANS @ 12V / MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


GPU MAX TEMP: 65C


OCCT TEST 3: COOLER FANS OFF / BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


GPU MAX TEMP: 75C


OCCT TEST 4: COOLER FANS @ 12V / BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


GPU MAX TEMP: 60C


OCCT TEST 5: COOLER FANS @ 9V / MODDED TRAY INSTALLED


GPU MAX TEMP: 68C


OCCT TEST 6: COOLER FANS @ 9V / BOTTOM TRAY REMOVED


GPU MAX TEMP: 63C


Well, as you can see results are pretty good, especially with the bottom tray removed. The surface of the U3 is quite restrictive. I think if bigger holes are cut out, air will flow much more freely, but I am not willing to do this (yet) because it will ruin the look of the cooler. From my results, even at lower rpms, you can see that these fans still push out plenty of air to make a difference. At 9V these fans could still be heard, but the sound level is quite acceptable. I think for people that game with headphones like I do, noise won't be much of an issue.

 

Absolutely love the mesh mod to the bottom cover. That looks so professional! I just have huge holes in my bottom cover. Also nice work on all the wiring. What adapters are you using from 3-pins to your 12V DC? I've looked around and never found the right ones.

 

Not sure exactly which adapters you mean. I had a bunch of old computer supplies laying around so I made the harnesses myself from old parts and wiring. My harness is essentially like the one below.

Here's a link for these harnesses.

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-cable-y-splitter-3-fan-dc-10cm

From the Y-splitter to the power adapter I'm using another 3 pin male plug that connects to a 5.5mm jack (see pic below). I also have an on/off switch wired to the positive 12V lead.







EDIT: I'll take some more pics tomorrow of the main harness as well as the harness for the voltage drop from 12V to 9V if you want.

 

Wow I wish I was handy enough to do this! Looks beautiful.

It does show though that taking the access panel off is the easiest and most effective way to cool things.

Iam working on a new mod shortly. If it works it will be the most effective air cooled solution to date

 

Hey KOI, I edited my original post to thank you because it was your tray mod that gave me the inspiration to do this to mine So thanks! Looking forward to your next project.

 

We'll see about that. I'm also working on a new mod that may be the most effective non-air/non-water cooled solution ever....

 

The mod is excellent !!!

 

Oooh competition! Me likey

Then again your solution uses something else whereas mine literally only is air cooling.

Ah modding is fun amazing and great how the M15x community is back to a buzzing state of life

Kosti you flatter me. Dont think I deserve it. I don't have a delicate touch, just try to make things functional...at any cost even if it makes some cringe

Sent from my SM-A500FU using Tapatalk

 

excellent mod, kosti. I love the way you cut the bottom cover and adding those mesh it looks so professional and cool

 

I actually bought a used bottom panel for 8usd. Looking to do the same mod.

Does anyone know where to buy plastic mesh, similar to the one that Kosti has?

 

My mesh material is metal. I used a cheap notebook cooler's mesh panel and cut it out to fit.

 

Wouldn't the metal have a risk of shorting a part inside the laptop?

 

Awesome mod. Been considering do this EXACTLY to a tee in my head for sometime... Great mines think alike.

 

I'm not worried about shorts. The metal mesh is held securely with strong epoxy. If it was to come loose its size and stiffness will not make it easy for it to somehow wedge itself on the pcb on a position to cause a short. There's also plenty of clearance between it and any exposed pcb, and the mesh is painted so there's a level of insulation there. The only parts that are not painted are the edges I cut, but the epoxy holds them in place.

If you mod the bottom tray, be careful. I ended up cutting one of the little brackets near the battery latch. Because of this, the panel is a little wobbly in that area. Not a big deal, but just keep that in mind if you do yours.

 

Good and bad news

Bad news is that the extra panel I ordered is damaged
Good news is that I will get a free replacement and the damaged one can be used for cutting experimentation



I think instead of cutting a big hole, numerous small hole is better. I've seen people doing this with the slim MSi laptop and it works pretty well.

 

Mine used to have a bunch of little holes drilled in it. Maybe around 7mm in diameter. Didn't really help much though.

 

Modding the door does precious little tbh.

The biggest difference is seen simply running with the door off. 2 screws and onto the cooler and you get the biggest difference in temp.

Then again kostis mod looks cool (pun intended). The small holes in the mesh however will stop about 40-50% of the airflow realistically speaking even with fairly high pressure fans.

Sent from my SM-A500FU using Tapatalk

 

Replaced my Zalman Fanmate with this awesome little Gelid controller. Outputs full 12V to the fans. Works great.

http://gelidsolutions.com/products/index.php?lid=1&cid=13&id=37

 

This is my modified U3. Same fans that you use. Using my wife's used nylon stockings as homemade fan filter. The main mission of my mod is to reduce dust inside my laptop.

 

Nice, I see you're using the same Vardars too. Looks like stockings have more uses than the obvious I use them for an old chainsaw's air filter. What did you use to cut the holes in the panel? I assume air flow will be much better this way.

 

Similar like this image. You can use different tools for this multi machine. And used nylon stockings is free for me And work exelent.

 

That's what I used for the bottom tray. Haven't built up enough courage to mod the cooler's panel yet but probably will one day. I wonder if a hole saw big enough will be easier. Something like this but made for aluminum:

 

You should be careful with this. Remember that your hole saw can rip apart the entire hole (Maybe easier with my tools, I think - many sharp edges due to many small holes) But just try it.

 

Have a look at this. Came out really nice.

http://portables4gamers.com/forum/topic/7167-mod-refroidissement-m15x/

 

That came out very nice indeed but it wouldn't improve airflow all that much, or not as much as you'd think. As KOI said, the most effective mod is to remove the bottom panel all together.

Sent from my m8 using Tapatalk

 

Darn I can't see the pics from work! I need to get my mod finished!

Time o time where can I find the time

 

ironically i'm waiting on my bottom plate to come in only using it as a frame i found a couple 70 cfm cooler master sickle fans. i'm planning to build a custom base for my machine but not sure how long it will take

 

You're restricting air intake while the exhaust is unobstructed. You're still getting decreased airflow from the cooler fans.

Those sickleflows have false specs, do NOT believe the 70cfm stated.

 

I've used the same mod for a long time on both my U3. The main purpose is zero dust and slightly better temp for my laptops. Function exactly as intended. Opens my laptops after 4-5 months for cleaning. Nothing of dust to be found. Purpose achieved .

 

Opened mine up the other day. Filters are indeed a good idea. Mine was full of dust inside. Gonna get some filters soon.

Not sure about the rated specs, but those use sleeve bearings which may lead to problems in the future based on their horizontal mounting on the U3.

 

Mine is free. I am married and have access to used nylon stocking, LOL

 

Awesome job on this @kosti. The cooler mod and the bottom cover mod are excellent.

I agree with @Papusan on using the filters. They do an excellent job of keeping dust and lint out of the laptop. I used to clean out the inside of my laptops about once a month, but since I started using my U3 mods with filters it takes around 90 days to collect the same amount of crud. I now have three U3 mods with 120mm fans on AC-powered controllers.

My wife does not wear panty hose much, so I use the snap-on type with the washable element. For the first two mods I used the Rosewill filters, but I cannot find them any more. For the third mod I used those in the link below. They look very similar, but they are a bit flimsy compared to the Rosewill filters. They still work OK, and they are very inexpensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Filter-...1459788605&sr=8-10&keywords=120mm+fan+filters

 

Thanks Mr. Fox and Mr. Papusan. I was shocked with how much dust accumulated in such a short amount of time. I suspect most of it has to do with the modified bottom tray. I gotta get some filters now for the fans....either that or a wife that wears panty hose

 

I think you need a waifu for that

 

Yeah, lol, that too Fan filters are easier to find though

 

And, less expensive.

 

what would you suggest then fan wise?

I have access to a couple old fans from a cnc machine and they blow hardcore. but i'm also considering using these

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...706022&cm_re=delta_fan-_-35-706-022-_-Product

at with that much oomph they will cool almost anything i throw at em at least thats my thinking. loud but i have headphones and a sub

 

Fans with the highest possible static pressure + high air flow is best to use. The highest possible airflow gives the best result. Everything depends on whether the sound level is acceptable for you .

 

Deltas are great fans! That's why most OEMs use them for desktops and servers. I originally wanted to get a set of Delta AFB series fans but the shipping would have been too much where I live. Look at the AFB series.

http://www.delta.com.tw/product/cp/dcfans/download/pdf/AFB/AFB120x120x25.4mm.pdf

 

Thanks for the heads up ill look into that soon. Im thinking yhe fams alone are gonna cost a fortune but i feel one of these would orobably be great

 

I was bored and was feeling brave so I cut out the panel Haven't run extensive tests yet but this makes a huge difference. Pain in the butt to do though.

Also, I noticed air flows better when the cooler is lifted a bit more in the back. This allows more clearance between the fans and your desk.

 

That's awesome. I cannot tell from the first photo because it is so black, but do you have some kind of square plates on top? If so, can you give a link to them?

 

Funny I was just watching a video you made on YT comparing Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut and some other pastes. Good stuff, I really enjoyed it and I'm planning on finally trying one of these liquid metal pastes.

Anyway, back on topic: I got some aluminum mesh fan filters but found them to be way too obstructive in terms of air flow. I ended up removing the aluminum mesh screen and using the metal brackets to cover the imperfections in the cutout I made of the panel. I'm going to be ordering some sponge filters or is there something else you recommend which filters out dust but doesn't block too much air.

Edit: I got filters like these:

 

I'm using conductonaut on my CPU, it only reachs sub 70 on fulload with the environmental temp of >30 degree but I don't know why my CPU gets too hot on idle (about over 60 degree and even 70 degree) with default fan profile

 

Did some tests with the further modded U3. I first did some tests with the 920xm at stock clocks but the difference with the cooler working was only about 5C per core so it's not that significant. Overclocked though is another story:

Ambient temp: 22C

CPU: 920XM overclocked to 3.2GHz with Throttlestop (24T on all cores)
Test Used: Prime95 for 10 Minutes
Monitored with: HWInfo64
Thermal Paste: Gelid GC Extreme


Test 1:
- Modded Bottom Tray Installed
- Cooler Fans OFF

FAIL- System shuts off after less than a minute (max temp observed 98C on Core 2)


Test 2:
- Modded Bottom Tray Installed
- Cooler Fans at FULL blast

Temps after 10 Minutes:
Core 1: 89C
Core 2: 91C
Core 3: 90C
Core 4: 90C


Test 3:
- Bottom Tray Removed
- Cooler Fans at FULL blast

Temps after 10 Minutes:
Core 1: 81C
Core 2: 84C
Core 3: 82C
Core 4: 83C

Without the cooler, the system reached tjunction max after less than a minute, and with the cooler the max temps were high but steady with the modded bottom tray and very acceptable with the bottom tray removed.

 

Just wanted to post my temps using Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut liquid metal paste on the CPU:

Ambient temp: 21C

CPU: 920XM overclocked to 3.2GHz with Throttlestop (24T on all cores)
Test Used: Prime95 for 10 Minutes

Test 1:
- Modded Bottom Tray Installed
- Cooler Fans OFF

Temps after 10 Minutes:
Core 1: 91C
Core 2: 93C
Core 3: 90C
Core 4: 94C

*Same setup and testing method before Conductonaut resulted in system shutdown in just under a minute

Test 2:
- Modded Bottom Tray Installed
- Cooler Fans at FULL blast

Temps after 10 Minutes:
Core 1: 81C
Core 2: 83C
Core 3: 82C
Core 4: 85C

Test 3:
- Bottom Tray Removed
- Cooler Fans at FULL blast

Temps after 10 Minutes:
Core 1: 75C
Core 2: 76C
Core 3: 73C
Core 4: 78C

BIG difference using Conductonaut as you can see

 

Holy Thermal Paste Batman. That's a huge difference. I may have to try that on my 880M. Thing still runs crazy hot. Thanks for doing this test and posting your results @kosti

 

I am debating about applying this stuff on the GPU. As it is now I am happy with Gelid GC Extreme on my GPU. Temps don't get past the mid to high 70s after hours of gaming and always idles around 29C. That's with an overclocked and overvolted m6000. The 920xm overclocked really benefits from liquid metal paste though.

 

Temps started going crazy lately on the CPU side. With 10-20% CPU usage, my 920xm was reaching the mid to high 70s on stock clocks. Decided to open her up and check the paste. It had hardened almost entirely. There were a couple of tiny wet globs here and there on the die and heatsink, but the rest was completely hardened. When this stuff hardens, it doesn't want to come off too. I tried Naptha, Alcohol and even Acetone and it would not come off the heatsink. Long story short, I had to wet-sand my heatsink with 800 grit sandpaper to remove the paste and the stain it leaves on the copper.

Back on Gelid for now. I heard this stuff hardens after a while but I first installed it in May, and was traveling during the summer for 5 weeks so in reality it was only used for around 2 months.

 

Sounds like a lot of hassle. Sorry you are having trouble...

Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +