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    [Got Picture, Got Talk] XPS M1330 DIY Cooling Device

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by bumper_boy2000, Jun 1, 2009.

  1. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    Hi guys, I noticed that one of the best cooling pads here, the ACRyan cooling pad, ain't doing must good for this heat monster, so, I decided to DIY my own cooling device. Note that when I'm at home, I'm outputting my laptop to dual monitors, 20" and 27" Dell monitors, and connecting separate keyboard and mouse to it, speakers as well. AKA a desktop.

    Materials:
    1. 2 packets ice cream sticks
    2. Good pair of scissors
    3. White glue (hardens to clear)
    4. 6V, 500mA USB Fan

    Disclaimer: I'm not planning to type on the laptop while using this device. Due to the hot nature of this laptop, it's meant for cooling it while playing back 1080p movies, and games, while outputting to the monitors. :)

    Part 1:
    I was eyeing this fan at my workplace, a retail store in Singapore... Wind output is amazing. Picture taken for size comparison to desktop.
    [​IMG]

    Part 2:
    "engine" of the fan when taken apart
    [​IMG]

    Part 3:
    Creating the base... I used stacks of squared ice cream stick cutouts for added stability.
    [​IMG]

    Part 4:
    Checking the height clearance halfway through...
    [​IMG]

    Part 5:
    Front view of Part 4...
    [​IMG]

    Part 6:
    Almost done with height clearance...
    [​IMG]

    Part 7:
    Placing "weights" to press down the glue to dry...
    [​IMG]

    Part 8:
    Angled view of Part 7....
    [​IMG]

    Part 9:
    Ready to use!
    [​IMG]

    Part 10:
    Side view of device with laptop...
    [​IMG]

    Part 11:
    Complete setup!!!
    XPS M1330 T9300 4GB 128MB 8400M 320GB 5400RPM WLED Product Red, Intel 5300, 1GB Turbocache... Output to Dell 20" and Dell 27" monitors, using external keyboard and mouse. I'm using my laptop as a desktop at home...
    [​IMG]

    Part 12:
    Comprehensive Results!!!

    STRESSED by ORTHOS at 100% load...
    [​IMG]

    IDLE temps...
    [​IMG]
     
  2. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    gonna resize in a min...
     
  3. Tempted

    Tempted Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is this a joke?
     
  4. kkl1014

    kkl1014 Notebook Consultant

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    Well, it works, right?
     
  5. yomamasfavourite

    yomamasfavourite Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok, I like the idea. I've even made my own custom cooler for my 1530.
    The thing I don't get though is why keep the whole fan body?

    Why not just use the motor and fan?

    It would make the whole assembly much smaller.
     
  6. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    i was thinking of that too... maybe a second prototype in future. :D and a better-designed holder for the motor body. i'll probably have to add bluetac or some kinda weight to stop the fan from shuddering. coz this fan can be powered by 4 x AA batteries by default too. i'm wondering if i should sacrifice this 2nd option. in case i might need to bring the fan out or use it properly for another purpose? =/

    any suggestions to add reinforcement to the CURRENT design?
     
  7. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    actually, the reason why it's high is because of the height and span of blades of the fan. let's say if i were to disassemble the Head of the fan, i would still need the same size of ice-cream stick built body. however, if i were to take out the engine, the amount of height i'll be saving would be 4-5cm? my built would be that much shorter, but area-wise, would still be the same due to the size of my lappie.

    suggestions for the idea of a 2nd prototype which would be...
    1) fan ENGINE only, sacrificing 4 x AA battery-powered option
    2) shorter due to 4-5cm height saved
    3) would be needing a very good design to make sure the engine-blade combo is very stable
     
  8. Ferretwulf

    Ferretwulf Notebook Consultant

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    A for creativity
    A for bang-for-the-buck
    A for making my morning with a popsickle stick cooling pad
    C for fire hazard :O
    D for "fan of death" when it collapses ;)
    A for the posts that are going to follow in this thread

    Erector set fan cooler anyone? ;)
     
  9. kkl1014

    kkl1014 Notebook Consultant

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    I have the same USB hub. XD
     
  10. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    the fan's made of sponge and stops kinda easily to obstructions. heh. maybe a burnt-out engine... which hopefully doesn't catch fire. :eek:
     
  11. bamaster

    bamaster Notebook Consultant

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    Pffft! Rookie. I would have used Q-tips and Big League Chew.
     
  12. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    waiting for ur version. :D
     
  13. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    [​IMG]

    my next attempt should be similar to this if it's not ice cream stick-based. :D
     
  14. Ferretwulf

    Ferretwulf Notebook Consultant

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    I'm tellin' ya': Erector Set. Its all about the erector set. ;)

    I'd put wider feet on the bent metal thing above.
     
  15. Sephye

    Sephye Notebook Guru

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    I removed the heatsink cover since I'm not moving my 1330 around much. Took 10C off the temps.
     
  16. Rnewman612

    Rnewman612 Notebook Consultant

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    genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  17. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    hey could you explain which part's the heatsink cover? :D
     
  18. kkl1014

    kkl1014 Notebook Consultant

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    Probably the panel on the bottom of the laptop that goes over the heatsink assembly. On the m1330, it's the largest removable panel.
     
  19. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    oh ok ok. i understood what you meant. for a moment i tot u meant heatsink-only. haha. good idea but i'm afraid it'll collect dust because the fan's blowing upwards. what's your take on this? :D
     
  20. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    you must have powerful arms to be able to hold this at such a height without falling prey to Repetitive Strain Injuries! Good luck!
     
  21. dietcokefiend

    dietcokefiend DietGreenTeaFiend

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    This is probably one of the most awesome creations I have ever seen. Bravo sir, bravo!
     
  22. Sephye

    Sephye Notebook Guru

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    You're right, there will definitely be an increase in the amount of dust. Just have to clean it up more often than normal i guess.
     
  23. bumper_boy2000

    bumper_boy2000 Notebook Guru

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    dang i'd prefer not to... a good cooling system would strike a balance between cleaning up and cooling capabilities. cleaning up shouldn't be a consequence for any cooling system, in fact. except for desktops. =/