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    Cool-running processor

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by logume1881, Sep 2, 2006.

  1. logume1881

    logume1881 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm planning to build a small pc, roughly the size of a VCR, and I was wondering about the coolest running processor anyone knows of. Because it's a small case, heat can build up pretty quick, and I don't want my fans on high 24/7. All suggestions are welcome. I was looking at a Pentium M and a Micro-ATX mobo, but my mind can easily be changed.
     
    logume1881, Sep 2, 2006
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  2. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah, go with a mobile processor and you should be good. Maybe try aftermarket cooling (I recommend Zalman, though they are pricy). Arctic Silver 5 is your friend as well!
     
    ttupa, Sep 2, 2006
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  3. logume1881

    logume1881 Notebook Consultant

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    How are the mobile athlon 64's?
     
    logume1881, Sep 2, 2006
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  4. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    Turion would be better, if you can find one. I believe the mobile A64's are just lower voltage...not sure though. They would probably work ok, and I know they aren't too pricy (thanks AMD).
     
    ttupa, Sep 2, 2006
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  5. root

    root Notebook Consultant

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    What do you want to do with this box?
     
    root, Sep 2, 2006
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  6. logume1881

    logume1881 Notebook Consultant

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    Well it's for a friend, however he needs to run office, internet, and light gaming, such as Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 would probably be the newest. I was looking at a 6600-ish card
     
    logume1881, Sep 2, 2006
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  7. MGS2392

    MGS2392 NAND Cat!

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    Go for the AMD Turion MT series. 25W TDP vs. P-M's 27W. $210 at most. And undervolt too. Use some AS5 and you'll have one cool running machine.
     
    MGS2392, Sep 2, 2006
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  8. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Might also look into the Via epia class processors. They're often used in the manner you're describing. They aren't blisteringly fast, but can usually run fanless, and if you use a decent video card and/or a video capture card with onboard encoding, you can get something pretty nice as a home theater pc (if that's what you're looking for)
     
    Pitabred, Sep 2, 2006
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  9. rockharder

    rockharder Notebook Evangelist

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    You don't have to go with Mobile CPU. The AMD 3500+(939) is cool enough. With fan spinning in 1700 rpm, my CPU never goes above 40C.
     
    rockharder, Sep 3, 2006
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  10. root

    root Notebook Consultant

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    I'd say get a 3200+ Venice The PBOX chips are not bad, but if you can get an XBOX.

    On my box, running a 600mhz over clock I usually never see a temp over 32, under full load.
     
    root, Sep 3, 2006
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  11. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    I'd say definately go for mobile. Basically the same power with less heat. The problem isn't the fan, it's the case constraints, so the cooler, the better. It's a small space that needs to stay cool. Even HP, with their slimline PCs, has gone to mobile CPUs for that same reason. They are double-dipping, using both Turion and P-M.
     
    ttupa, Sep 3, 2006
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