Dell Inspiron 580 Case

[icabass3]

First, Can anyone tell me the Size of the actual Case (Not the Processors) Fan??
Second, Im really debating upgrading to a new case. I do moderate gaming My system specs are ::

Intel Core i5 Running 3.20Ghz hyperthreaded to 3.33Ghz
Ram: 8 GB of DDR 3
ATI Radeon Sapphire HD 6950 Running at 800Mhz, with 2 GB of DDR 5 Ram
Motherboard: ...Stock to the Inspiron that came From Dell (any ideas to what this might be?)

Any way, My GPU temps regularly pushes up into the 68 degree C (When Gaming). Range with its fan running at 80%.
My Processor regularly Pushes into the 70 Degree C. (With full gaming load) Range, with its fan running at 95%

My Next question is, Would it be worth Upgrading to a new case?? Im afraid IF I got a new case, that the Motherboard, might not fit, or have to be off-set.

 

[l0v3rboi]

I'm assuming you first bought this as a pre-built system then upgraded it. The thing with pre-built systems is that the MoBo, though the size maybe labeled as ATX they may have engineered it to fit that specific case. In other words, the standoffs of other more current cases may not align with your MoBo's stand off holes. You may need to off-set.

Sorry, no idea what the MoBo is.

That being said, your Temps are within the safe range so there is no absolute need to get a new case.

 

[icabass3]

Ok, That's why I was affraid to upgrade to a diff. Case, And yes, It was a pre-built (but Standard) stystem, that I upgraded at a later time.

You wouldn't happen to know what size the Back Case fan would be do you??

 

[Kisianik]

First, Can anyone tell me the Size of the actual Case (Not the Processors) Fan??
Second, Im really debating upgrading to a new case. I do moderate gaming My system specs are ::

Intel Core i5 Running 3.20Ghz hyperthreaded to 3.33Ghz
Ram: 8 GB of DDR 3
ATI Radeon Sapphire HD 6950 Running at 800Mhz, with 2 GB of DDR 5 Ram
Motherboard: ...Stock to the Inspiron that came From Dell (any ideas to what this might be?)

Any way, My GPU temps regularly pushes up into the 68 degree C (When Gaming). Range with its fan running at 80%.
My Processor regularly Pushes into the 70 Degree C. (With full gaming load) Range, with its fan running at 95%

My Next question is, Would it be worth Upgrading to a new case?? Im afraid IF I got a new case, that the Motherboard, might not fit, or have to be off-set.

Fan size - only 92mm. You can upgrade CPU cooler, change exhaust fan. In the original case you can make things cooler, but for the price of noise. You can not manage fan speeds by software, only by hardware.
Let me show your options for fan control
1. Fan panel controllers. The best choice, but requires a lot of work and it will occupy second DVD slot.

OR

2. Another way is to use fans with fan controller attached to them, which is a good idea if you can place those controllers outside the case, usually they have very short cables. This is cheap way, but there are not so many choices, here is Antec Tri Cool 92 mm http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835209003

3. This is simple, cheap way, but can be noisy - you basically place fan to run at maximum speed at all times, you can do this by bypassing MOBO speed control (PWM) by using one of two choices: 3/4 pin fans where 3 pin goes to motherboard and 4 pin Molex to the power supply, so fan receives full power and runs at 100%, and the second choice is only for CPU fan which attaches to the motherboard using 4 pin (looks like 3 pin) connector, in this case you are using 3 pin fan - missing wire is speed control - you fan is running at 100%.

This is the best upgrade to fit inside original case DeepCool IceEdge 400XT http://www.amazon.com/Logysis-Computer-Bearing-Cooler-MC4004IEXT/dp/B0040V5438/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1358019015&sr=8-6&keywords=deepcool

If you want to go IceEdge way, I will provide more explanations.

Or you can change case. Inspiron 580 has standard ATX size motherboard, will fit any ATX case. Exchange will require a little headache with power button connection and there is possibility that you would have to press F1 on each boot to proceed.

Did I missed anything?

In case of you choosing option 3, the noisy way, I can provide you with fan options, they will blow all heat from inside. I used similar setup for Inspiron 570 with Phenom II X4 965 BE, which generally running hot.

 

[icabass3]

Yeah, Something like the Ice Edge, would certianly intrest me ALOT!

I also had a thought, What if I bought an 92mm to 120mm Fan adapter, to use on the back Case Fan, then I could place an Liquid Cooler Radiator and be fully Water Cooled.
The only down side I see, is I would loose my only Case Fan on the back. Thoughts??

But yes, something like the IceEdge deffiently intrests me.

 

[Kisianik]

Yeah, Something like the Ice Edge, would certianly intrest me ALOT!

I also had a thought, What if I bought an 92mm to 120mm Fan adapter, to use on the back Case Fan, then I could place an Liquid Cooler Radiator and be fully Water Cooled.
The only down side I see, is I would loose my only Case Fan on the back. Thoughts??

But yes, something like the IceEdge deffiently intrests me.

Only 92mm fan can physically fit in exhaust location, check the space yourself with ruler.
Only 92mm tower cooler can fit, 120mm is too tall!

I know that someone made water cooler on Inspiron 570, but never returned with a picture, so here you are on your own.
Or you can choose easy IceEdge way, it will involve noise unfortunately because there is no fan controls.

 

[icabass3]

I agree, I think going for the IceEdge is a better idea, can you tell me more about it, (other than the spec's I can see).
The Only thing im worried about is messing around with the processor. Would I have to remove it to install this?? I ask, because I destroyed a previous computer's processer, in a similar fashion!

 

[Kisianik]

^Bump

Bumping like this may lead to kick out of here, better post some question in the future.

Read this http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19490818.aspx and go there to cooling, you will find IceEdge there with instructions. Our motherboard mounting is the same, so look there first, I will be back tomorrow about the same time, I hope you will read this guide and post questions about it, I mean about connecting IceEdge!

 

[icabass3]

I apologize for the "Bump" On the Previous message, I saw it used on a different Tom's HardWare Post, and thought it was widely used. (It Won't Happen again)

WOW Thanks, that helped a TON!!

My only questions are:
If I put another fan, for a Push-Pull Configuration, will my stock back-plate need to be Replaced??
{For my next question I will assume it will}
-Are there any tips/Tricks, for gently removing the back-plate from the Sticky-Glue paper?? (Other than the slips of plastic I have seen used)
-Also, To remove my Mobo; Would You recommend me Taking the system tray out, then separately un-screwing the mobo?? Or just unscrew the mobo from the Tray, Inside the case first??

-Also, Are there any tips/tricks (other than the one's on the website) just in-general for the IceEdge?
-Lastly, I have a Computer tool set, and am willing to pay extra for specialized tools, if any, what special tools would you recommend??

 

[Kisianik]

I apologize for the "Bump" On the Previous message, I saw it used on a different Tom's HardWare Post, and thought it was widely used. (It Won't Happen again)

WOW Thanks, that helped a TON!!

My only questions are:
1. If I put another fan, for a Push-Pull Configuration, will my stock back-plate need to be Replaced??
{For my next question I will assume it will}
2 -Are there any tips/Tricks, for gently removing the back-plate from the Sticky-Glue paper?? (Other than the slips of plastic I have seen used)
3 -Also, To remove my Mobo; Would You recommend me Taking the system tray out, then separately un-screwing the mobo?? Or just unscrew the mobo from the Tray, Inside the case first??

4 -Also, Are there any tips/tricks (other than the one's on the website) just in-general for the IceEdge?
5 -Lastly, I have a Computer tool set, and am willing to pay extra for specialized tools, if any, what special tools would you recommend??

In the future please number your questions like I just did, so we don't have to quote your post to save space and making it simple.

Answers.

1 and 2. I hope you did not remove Dell back plate yet - read instructions carefully. You don't have to remove backplate - IceEdge can be mounted directly on motherboard, screw sizes of Iceedge are about the same as Dell proprietary cooler, I had 2 conformations about perfect fit. IceEdge is not that heavy so no worries here, easy job.
3 I don't think you can remove system tray, it is part of the case, or basically it is razed peace of metal, which is welded to the case, and since IceEdge mounting directly into existing holes, you don't have to remove motherboard as well, it is almost plug and play type of installation, very easy compare to the other method. You would have to remove everything else around, like power cables , video card, and RAM to have more room.
4. Have you get IceEdge instructions as I directed? Just assume that you are using IceEdge back plate, instructions are not so bad, remember that your socket size in this case is most likely LGA775, mine is, even though I have AMD processor. Have you look at Arctic Paste instructions, I posted the link there as well, I think.
5 Regarding tools. I can not push you to buy stuff here, but just recommend to get a few things.
Or I would just show what I have, I do PC fixing for fun for all my friends, so I use those tools a lot, you decide what you want, by the way first electrical tools are good for home improvement as well!

Electric, rechargeable screwdrivers

PivotPlus™ 6V Rechargeable Drill / Driver

http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/PD600.aspx This is heavy duty one, good for rusty screws, it has small light at the end, not so necessary for PC, but good for hard tightening.

Next is more recommended, light duty and more versatile screwdriver, just to let you know, I have large hands and it is easy to use this tool for me. Also, the way you will hold it it most likely would be convenient for you as well
3 Position Rechargeable Screwdriver

http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/Li2000.aspx I use it a lot, flimsy made, but for the price and PC use only, it is good (the really good ones cost 5 times more).

If you decided to get electric screwdriver, next accessory is the MUST
Titanium Magnetic Drive Guide Set

http://www.blackanddecker.com/accessories/B4600M.aspx Regular metal goes bad more or less fast, you can get cheaper ones, it would be enough for your job only, magnetic is the MUST, I have one non magnetic and it is pain (but it is more heavy duty).

Imaging - you drop a screw inside the case and can not reach it, what a bummer, well if you have this tool, it is easy to get
TEKTON 7601 Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool

http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-7601-Telescoping-Magnetic-Pick-Up/dp/B000NPPC00/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1368675436&sr=8-6&keywords=magnetic+pen
Self explanatory, very useful in every day life as well.

And a few more things, which are good to have.
Straight Extra Fine Point Tweezers Jewelers Tool
http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Extra-Point-Tweezers-Jewelers/dp/B005EE4XXC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1368675403&sr=8-5&keywords=tweezer

And
SE Forceps, Straight 5in - I don't think you need those, but I use them at times http://www.amazon.com/SE-Forceps-Straight-5in-each/dp/B000NJJJSW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1368675311&sr=8-7&keywords=forceps

All those tools you can purchase else where cheaper, this is provided as for the direction purposes only!

Anything else?

 

[icabass3]

Wow, Thanks!!
I Did read All the instructions before I posted the questions, I just wasn't completely positive about the screw size, fitting into the Dell back plate (Figured I'd ask the expert before I make any hasty assumptions)

Thanks for all of your help and advice though!! Its been a really big help to me in understanding what I should do, before ordering any parts!!

Anyway, Thank's So Much!! If you'd like, I can post some before and after pictures, to help your Dell Postings or just if your interested.
(BTW Thanks for showing me the cool tools!!)

 

[Kisianik]

It is always good to post pictures of your success, so others can learn.

Also report back with temperature results, don't forget to use Arctic Silver thermal paste.