NZXT Case and NV120

[ATC-Geek]

Hello, I recently purchased an NV120 for my new computer build.

Specs:

Motherboard : Gigabyte X48-DS4 http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/ViewImage.aspx?ProductID=2810

CPU: Intel E8400

Case: NZXT Tempest http://www.nzxt.com/products/tempest/7

http://www.nzxt.com/products/tempest/3



Here is my problem. Due to the layout of the case with the 2 140mm exhaust fans on top, I had to mount the NV120 so that the flow of the fan pushes the air toward the exhaust fans. When mounted this way,

The fan blades on the cooler do not have clearance with the copper heat sink on the motherboard (the part that says Ultra Durable 2...see the link at the top). I can not screw the cooler all the way down to the stops in this direction, as I can when mounted opposite. The top screws (the ones on the top most side of the board) are fastened all the way to the stops, and the bottom screws (the ones next to the big motherboard heatsink) are mounted approximately 3/4 of the way, maybe a tad more. When mounted opposite though, the cooler's fan is trying to pull air from the top, just as the exhaust fans are pulling air opposite to it. Airflow is then disturbed. Now, I have left it in this "fan facing down" position with the bottom screws partially fastened (again about 3/4 or more of the way). My question is, which way is the better choice in mounting the cooler? I intend to overclock so I want the coolest temps I can get, but I would prefer not to disturb the airflow of the case. As it stands right now my idle and load temps are as follows with readings taken from Real temp 2.6

* AS5 is the thermal compound I used*

Ambient room temp approximately 22-23 C low to mid 70s F

idle 36-37c

load max temp (taken with orthos cpu stress program) 47c



Ambient room temp approximately 27 C around 80 F (my office gets warm in the late afternoon)



Idle 39-40c

Load max temp seen was 53c with average max temp at 49-50c



So as it stands right now, would this be considered a safe load temp, one in which I have adequate room to overclock? Is the cooler safely mounted as is?

I have not taken any readings with the cooler mounted the other way yet (cooler fan and case fans working against each other )



Thank you,


Chris

 

[modtech]

Could you add the CPU temp to those readings (not core temp). CPU temp is a sensor in the motherboard and always shows less but on a good motherboard like that it can be compared with the core temp readings to see if they're realistic.

 

[georgy]

I have the same cpu and mobo overclocked at 3.6 ghz and i have the same temps as you so i think you are good.

 

[ATC-Geek]

Modtech, the cpu temps are about 10c cooler on average than those measured at the core (real temp) so about 26c at idle to 42c at load.

chris

 

[modtech]

I checked, those temps should be alright. Before you start overclocking, disable Intel EIST (speedstep) and post a screenshot of the latest CPUZ running on your rig.

 

[ATC-Geek]

Ahem...I've never posted a screenshot to a forum....ever. how is it done?

thanks

 

[ATC-Geek]

have the file saved as a .jpg, but I failed to "trim it". What website? ***I feel like my parents used to, when they attempted to set the clock on their VCR in 1982..... lol

 

[ATC-Geek]

Here is the CPUZ data that you asked for Mod. I bought a thermometer for my office today...it has a remote sensor for a second thermometer...My office right now is no cooler than 75f or about 24c. It was as high as 78f or 25.5c earlier...that can explain some higher readings too, oh well.

 

[modtech]

That's not the main cpuz screen. It lacks the vcore reading.

 

[ATC-Geek]

I repositioned the cooler a few minutes ago so now it is securely fastened all of the way this time. Temps seem to be about the same, but the temp in the office is 76f, 24.5c core temp is about 37/38c. I'll post the correct one later...have to leave.

thanks for the help