Power draws and Passive CPU Coolers

[randy_w]

Is there a formula for Passive/Fanless cpu coolers? Aside from the obvious (quiet, less wattage draw), what other benny is there? I will use integrated graphics (i5-3470T, 35 watt), external (190w) PSU, 2 case fans and an ASUS G20 H97 board. Surfboard only. No office, photo or gaming. Any Feedback will be taken with libation & an SET amp w/ VOT horns! Happy Holidaze!

 

[smorizio]

cpu thermal ratings is listed as wattages (ie 65w/88w/100w) You want a cooler the same watage or greater the the cpu. also most air cooler without fans my be big to get the same cooling as tower or upright cooler with a fan. myself i find a good htpc cooler that has a fan that you can turn off or spins at real low rpm. a 120mm fan at 100 rpm is dead silent.

 

[James Mason]

if you have 2 case fans, there's no reason not to get a CPU cooler with a fan.
Good ones can be quiet too.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xxphP6/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

 

[randy_w]

cpu thermal ratings is listed as wattages (ie 65w/88w/100w) You want a cooler the same watage or greater the the cpu. also most air cooler without fans my be big to get the same cooling as tower or upright cooler with a fan. myself i find a good htpc cooler that has a fan that you can turn off or spins at real low rpm. a 120mm fan at 100 rpm is dead silent.

 

[randy_w]

Thank You for the timely responses. I am confident there's a formula for PSU wattage requirements (something like total wattage draw of all components, then double that for PSU wattage), but I am unaware of a formula for passive heat sink coolers. The aforementioned i5-3470t is a lower power processor @ 35 watt. I have a Silverstone ML-05 mini ITx case packed (incl a 35 watt cpu) and a 60mm cpu fan ...cool as a (Drew) breeze. Anyway, passive was just a thought. You all are right. Passive heat sinks are no less costly than electric rotating fans/sinks. I have learned also, that a process called "skiving" on heat sinks yields more and more even heat dissipation. Thanks again. Learning is still fun! 3 score + 5.