Computer Questions Not Worth Their Own Thread

[lndm]

That is correct. Also the things you want to use as handles are either plastic or large metal pieces like heatsinks. Hold boards by the edges as there is usually an earth (ground) track around there, and cards by the metal tab. This way you avoid contact with any part that leads to earth through componentry which avoids damage. It also saves you from harm. Provided, however, you don't poke inside the power supply case there is actually no danger to you within the computer (FWIW), but it is wrong to think that way.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I'd probably be too scared to poke into the PSU. LOL. My case is made out of metal and plastic. I don't know what a heatsink looks like, is there usually a label?

Also, when I'm playing games, I often open a window (as in the glass thing, not a folder!) for better ventilation. Is that a good idea?

 

[Cutlass]

The power supply is usually sealed with special screws that most people don't have the tools to turn. So don't even bother with it. The CPU is typically an inch or 2 below the power supply. It's been a long time since a heat sink alone is enough cooling for the CPU (except for some special equipment) so the small fan that is pointed towards your motherboard below the power supply is on top of the heat sink which is on top of the CPU. Most newer computers then have a case fan to the back of the case from the CPU. Many others also have an intake fan in the front of that case. And at the extreme there can be a fan on the cover and the top of the case.

Don't open the case while in use. The cooling is engineered to run best when the case is closed.

 

[lndm]

I'd probably be too scared to poke into the PSU. LOL.

...and so we all should .

I don't know what a heatsink looks like,

The finned metal cooling device on your processor.

Also, when I'm playing games, I often open a window (as in the glass thing, not a folder!) for better ventilation. Is that a good idea?

Dust=bad, cooling=good, your health=much better

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Well, there's probably more dust in my room then outside.

I'll probably be able to identify the sinkheat. What kind of screws does the PSU use? I know some HDDs use Torx screws. Source. Just curious. I suppose they use weird screws to discourage people from opening them up "just to see what was inside."

 

[lndm]

It's been a long time since a heat sink alone is enough cooling for the CPU (except for some special equipment)

DIY fanless Athlon 64 3500+

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Cool. (10 Chairs)

 

[Cutlass]

DIY fanless Athlon 64 3500+

I knew there were a few specialized heat sinks out there that didn't need fans. Didn't think they were very common though.


Aimee, a Torx screw with a nob sticking up from the center of it so that an ordinary Torx driver will not fit in it. And it's not to discourage "just to see what's there", it's to try to avoid people electrocuting themselves on powerful capacitors.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

yes, that's what I mean... people would go "I just want to see what's in there" and if they can open it up they'll electrocute themselves. But they go "what the hell is this screw?" and then they find out the driver costs $20... "eh, never mind."

 

[Genocidicbunny]

You can even run quad-cores with fanless heatsinks ( I think the TRUE can do it, not 100% certain though. Plus its an expensive and heavy sucker. )

 

[Cutlass]

That's the thing. Heat sinks can get very expensive, and you can spend a lot on a fanless model You can even spend a lot on one with a fan.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Fans are cheap, anyways. Even my mom admits that and she's shocked by the price of some lower-end computer components. And plus you can get ones that look cool.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Well, the TRUE is meant to be run with a fan, and there is an aluminum version. But good heatsinks do cost a bit, and they are very essential if you do any overclocking ( something I didnt foresee)

Fans are cheap, anyways. Even my mom admits that and she's shocked by the price of some lower-end computer components.

That may be true, but good fans cost 5-15$

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

That may be true, but good fans cost 5-15$

Thats the price of the ones I showed her, she said thats ok.

If I have to replace my case fan, I'd definitely want that multi-colored!

I like pretty things.

 

[Cutlass]

I have this

 

[lndm]

Four advantages to the passive heatsink.

1. Noise

2. Failure rate

3. slower air movement means less dust and maintenance (the 'sink in the photo (taken today) hasn't been touched in over a year)

4. Fans can increase the effective size of a heatsink where there is a consistent dissipation, but they cannot make a small heatsink capable of dealing with a heat spike in the device. There is no substitute for a satisfactory heatsink, and a limit on what the fan can achieve (unless the airflow is stagnant to begin with).

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

How easy are fans to replace? My mom says she's done it before, years ago. It looks like all you do is dismount the old one, mount the new one and plug it in.

edit: Case fans, I mean.

Another edit: I like noisy fans because at least you know it's working. It's the hard drive I don't like to hear.

 

[Cutlass]

Fans are easy to replace. Usually 2 screws and a cable plug in. Front case fans can be a little harder because on some cases the front of the case is hard to get off.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Thank you. It looked easy enough to replace.

Mine's a little tricky to get off, as you have to both remove the side of the case from the computer, and the vent from the side of the case. If anyone's curious to see, I can try to snap a pic of it.

 

[lndm]

You should be fine. Post a pic if you feel the need.