So I just built my first HTPC and ran into a snag. Thought I would run it by you guys to see what you think. Specs first:

Antec NSK2480
Intel DG33TL Mobo
Intel Q6700 Quad core proc
Scythe Ninja Mini and Tuniq TX2
Visiontek ATI HD3850 256mb stock cooler
Western Digital 500GB Caviar SE SATA hdd

2 Scythe Slipstream 800rpm fans (40 cfm, 10dBa)

So I installed everything, CPU on passive cooling, etc... Everything runs great but I'm noticing that with the Scythe fans plugged into the motherboard, that the RPMs are around 400 with no way to change it. By my calcs that's 20cfm or less on the fans. Now the heat isn't too bad I guess, but with my hardware I definitely want more. The fans are silent at full speed anyway...

So I thought about maybe just running them off of the power supply. Would that give them the full 12V, or should I just buy the 1200 or 1600 RPM slipstreams and run off the mobo?

Thanks!

Ninja REV. B is NOT compatible with Intel DG33TLM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have tried it. Use rev. A or chose another mobo or CPU cooler! (Electronical component above the CPU socket are too close and too high, so rev. B Ninja won't be mounted correctly.)

Zoltan

But Ninja Mini has got different mounting system! I haven't tried that. But the big one isn't compatible. The mini might be corretly mounted.

hmm, well, it could be temperature sensors on the motherboard being cool enough to not need a faster fan speed. if you want to spend the money, you could get fan controllers, or you could undervolt the fans.

if you run them right off the PSU, they will get 12v from stock config. in your case, that may be best idea too. assuming they're as quiet as advertised, 12v would be unnoticeable with only the 'whoosh' of air being heard.

That's true. ^^ The hottest I've seen temps are about 55 on the proc, high 40's on the mobo, ~80 on the ICH and 50ish on the MCH (I'm assuming those are the chipsets). I just worry with that much heat and the components I have in the case, it's almost like I can smell the heat, and the top side of the graphics card is pretty warm after being used for a while.

K so I will try the power supply hookup and see if that works. Now here's another quesiton:

Which 80mm fan would be recommended to clip on the Ninja mini? The ninja mini comes with one, but like the review states, it's not silent... I thought about a Nexus Real Silent but that review says it's not really suited for a heatsink use as it's sleeve bearing. Any good recommendations for a silent but effective heatsink 80mm fan?

hm, i'm not sure how popular this decision will be, but i have seen these before, but never in any computers here.

http://www.xoxide.com/noctua-nf-r8-fan.html

noctua makes 80mm fans rated at 17dB, less if you use a low/ultra low noise adapter with it. CFM is unclear on the website though. 1800rpm is a lot at 12v, 1300 with a low noise adapter, less than that with the ultra low noise adapter.

the low noise adapter is actually a molex to 3 pin adapter, suited for 12, 7 and 5 volt use...7 may be your best bet.

i'd strongly suggest looking further into it before buying though, i'm not sure if its new or just not entirely popular. no harm in finding out though.
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at the same time, the Mini Ninja is capable of using a 92mm fan, in which case you can use a Scythe Kama 92mm PWM fan.

http://www.xoxide.com/scythe-kama-92mm-fan.html

that way your motherboard would be in complete control over the fan speed the same way it controls the stock fan.


the choice is yours.

Funny you mention that, I actually bought a 92mm Scythe Kama Flow to use with it, but it won't mount because of the northbridge heatsink is too tall on the one side, and the ram is too close on the other side. I suppose I could remove the air guide and put the fan on that side, i haven't checked capacitor clearance there though. My plan if I was to put a fan on would be an 80 blowing right into the 120s with it's back to the videocard (basicially sitting on top of the northbridge heatsink) so it would cool that as well....

Blasted northbridge heatsink!

i think the Noctua may work then, but i still think you should look further into it, because its the first time i've seen that specific size noctua, so i'm not sure if it really is a performer like its larger sized "brothers"

Just replace / modify it to suit your needs. Plenty of northbridge heatsinks out there.

This one's a bit different. If you check the SPCR review, it's actually soldered to the board on the mounting clips and has a heavy duty plastic retention. It's a great heatsink, just unfortunate placement for this particular application...