Ultra 120 eXtreme issues

[Chos3n]

Hello guys,

I have an issue with my Ultra 120 eXtreme. I just installed it with OCZ Silver thermal paste (I'm waiting on my IC7) and also installed it with 2 Noctua SP12 in a Push/Pull configuration. I started my PC and started Core Temp. My E8500 is idling at 39 - 41... which is really weird. I used Real Temp (In the past Core Temp wasn't really good with Wolfdale) and it gave me the same results. When I had my Intel Heatsink, I was idling at 49 - 51, but still I saw some people getting 19 - 21 with the Ultra 120 and a E8400.

Something that bothers me is that I can twist my heatsink (it moves). But the problem is, it tighten all the way down. I contacted Thermalright and ask them if it was normal and they answered yes. So, I dunno if it's my fan that aren't pushing enough air, or if I should washer mod my Ultra 120 eXtreme.

Here's some pics:

Initial Setup.


The back exhaust fan is a low, and it barely moving any air. The bottom fan (from my heatsink) is pulling air into my Ultra 120, and the top and the Big Boy push it outside the case (there a nice breeze on top of that fan )


Thanks

BTW, those fan headers are a breeze to setup, take that fan clips.

[SKYMTL]

19-21? sub-ambient? I think not.

Here are some options:

- Install a rubber washer or dime between the cooler and the bracket
- Use a higher RPM fan or add another fan for a push / pull setup.

[Chos3n]

Originally Posted by SKYMTL

19-21? sub-ambient? I think not.

Here are some options:

- Install a rubber washer or dime between the cooler and the bracket
- Use a higher RPM fan or add another fan for a push / pull setup.

That's what I though too, those were case fan (but they came with the heatsink, that was a good deal I got ). Tonight, I'll try the load temps, I was just skeptical to try load temp with those idle temps.

So a dime would do it? Wouldn't it be off balance considering the size of the dime?

[3.0charlie]

Air sub-ambiant is impossible.

I would verify how flat both HSF and IHS are. You may need a lap job. And by the same token, check your TIM application.

My TRUE always rotated once installed.

[CMetaphor]

Originally Posted by 3.0charlie

You may need a lap job.

I'll take one?

[Chos3n]

Originally Posted by 3.0charlie

Air sub-ambiant is impossible.

I would verify how flat both HSF and IHS are. You may need a lap job. And by the same token, check your TIM application.

My TRUE always rotated once installed.

I wouldn't go to the step of lapping my CPU... considering I won't overclock ( maybe a mild overclock, nothing extreme). Also, the fact that I need to sand my precious CPU .

Have you done the dime/washer mod. Also, what are your temperatures now with the Ultra 120 ?.

[SKYMTL]

What kind of fan do you have on the TRUE? Also, take the temperatures before the dime application method.

[3oh6]

idle temps are all but useless as they are more dependant on ambient air temperature than anything. with that said, you still saw a 10C drop from the stock heat sink which is pretty substantial at idle. check load and go from there. only make conclusions based on load temps.

[MpG]

Are those Noctua S-series fans you're using? Even Noctua warns against using them for restrictive applications such as heatsinks and radiators. While it's hard to give specific numbers, there are almost certainly better fans for you to be using on a dense-fin heatsink like the TRUE. Put those fans on case intake/exhaust, I'd say.

[Chos3n]

Originally Posted by SKYMTL

What kind of fan do you have on the TRUE? Also, take the temperatures before the dime application method.

Noctua SP12 ... but I guess I'll change them. I know they are low CFM... but since I had two I said that it would have been the equivalent of the 1 . I will take the temperatures in note. Looks like I need to take off my motherboard from my case again... such a pain.

Originally Posted by 3oh6

idle temps are all but useless as they are more dependant on ambient air temperature than anything. with that said, you still saw a 10C drop from the stock heat sink which is pretty substantial at idle. check load and go from there. only make conclusions based on load temps.

I will do that tonight, if the heatsink is more stabe at load, I will be happy.

Originally Posted by MpG

Are those Noctua S-series fans you're using? Even Noctua warns against using them for restrictive applications such as heatsinks and radiators. While it's hard to give specific numbers, there are almost certainly better fans for you to be using on a dense-fin heatsink like the TRUE. Put those fans on case intake/exhaust, I'd say.

Yeah thats a SP12, they are low CFM. But I said considering I put two of them, that it would suffice. I know there are better fan with higher CFM, but I got these fans with it and didn't really want to get other fans (budget wise).