How do you cool Pentium G4400 in a 1U form factor?

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jang430

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Mar 16, 2017
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I have a used SuperChassis 502L-200B- SC502L-200B | 1U | Chassis | Products | Super Micro Computer, Inc.

I want to gut out the the mini-itx motherboard, and replace with a 9.6 x 9.6 micro atx motherboard that I already have, together with the Pentium G4400 processor. This will replace my old firewall.

I have a few concerns: Cooling, and the Control Panel.

I am almost sure the following fan is good enough to cool the processor

https://www.dynatron.co/product-page/k2.

I'm worried about the noise. This will be sitting on an open bookshelf, where my switch, modem, will be situated. Will I notice very loud noise? I'm ok if I stand beside it and hear fan, but not when 1 foot away.

The second thing I'd like to achieve is to use the front control panel. I will be using a cheap Asus motherboard, with Realtek lan card onboard. I want to disregard the lan card, and get a 2 port Gigabit NIC (intel), pcie. I plan to get a pcie riser cable to achieve this. But I want the LEDs to work. But Supermicro seems to have a proprietary cable for this. Any ideas? Also, is there any way to have the LEDs for NIC get input from the Intel NIC I will be using? This will make everything look cool :D
 

BoredSysadmin

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Mar 2, 2019
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I can't add much about your second question, but I will try to answer your first one. Based on the cpu tpd, your usage (likely very light) and fan specs, most likely you could keep cpu fan at 50% speed (around 30dba it should be near silent) and still keep cpu at reasonable temperatures range
How to control the fan, depending on motherboard, bios and software.
Worst case scenario you could simply opt for a hardware solution like this one: Zalman Fan Mate 2 Fan RPM Controller
 

jang430

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@BoredSysadmin , I will be using Asus H110M-D, and it has a 4-pin connector. I assume it doesn't need to be controlled manually? The Firewall OS will rev it up when needed?
 

BoredSysadmin

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I can't vouch for unspecified software. I believe that asus bios should be able to control fans speed. This is where you should do your homework
 
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nthu9280

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Feb 3, 2016
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you can use something like CBL-0084L. There is a longer one also. Supermicro has 16pin or 20pin front control connectors. Depending on what your FCB, you need to get the correct split FCB cable. Look under resources section here. I've a compiled list of various Supermicro parts.
 
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RedX1

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Aug 11, 2017
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Hi

I had the same cooling issues for a very similar application.

The blower type fans are very loud.


I used one of these, it has exactly the same noise levels as the stock Intel CPU cooler.

GELID Solutions CC-Polar-01 Ball CPU Cooler

GELID Solutions CC-Polar-01 Ball CPU Cooler 696552171826 | eBay


These may make less noise, but are considerably more expensive.

Thermaltake Engine 27 1U Intel Low profile Aluminium/Copper CPU Cooler

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Thermaltake+Engine+27+1U+Intel+Low+profile+Aluminium/Copper+CPU+Cooler&_sacat=0

There may be others.


I hope that helps.



RedX1
 

jang430

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Stock intel CPU fans are good. Is it low profile enough to fit 1u? With some allowance? From pictures, it looks like 3 pins, is it?
 

RedX1

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jang430

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It is what I originally intended to buy, but after reading @RedX1 ’s comment, I think he has a point that blower fans tend to be louder. Will get the Gelid. Thanks for your help.
 

jang430

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Hi Dark, if using SM chassis fans, we'll go back to the issue that it won't be very quiet, won't it?
 

Dark

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Mar 9, 2019
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Hi Dark, if using SM chassis fans, we'll go back to the issue that it won't be very quiet, won't it?
The Fans in my CSE-505 (FAN-0100L4) are fairly quiet at 5600rpm, 8800 rpm becomes more noticeably loud.
It would be worth making a shroud to help direct airflow directly to the heatsink, allowing for lower fan speeds.
 

Dark

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With a decent shroud you may be fine with the noctua 40x20 fan, but I don’t think they offer enough airflow to be used without a shroud.
 

Dark

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Mar 9, 2019
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Hopefully it works. A big *if* will be how close it sits to the top of the case when closed, if it’s too close it won’t create any airflow. The Silverstone is about 4mm shorter with a copper core, in case you need an alternative.
 
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Iaroslav

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Aug 23, 2017
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Got to do kinda the same setup but for Atom CPU with heatsink already installed. I can't rely on passive cooling, as the server is not for a conditioned rack, even more - I need a hardware RAID controller with some disks - they're sometimes hot enough. Fans are Noctua NF-A4x20 FLX and some dynatron turbine from some old stuff - but all setup is close to noiseless, yet a bit DIY'ish (if that matter - there is fan kit and SNK-P0049A4).

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