Small vs. Normal Chassis for CPU Affects Overheating?

[hybridz]

Hi,

Need to gather some feedback as I am planning to buy a desktop, but saw there are now CPU units which are half the size, and also mini-CPU, which are even smaller, as compared to the normal sized CPU years ago.

I searched online but does not have a conclusive answer too, since reasons mentioned for overheating include what the CPU has been used for (obviously, more 3D games, or photo editing, will cause CPU to run faster and heat up more), and lack of ventilation.

My first layman view is that the smaller CPU it is, the less ventilation, hence the more easily the CPU will overheat. If I intend to leave the CPU on sometimes for ~ 8 to 10 hours, I would prefer to have a CPU that overheats less. Any advice or experience to share? Is my layman view correct?

 

[t258jgn]

If overheat is a concern can always use Full Tower case like Corsair 750D, 900D. Lots of space for airflow.

If overheat not a concern, ITX cases are more than enough.

No point considering anything in between eg mATX & ATX mid tower cases.
They do not guarantee good ventilation

 

[shadow84]

Nowadays, gpu produce much more heat than cpu.

 

[EienShouko]

Bigger does not mean better. When you have a bigger casing, the amount of air within the case that you need to change is higher too.
What's the most important is how quickly you move air through the case.
What you first need to make sure is that you have a good heatsink for your CPU, and a GPU design that fits your exhaust methods.
Aftermarket designs like the Twin Frozr and windforce are usually better, but when you're using low profile cases, blow fans can be superior.

If you're not using anything more than a single GPU and ATX board, I strongly recommend against a full tower. Something like the NZXT 410 or Fractal offerings.
Spend the rest of the money on quality aftermarket fans and heatsinks.

 

[hybridz]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

These are great info that I don't get off the internet!

Any thoughts on this half-sized CPU - lenovo H530S?

 

[jtjt00]

Few small chassis do have 120 mm exhaust fan.
The best fans in the market are the 120 mm type.

 

[nez]

Hi,

Need to gather some feedback as I am planning to buy a desktop, but saw there are now CPU units which are half the size, and also mini-CPU, which are even smaller, as compared to the normal sized CPU years ago.

I searched online but does not have a conclusive answer too, since reasons mentioned for overheating include what the CPU has been used for (obviously, more 3D games, or photo editing, will cause CPU to run faster and heat up more), and lack of ventilation.

My first layman view is that the smaller CPU it is, the less ventilation, hence the more easily the CPU will overheat. If I intend to leave the CPU on sometimes for ~ 8 to 10 hours, I would prefer to have a CPU that overheats less. Any advice or experience to share? Is my layman view correct?

Depending on your space requirements BUT Not worth IMHO. Just look at HWZ/VRZ garage, quite a few selling off those itx & other smaller than ATX MB should tell you if you should go for it.

 

[coyote]

Depending on your space requirements BUT Not worth IMHO. Just look at HWZ/VRZ garage, quite a few selling off those itx & other smaller than ATX MB should tell you if you should go for it.

Where do you see a lot of people selling their ITX mb???

 

[nez]

Where do you see a lot of people selling their ITX mb???

Garage when looking through motherboards. My opinion regardless. And my advice to him.