Log Portable workstation (K77 Lite)

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Ok, test results are in:

Dual-Fan: NF-A9 + Arctic P9 Max, overall temp ~22° C (+0.8 than normal)

a) Idle:
- 36.2 C (tcl)
- 25.2 C (tccd1)
- 26.2 C (tccd2)

- nvme: 40.9 C / sensor 1: 34.9, sensor 2: 38,9 C

b) full sustained load (5 minutes)

- 73.2 C
- 72.8
- 69.1 C

- nvme: 49.9 / sensor1: 43.9 / sensor 2: 47.9

c) Full sustained load (10 Minutes):

- 73.5
- 73.2
- 70.0

- nvme: 53.9 / sensor1: 47.9 / sensor2: 49.9

d) 20 minutes:

- 72.9
- 72.8
- 69.5

- nvme: 54.9 / sensor1: 48.9 / sensor2: 50.9

e) CPU Cool down after 5 minutes:

- 38.5 C / 27.6 / 28.6 C

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Noise level at 75% fan speed is approx 30% louder than with the Thermalright TL-B9W.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Removed the SS 110 and replaced it with the SS 135. Replaced the splitter cable with a simple extension cord - the CPU fan now connects to a separate header instead. This should do for now, until I've decided whether or not I want an actively cooled m2 cooling solution, too.

Tests being performed probably at the weekend, but maybe earlier if I got the time and nerves.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Out of some unknown reason, the CMOS settings got reset. My guess is: the board got a very unfortunate position of the CMOS reset pins - they're located right after the GPU unlock button / lever. If one isnt careful OR just doesnt see anything, one might be able to accidently bend those pins together while trying to either socket OR remove the GPU.

.. Which is probably what happened, as the BIOS / CMOS settings seem to stay saved even after disconnecting everything for a while.

Thus, all tests were accidently done using default CPU settings, ie. 170W, NOT eco 105E cTDP mode!

And with the Silver Soul 135, thats VERY impressive, too: Under full load, 10 minutes, NO thermal throttleing, everything stayed below 90° C!


cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Fans ran in Asrock "Silent mode" with the original CPU fan installed, the NF-A9 as case intake and the Air Slimmer 120 sitting ON TOP of the case.

Intake NF-A9 ( + air duct) + CPU fan (1850 rpm / 82 CFM / 2,1 mmH2O, 3W) + air slimmer 120 fan ON TOP (NOT inside) the case

Idle:​

- tcl: 38.1
- tccd1: 24.2
- tccd2: 24.9

- nvme: 34.9 / sensor1: 28.9 / sensor2: 32.9

Full sustained load (10 Minutes):​

- tcl: 86.5
- tccd1: 85.9
- tccd2: 80.5

- nvme: 52.9 / sensor1: 46.9 / sensor2: 49.9

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Case Intake with the Thermalright SS 110 92 mm fan (+ air duct) + Silver Soul 135 on CPU + Arctic P12 Max (3300 rpm / 81 CFM / 4,35 mmH2O, 0,96W) - default mode (170W / no changes) + air slimmer 120 on top INSIDE the case

Idle:​

- tcl: 36.6
- tccd1: 25.2
- tccd2: 26.2

- nvme: 44.9 / sensor1: 38.9 / sensor2: 42.9

Full sustained load (10 Minutes):​

- tcl: 84.5
- tccd1: 84.5
- tccd2: 77.8

- nvme: 51.9 / sensor1: 45.9 / sensor2: 47.9

20 minutes:​

- tcl: 85.1
- tccd1: 85.5
- tccd2: 78.8

- nvme: 51.9 / sensor1: : 45.9 / sensor2: 48.9

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Whats reeally needed: More fans, more case openings.

The next steps from here therefore are:

- side-mounted fan test (120 / 140 mm slim AND regular size)
- 60 mm fans strategically placed on top

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Side-mounted fan test with 140 mm Silverstone Shark Force 140 ARGB: All temps -2 C, so: 83 C CPU cooler / 49 C NVMe.
Also, the front area is significantly cooler, only hand-warm instead of slightly hot.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

FYI: Depending on my time I either gonna move everything over to the S396 - IF I can finish some mounting options for the radiator - and then repurpose the case for my OBS machine ... OR just finish it as planned. That is, if I dont find enough time in the next few weeks.

No matter what, the original plan still stands, ie. creating a custom side panel using the white Meshlicious replacement one.

I'm currently very delayed and probably gonna be delayed further because I'm working on improving the flat I've taken over, after my flat mate suddenly called it quits a few months ago. I want to return it to its original purpose, ie. an actual SHARED FLAT, because right now its a "dysfunctional shared flat", ie. I'm the only one living there.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Note: Rebuild in progress - moving the whole setup to the ... I think its a clone / white-label, mesh side panel version of the Powertrain P60, with about 18 - 19L volume (caseend says 21 L, but that must be including the handle, which this clone doesnt offer in the first place).

Advantages over the K77 Lite: Front intake for the PSU (!), 120 mm fan intake AND exhaust - and yes, it even allows for a regular-sized, ie. 25 mm fan! Less noticable, but still a huge thing IMNSHO: The simple "hinges" to attach PCI brackets to, that the K77 Lite is missing.

Oh, and the usual / obvious advantages of such a volume, ie. both ITX + mATX, and both SFX + ATX PSU support.

Sadly no AIO support, and no real side exhaust, quite the missed opportunity, but still, a nice looking case

Only grief so far: The EPS power cable of the Corsair SF750 is .. just about 2 - 3 cm too short!
Which stops my installation work today in its tracks; ordered an extension cable (actually, two), and have to wait till its arrival.

Yeah, sure, I could use a different PSU, eg. the Seasonic SGX-750, but then I'd also have to pull out and replace the PCI power cable, which was such a totally brutal PITA to fumble into the Inno3D RTX 4070 STEALTH socket in the first place. Took me like half an hour, some scratches, sweat, blood and lots of curses to get it in, thanks to the fabulous 6+2 split design. NOT GONNA DO THAT AGAIN!

So yeah, lets hope that works out nicely. This just being yet another interim case, but my main workstation is showing signs of system instability, and if I have to redo the AIO anyway, then I'd rather rebuild; BUT: I also need to have the future system at hand and ready to rumble!

After that, there is plans for a bit more moving around, ie. the OBS system from the SG16 into the K77 Lite, cause the SG16 is such a .. bad .. design concept. *sighs*

Probably gonna go with the SI-100, and indeed finish preparing and installing the meshlicious-based side panel.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

First test run in the temporary new case:

Cooling setup: Silverstone Airblazer 120RW in the back as intake, Thermalright Silversoul 135 + Arctic P12 Max, Silverstone Airblazer 120RW as top exhaust. Aside of that, no changes from the setup before, i.e fan curves and CPU settings are the same (manual 105W eco mode).

Idle:
- Tctl: 36.5 C
- Tccd1: 25.2 C
- Tccd2: 25.4 C

20 minute full sustained CPU load:
- Tctl: 74.4 C
- Tccd1: 73.2 C
- Tccd2: 69.1 C


Front of the case is extremely heat-soaked and would 200% benefit from another exhaust fan.

The genius people of Mars Gaming decided to cheap out and make the original 120 mm front fan mount unusable (bolted in place instead screws). The original fan mount holes are still there, so I might be able to come up with something using zip ties etc.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Update: Its a Powertrain P40 clone with a worse front panel. Which CAN be removed, and thus allows you to install a 120 mm front fan - which I only found out by watching this build video:




cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

As I couldnt find any helpful airflow guide for cases with a front PSU, I'm currently just testing it out myself.

So, the new setup is looking decent for now:
- Case back: Silverstone Airblazer 120 RW, intake
- CPU: Thermalright Silversoul 135 + P12 Max, intake
- Case top: Silverstone Airblazer 120 RW + Thermalright 80x15 mm slim fan, both set to exhaust
- Case front: PSU facing outwards + P12 Max exhaust


In Idle:

- CPU: about 0.3 C lower than before
- GPU: 34 C

After 20 min CPU full load test:

- Tctl: 71.9 C
- Tcdd1: 71.4 C
- Tcdd2: 67.8 C

- nmve: 51.9 / 45.9 / 48.9

- GPU: 37 C

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Next test with the suggested front intake, back exhaust, but top intake:

a) In idle:
- CPU: 39 C
- GPU: 24 C

b) After 10 Minutes sustained CPU load:
- Tctl: 73.6 C
- Tccd1: 73.2 C
- Tccd2: 68.6 C

- nmve: 50.9 / 44.9 / 47.9 C

- GPU: 32 C

c) After 20 minutes:
- Tctl: 74.2 C
- Tccd1: 74.1 C
- Tccd2: 69.1 C

- nvme: 55.9 / 49.9 / 52.9 C

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

After a cool down, I'm gonna flip the top fan to exhaust - the main goal is figuring out if it does help in any significant way, or is more decorative than any help.

The front intake, back exhaust seems to massivelly favor the GPU, and somewhat push down the CPU.
BUT keep in mind: This is a workstation, NOT a gaming system, so a scenario in which the GPU is favored is actually NOT in favor.

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Flipped fan to top exhaust, same setup again:

a) Idle:
- CPU: 38.2 C / 28.6 / 28.1 C

- nvme: 44.9 / 38.9 / 41.9

- GPU: 28 C

b) 10 minutes sustained CPU load:

- CPU: 73.9 / 73.2 / 69.5 C
- nvme: 55.9 / 49.9 / 52.9
- GPU: 31 C

c) 20 minutes:

- CPU: 74.0 / 74.1 / 69.5 C
- nvme: 56.9 / 50.9 / 53.9 C
- GPU: 31 C

cu, w0lf.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

Next step: Try out a fan shroud for the top intake.

If that doesnt help, reverse the fan setup again, but first, test if top exhaust with back intake + CPU cooler intake improve things.

If not, try yet another wild airflow setup: Back intake, CPU intake, top intake, bottom + SIDE exhaust. Main goal: Improving on the setup to reduce the air pocket behind the PSU back.

cu, w0lf.

 

[bigsfffan]

Ok, test results are in:

Dual-Fan: NF-A9 + Arctic P9 Max, overall temp ~22° C (+0.8 than normal)

a) Idle:
- 36.2 C (tcl)
- 25.2 C (tccd1)
- 26.2 C (tccd2)

- nvme: 40.9 C / sensor 1: 34.9, sensor 2: 38,9 C

b) full sustained load (5 minutes)

- 73.2 C
- 72.8
- 69.1 C

- nvme: 49.9 / sensor1: 43.9 / sensor 2: 47.9

c) Full sustained load (10 Minutes):

- 73.5
- 73.2
- 70.0

- nvme: 53.9 / sensor1: 47.9 / sensor2: 49.9

d) 20 minutes:

- 72.9
- 72.8
- 69.5

- nvme: 54.9 / sensor1: 48.9 / sensor2: 50.9

e) CPU Cool down after 5 minutes:

- 38.5 C / 27.6 / 28.6 C

how loud is the arctic P9 max? I'm planning to use it as a swap fan for AXP-90x53.
Don't know if its worth it

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

how loud is the arctic P9 max? I'm planning to use it as a swap fan for AXP-90x53.
Don't know if its worth it

I'd say anything past 80% is .. annoying AF. But thats a common theme with the Arctic Max series, so I generally dont run them with more than 80%.

Also, to quote myself:

Noise level at 75% fan speed is approx 30% louder than with the Thermalright TL-B9W.

The TL-B9W tested on the AXP90-X53 was .. really loud. It got the system down to decent temps (7950X in 105W manual eco mode), but oh my fscking hell was it loud on full speed, when I tested it in the S400. It was one of the reasons I went for a different case, one with traditional instead of sandwich layout.

Of course YMMV, my system purpose is a workstation, ie. CPU-focused, but it might be totally okay for a gaming PC. With something like a 7800 / 9800X3D, it should shuffle along with 60 - 70W power usage during its main task, ie. gaming, at best.

cu, w0lf.