Solved Lenovo m81 case modification

[logo897]

my CPU usage is moving around a lot, so I would imagine that is why my temps are, right?

It goes from 35c to 40c as of right now.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep
Best thing I ever did was to relocate my old acer mother board in a new case
I ended up with this cooler though started with an evo

Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler

Modifing old desktop machine in new case

 

[johnhoh]

heatsinks are installed with pressure against the cpu and that pressure is always there, so over time your paste will get thinner and thinner, resulting in better heat transfer between your cpu and cooler. So its good to give it a couple weeks before declaring the new paste better or worse than the old paste.

Its also possible the reason your temps are a tad higher now is that the ambient temperature in the room is higher.

 

[logo897]

heatsinks are installed with pressure against the cpu and that pressure is always there, so over time your paste will get thinner and thinner, resulting in better heat transfer between your cpu and cooler. So its good to give it a couple weeks before declaring the new paste better or worse than the old paste.

Its also possible the reason your temps are a tad higher now is that the ambient temperature in the room is higher.

That makes sense. Should I leave my computer on for those couple of weeks or does it not really matter?

 

[Mellon Head]

It doesn't really matter if you leave it on or not. The paste will "cure" at room temperature. It's not the heat that does it, though it does help, it's the pressure from the heatsink spreading out the paste on the chip and making it thinner.

I think you'll find in a couple of weeks that your temps are a few degrees cooler than they are today. As well, ambient temperature has a big effect on the temperature of your CPU, and your system in general. I forgot to ask, what are you using for case cooling? Intake and output fans? Do you have any intake fans? They will really help bring your temps down.

 

[logo897]

I don't have any intake fans, instead I have one CPU fan and one fan on the back of the case that came with the computer.

 

[Mellon Head]

If you have a place in your case to put one, an intake fan will lower your temps significantly.

 

[logo897]

I don't, sadly. Unless I try to remove the front cover and such. Should I try that and attempt to install a fan in the front?

 

[logo897]

That might not be a good idea though

 

[johnhoh]

For now just remove the front cover and side panel and see what affect it has on your temps. An open case will produce lower temps than just having extra case fans. If your temps do not go down by say, 5C or more, there really is nothing to be gained here as you are in no danger.

Have you tried running the free program hardwareinfo? It will show you your temps in real time and the "distance" you are from your maximum allowable temp. When you get too close, the fonts will turn red.

HWiNFO - Download

Temps are reported by motherboard sensors and sometimes those sensors are near the cpu, or on the cpu, or they're measuring within the cpu die, and in all three cases are prone to fluctuations. If I had to guess, I'd say 99.9% of user concerns (among non-overclockers) of cpu temps are unfounded. If you run hardwareinfo and do not get any red fonts appearing, you are good to go.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yes of course you should add as many fans as your case can handle
If your mother board only has 2-3 fan ports just add a controller
NZXT Sentry-2 5.25" Touch Screen Fan Controller - Newegg.com

You could also go with a couple of these
Coboc TX4SPL2-6 6" Sleeved 6 inch 1 to Two(2) x 4-pin TX4 PWM Fan Power Splitter Cable(Net Jacket) - Newegg.com

 

[logo897]

Hey ThrashZone,

I don't think I need a new fan controller because I see another fan connector in my case near the front. I removed my front case and I removed the side case. Tell me if this plan sounds good:

I keep the side removed until I get a fan for the front?

But then my question is: How will I mount a fan to the front of my case? I have included pictures of the computer to help.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Looks like you could fit at least 1-120mm fan on the side where the grill on the front is it just looks like it needs to go inside the case :/

 

[logo897]

Hi,
Looks like you could fit at least 1-120mm fan on the side where the grill on the front is it just looks like it needs to go inside the case :/

So if I install it would it be in the front with the front panel off right? How would I go about mounting it so it can hang there?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
You'd just need to move it around and align it with the existing grid holes
Fans come with screws

 

[logo897]

Thanks!!

How does this look?

Amazon.com: NZXT FN V2 120mm Performance Case Fan Cooling (RF-FN122-RB): Computers & Accessories

 

[logo897]

Thanks!!

How does this look?

Amazon.com: NZXT FN V2 120mm Performance Case Fan Cooling (RF-FN122-RB): Computers & Accessories

 

[logo897]

Oops sorry I didn't realize I sent it twice

 

[logo897]

or

Amazon.com: ARCTIC F12 Silent, 120 mm 3-Pin Fan with Standard Case and Higher Airflow, Quiet and Efficient Ventilation: Computers & Accessories

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
You could throw a little bling in it too
This one goes up to 2000rpm's get 2 and replace the stock one in the rear
Amazon.com: Corsair ML120 Pro LED, Red, 120mm Premium Magnetic Levitation Cooling Fan CO-9050042-WW: Computers & Accessories

I don't believe corsair charges tax
ML120 PRO LED Blue 120mm PWM Premium Magnetic Levitation Fan