Insulating the CPU Backplate

[halcy]

So I am building a backplate for an NF7-S to run my barton under phase (for testing), I've got a 1/10" lucite piece that i will countersink the 4 screws into, however I'm wondering what kind of insulation I should put on top of the lucite? The only requirement is its obviously got to be enough so the board doesnt build up condensation or anything on the back, and it has to compress down to about 1/8" because thats all the space there is left due to the motherboard stands only lifting it up 1/4"

I saw some stuff at Homedepot that was 1/8" thick on a roll with 1 side sticky, i think it is used for wrapping pipes or something.. would that work, or do I need something much more heavy duty?

Any help appreciated!

[Gray Mole]

If you're talking about 'Armaflex' foam tape, it works very well. I usually layer it twice, but you can get away with a single layer. It's nice to work with, being sticky on one side, just stick it to your backplate and you're done :toast: You can put a little dielectric grease on the foam as well if you want to as an extra precaution.

Gray

[gclg2000]

If you get desperate, let me know. I can source some high density 1/4" neoprene for you.

couple bucks and shipping.

[Gray Mole]

If you get desperate, let me know. I can source some high density 1/4" neoprene for you.

Nice :) The high density stuff would last a lot longer for you and do a better job on your backplate. The foam tape does tend to flatten out over time, losing the insulative properties.

Gray

[chilly1]

So I am building a backplate for an NF7-S to run my barton under phase (for testing), I've got a 1/10" lucite piece that i will countersink the 4 screws into, however I'm wondering what kind of insulation I should put on top of the lucite? The only requirement is its obviously got to be enough so the board doesnt build up condensation or anything on the back, and it has to compress down to about 1/8" because thats all the space there is left due to the motherboard stands only lifting it up 1/4"

I saw some stuff at Homedepot that was 1/8" thick on a roll with 1 side sticky, i think it is used for wrapping pipes or something.. would that work, or do I need something much more heavy duty?

Any help appreciated!
I got some 1/2 inch sheet that will work.. it does compress well...

[bachus_anonym]

Nice :) The high density stuff would last a lot longer for you and do a better job on your backplate. The foam tape does tend to flatten out over time, losing the insulative properties.

Gray
Yep, learned it the hard way :D Even two layers of foam tape wasn't enough to prevent condensation to show up on the bottom of the plate, right in the middle. After I got some 1/2" insulation from Chilly1, I discovered a different world out there :lol: One layer on both sides of the plate, mobo backplate on top of that... Works like a charm!

But I think that way wouldn't work in halcy's case, though. Not enough space between the mobo tray and a backplate itself to use 2 layers. Maybe one layer of 1/2" could do, possibly....

[halcy]

Ya I've only got the standoff height which is 1/4", and my lucite plate is about 1/10" thick.. so all I've got to work with is just over 1/8".. think your stuff could compress that far and still be effective chilly?

[jinu117]

I suggest cutting the mobo tray and give it some room. Easier to mount and dismount later as well as insulating :)

[halcy]

I suggest cutting the mobo tray and give it some room. Easier to mount and dismount later as well as insulating :)

I agree, however at this point we are shooting for as close to a stock installation as possible.

[gclg2000]

I think below are a couple of good pictures that i've done b/f that maybe will help you out??

It's not exactly what you have, but maybe it will give you an idea or two??

The below is 1/2" "armaflex" or what i'd rather call low density neoprene. I can send you some of this for the cost of shipping. Chilly can send you some too as well as many other's i'm sure that have it. I don't have any good pics of the high density 1/4" stuff i can get, but its alot "stiffer" neoprene and is used to press out or stamp gaskets for various things. It would be able to probly squish down enough...

You could also free up some space prob if you just got some wide washers to put on the back of the foam itself, rather than a backing plate...if you get big enough diameter washers, it won't pull through or tear the neoprene (doubling as a backplate itself?)...but that may leave a little "hump" in the middle. So it would still prob be best if you kept a backing plate on it.

http://www.namike.com/albums/ComputerBench/P3060014.jpg

http://www.namike.com/albums/ComputerBench/P3060006.jpg

http://www.namike.com/albums/Cascade-Build/DSCN0153.jpg

http://www.namike.com/albums/Cascade-Build/DSCN0156.jpg

http://www.namike.com/albums/Cascade-Build/DSCN0174.jpg