Quote Originally Posted by rob2k View Post
Probably worth running this passively on the S/B without a fan - I bet the temp won't rise above 40 degrees
Funny you mention that, I'm struggling to find a good combination of fans for my system. I'm referring to case fan, CPU fan and NB heatsink fan. I've came to the decision (as you already suggested) to run my SB fanless, I'm beginning to detest the amount of fans on my system, it's getting out of hand.

I tested my Sanyo Denki 120x120x25 70CFM/30dBA fans last night (for the front & rear of case), slightly too loud, I'm referring to the air noise. Then I tested my Scythe SFF21G 75CFM/35dBA, would you believe these are *quieter* than the Sanyo's rated at 30dBA?!

Now I'm struggling to get a good fan for the CPU. I received my Noctua U9B and Thermalright HR-05 IFX today, great parts. I need a 92x92x25mm fan *better* (translated: better airflow) than the Noctua supplied fan, it's 37 CFM/17dBA. I see Scythe does a 92mm fan, but it's sleeve, and I'm spoiled by that 120,000 hours MTBF of the SFF21Gs.

Then I've got the dilemma of NB heatsink fan, what do I use there? I have the Sanyo Denki 80x15mm, I plugged it in, I could hardly feel any air come off that fan, I mean it's quiet but airflow seems non existant, it's 21 CFM/20dBA.

I'm considering a Delta 92mm for the CPU, something around 50 CFM instead of the Noctua NF-B9 fan's 37 CFM, this is to make up for the fact my CPU heatsink is smaller. I'll post a picture over the next day or so of the board with the CPU heatsink sitting on the board with the HR-05 IFX.

FYI, that HR-05 IFX/SLI fits perfectly on the SB, especially since my Diamond 4870 X2 video card runs down about half way through the SB chip path.