Slowing down CPU to lower heat

[Mrdisco]

Is it possible to slow down a CPU. say a P4 2.4G to 1.4G to reduce heat. Maybe to avoid installing a fan altogether. Or is this nonsense

[ReTrO]

Yes underclocking is possible. It should enable you to go fanless fi you got low enough.

I think you can do it with most CPU's but best to wait for more replies first.

[Kramer]

Yes, it's possible, but TBH it would be such a waste to underclock such a good (& expensive :eek:) CPU.

Better IMO to get a cheaper (& slower) CPU, underclock that (mildly) & spent the money saved on quiet cooling solutions such as an SLK 800/900 heatsink & very quiet (slow RPM) 92mm fan.

Remember when you remove one source of noise from your PC (in this case your CPU), other components seem to take up the running. Your HDD(s) & PSU for example.

Watercooling is the ultimate "noise killer", but a well though out air cooled PC can provide excellent results & not cost the earth.

:)

[PJM]

Some of the motherboards can adjust the CPU fan speed depending on the load (and heat) the CPU is generating.

See:

http://usa.asus.com/mb/qfan.htm

Pat

[triplebj]

I am very impressed with CPUidle, which slows down the CPU when it's idle: http://www.cpuidle.de

Gives you the best of both worlds - speed when need and coolness otherwise :)

/BJ