Intel CPU heatsinks as power output transistor heatsinks?

deltavektor · 04:37 PM

Whats the opinion here about recycling redundant cylindrical INTEL CPU heatsinks in DIY amplifiers?

I love the shape of these heatsinks and think they will look funky mounted on top of the enclosure. One can even use the fan to aid cooling.

Each output device can have its own heatsink.

Spiny · 20th November 2009, 04:49 PM

With a fan these can dissipate around 100 watts but its a bit noisy

Without a fan they are not very efficent as the fin size and spacing are designed for forced air cooling.

I have used similar aluminium ones (with fan) for an adjustable PSU with 3055's bolted to the sinks, Uses a temp. sensor to drive the fan to keep the noise down

been reliably in use for many years.

Also been used for lowpower chipamps (5/12 watt channel) without fans, Handy source of cheap heatsinks

nigelwright7557 · 20th November 2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiny

With a fan these can dissipate around 100 watts but its a bit noisy

Without a fan they are not very efficent as the fin size and spacing are designed for forced air cooling.

I have used similar aluminium ones (with fan) for an adjustable PSU with 3055's bolted to the sinks, Uses a temp. sensor to drive the fan to keep the noise down

been reliably in use for many years.

Also been used for lowpower chipamps (5/12 watt channel) without fans, Handy source of cheap heatsinks

They tend to be a bit too small for my amps, I usually go for 600watts plus.
I do use PC cases tho for their mountings for fans and mains sockets etc.

mightydub · 20th November 2009, 10:27 PM

Spiny is correct.

One way to minimize the fan noise is to come up with a circuit that will start the fan, then drop the voltage to keep it just barely turning. Most 12V fans will stay running with as little as 5V, and will be practically inaudible. Then use the temp sesnsor to ramp up the fan as needed.

godfrey · 29th November 2009, 02:47 PM

Hi deltavektor

If you've got a spare copper-core, I'd be interested in recycling it into my PC.
(if you're anywhere near Cape Town, that is)
</OT>

These Intel HSF's have a built-in speed-controller, hence the 4 wires: +12V, earth, control and speed-sense. I forget exactly what the control signal looks like, but I think it's something you could generate quite easily with a 555.

Cheers - Godfrey

20th November 2009, 04:34 PM	#1
deltavektor diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2008	Intel CPU heatsinks as power output transistor heatsinks? Whats the opinion here about recycling redundant cylindrical INTEL CPU heatsinks in DIY amplifiers? I love the shape of these heatsinks and think they will look funky mounted on top of the enclosure. One can even use the fan to aid cooling. Each output device can have its own heatsink. Last edited by deltavektor; 20th November 2009 at 04:37 PM.

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20th November 2009, 04:49 PM	#2
Spiny diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008	With a fan these can dissipate around 100 watts but its a bit noisy Without a fan they are not very efficent as the fin size and spacing are designed for forced air cooling. I have used similar aluminium ones (with fan) for an adjustable PSU with 3055's bolted to the sinks, Uses a temp. sensor to drive the fan to keep the noise down been reliably in use for many years. Also been used for lowpower chipamps (5/12 watt channel) without fans, Handy source of cheap heatsinks

20th November 2009, 10:27 PM	#4
mightydub diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Where the sky loves the sea	Spiny is correct. One way to minimize the fan noise is to come up with a circuit that will start the fan, then drop the voltage to keep it just barely turning. Most 12V fans will stay running with as little as 5V, and will be practically inaudible. Then use the temp sesnsor to ramp up the fan as needed.

29th November 2009, 02:47 PM	#5
godfrey diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cape Town	Hi deltavektor If you've got a spare copper-core, I'd be interested in recycling it into my PC. (if you're anywhere near Cape Town, that is) </OT> These Intel HSF's have a built-in speed-controller, hence the 4 wires: +12V, earth, control and speed-sense. I forget exactly what the control signal looks like, but I think it's something you could generate quite easily with a 555. Cheers - Godfrey

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