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Case Cooling - High PCH Temp Solution

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mulkman

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi

I was wondering if any of you could provide with assistance to high PCH (60C on idle) temps on my Mini ITX - Asus Maximus VIII Impact.

The following illustration below shows my current setup along with fan orientation:



CPU Temps seem fine
Motherboard Temps seem fine
PCH - High

Any advice regards to fan orientation and suggestions on how I can lower my PCH temps would greatly be appreciated
 
#2 ·
Let's get the stupid questions out of the way.

Did you remove the sticker from the PCH sink?

Have you checked that the PCH sink is attached properly?

Overclocking RAM?

Is this the system in your sig? The one using the elegant W1? (If so, I'm really jealous and will probably only contribute sarcasm and disdain)

If it's the system in your sig (did I mention I'm really envious of the W1?), you're wasting its cooling capacity with the little L9i cooler. That stunning W1 case can support a proper large cooler like the D15S and needs a strong 140mm intake fan, like the A14 PWM to support a strong front-to-back airflow with the D15S or other big tower cooler.

The benefit of a large cooler like the D15S is that the 140mm fans have enough spare airflow to cool surrounding components like the PCH. The L9i barely has enough airflow to cool itself and only spews heated air to surrounding components like the PCH. Won't insult you and ask if you're trying to OC the 6700k with the L9i. You're not are you?

If it's the system in your sig (is it the windowed W1 in silver? Don't answer that - it will just pin the jealousy meter), curious how you are running the 750 PCIe drive and the 1070 on an itx board. EDIT: Nevermind, forgot this board has U.2, not laptopish M.2

Back to the W1, I'd like that very much...anyway, have you removed the suffocating plastic grille on the GPU side of the easy-to-remove attractive aluminum panel? The 1070 is likely suffering a little and spewing heated air around the case. (It's a terrible case, the W1, but send it to me, I believe I could rehabilitate it)

It could just be that the Maximus Impact was so nervous/excited to be inside such an elegant case that it shriveled the thermal pads on the PCH. Or the pads were misapplied at the factory. Probably the former. Could replace the pads with some FujiPoly pads.

What top intake fans are installed? When I built in a W1 for an ex-friend (how could he buy the last W1 in the country??? That's not what a friend does), I found the top intakes made airflow worse, not better. A good 140mm intake (drive bay removed), tower cooler and decent 140mm exhaust was the best solution. Not that I care. The W1 is a horrible case. I wouldn't wish it on a ex-friend, only on me.

Please answer the stupid questions, then we can determine that the high PCH temps are probably linked to the concealed MB heating compartment of the W1 - that compartment can only be seen/diagnosed and cleaned by one person in the world. Pretty sure that's me. I'll cover the shipping in the interests of jealous rage science.

biggrin.gif
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

Let's get the stupid questions out of the way.

Did you remove the sticker from the PCH sink? Yes

Have you checked that the PCH sink is attached properly? Yes. Upon purchase inspected motherboard for lose capacitors and seated heatsink

Overclocking RAM? No

Is this the system in your sig? The one using the elegant W1? (If so, I'm really jealous and will probably only contribute sarcasm and disdain)

If it's the system in your sig (did I mention I'm really envious of the W1?), you're wasting its cooling capacity with the little L9i cooler. That stunning W1 case can support a proper large cooler like the D15S and needs a strong 140mm intake fan, like the A14 PWM to support a strong front-to-back airflow with the D15S or other big tower cooler. I currently Yeshe benefit of a large cooler like the D15S is that the 140mm fans have enough spare airflow to cool surrounding components like the PCH. The L9i barely has enough airflow to cool itself and only spews heated air to surrounding components like the PCH. Won't insult you and ask if you're trying to OC the 6700k with the L9i. You're not are you? HI, I agree with you in terms of the L9i overheating the motherboard component's (including the PCH). I am not trying to overclock the processor and it is running at stock.

The case fans are Pure Wings 2 in terms for cooling - Shall I have them swapped out with something else

If it's the system in your sig (is it the windowed W1 in silver? Don't answer that - it will just pin the jealousy meter), curious how you are running the 750 PCIe drive and the 1070 on an itx board.

The intel 750 is the 2.5" version using the U.2 Port and the config


Back to the W1, I'd like that very much...anyway, have you removed the suffocating plastic grille on the GPU side of the easy-to-remove attractive aluminum panel? The 1070 is likely suffering a little and spewing heated air around the case. (It's a terrible case, the W1, but send it to me, I believe I could rehabilitate it)

It could just be that the Maximus Impact was so nervous/excited to be inside such an elegant case that it shriveled the thermal pads on the PCH. Or the pads were misapplied at the factory. Probably the former. Could replace the pads with some FujiPoly pads.

What top intake fans are installed? When I built in a W1 for an ex-friend (how could he buy the last W1 in the country??? That's not what a friend does), I found the top intakes made airflow worse, not better. A good 140mm intake (drive bay removed), tower cooler and decent 140mm exhaust was the best solution. Not that I care. The W1 is a horrible case. I wouldn't wish it on a ex-friend, only on me.

At the Top I have pure wings 2 fans fans installed as intakes


Please answer the stupid questions, then we can determine that the high PCH temps are probably linked to the concealed MB heating compartment of the W1 - that compartment can only be seen/diagnosed and cleaned by one person in the world. Pretty sure that's me. I'll cover the shipping in the interests of jealous rage science.

biggrin.gif
Click to expand...
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

Let's get the stupid questions out of the way.

Did you remove the sticker from the PCH sink?

Have you checked that the PCH sink is attached properly?

Overclocking RAM?

Is this the system in your sig? The one using the elegant W1? (If so, I'm really jealous and will probably only contribute sarcasm and disdain)

If it's the system in your sig (did I mention I'm really envious of the W1?), you're wasting its cooling capacity with the little L9i cooler. That stunning W1 case can support a proper large cooler like the D15S and needs a strong 140mm intake fan, like the A14 PWM to support a strong front-to-back airflow with the D15S or other big tower cooler.

The benefit of a large cooler like the D15S is that the 140mm fans have enough spare airflow to cool surrounding components like the PCH. The L9i barely has enough airflow to cool itself and only spews heated air to surrounding components like the PCH. Won't insult you and ask if you're trying to OC the 6700k with the L9i. You're not are you?

If it's the system in your sig (is it the windowed W1 in silver? Don't answer that - it will just pin the jealousy meter), curious how you are running the 750 PCIe drive and the 1070 on an itx board. EDIT: Nevermind, forgot this board has U.2, not laptopish M.2

Back to the W1, I'd like that very much...anyway, have you removed the suffocating plastic grille on the GPU side of the easy-to-remove attractive aluminum panel? The 1070 is likely suffering a little and spewing heated air around the case. (It's a terrible case, the W1, but send it to me, I believe I could rehabilitate it)

It could just be that the Maximus Impact was so nervous/excited to be inside such an elegant case that it shriveled the thermal pads on the PCH. Or the pads were misapplied at the factory. Probably the former. Could replace the pads with some FujiPoly pads.

What top intake fans are installed? When I built in a W1 for an ex-friend (how could he buy the last W1 in the country??? That's not what a friend does), I found the top intakes made airflow worse, not better. A good 140mm intake (drive bay removed), tower cooler and decent 140mm exhaust was the best solution. Not that I care. The W1 is a horrible case. I wouldn't wish it on a ex-friend, only on me.

Please answer the stupid questions, then we can determine that the high PCH temps are probably linked to the concealed MB heating compartment of the W1 - that compartment can only be seen/diagnosed and cleaned by one person in the world. Pretty sure that's me. I'll cover the shipping in the interests of jealous rage science.

biggrin.gif
Click to expand...
 
#4 ·
sorry i need a picture b/c i'm visual -.-



uh my opinion.
why is your top fans used as intakes? Use the rear top fan (singular, not plural) as exhaust. :O
 
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#5 ·
So...you're not going to send me the W1 for proper inspection. ;-)

Sure, let's do this the hard way. Over the internet.

The Pure Wings are decent, quiet fans - not the best performing, but let's work our way through the long, tedious internet troubleshooting process before swapping out case fans. Are all the case fans Pure Wings 2? (Ideally, the 140mm intake of the W1 needs a fan with more static pressure than the PW2)

You might consider getting a cheap indoor/outdoor thermometer and measure the temp gradient between the internal case temp and the ambient temp. Would need to move the probe around near the cooler and over the PCH. Would give you an insight if there's hot pockets of air around the PCH. Does the PCH run cooler with all the panels off?

Could also just experiment (space permitting) to DIY a small 80mm fan like a Noctua R8 or Be!Q Pure Wings 2 80mm over the PCH and see if it drops the idle temps by 20-30 degrees. My guess it won't. But, that's just a guess because you won't send me your W1 for a thorough inspection.
biggrin.gif


Still can't rule out a bad thermal pad on the PCH. Might be worth pulling the sink off and replacing the pad with a much better FujiPoly pad.

You didn't state if the 6700k is overclocked. Need to do some more research if the U.2 puts more thermal stress on the PCH. We can toss a coin to see who gets to do that.

And it could just be a sensor error. What program are you using to monitor? Or in the BIOS? Speaking of BIOS, what is the MB temp in the BIOS?
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

sorry i need a picture b/c i'm visual -.-



uh my opinion.
why is your top fans used as intakes? Use the rear top fan (singular, not plural) as exhaust. :O
Click to expand...
At least you had the decency to not show the W1 with it's svelte aluminum clothes on.

Probably using them as intakes because the front 140mm is too weak and thought adding more fans would be more better. But, that's seldom the case. Ideally want a smooth front-to-back airflow - which the W1 can achieve very well in the right config with a tower cooler.

Using the top fan as exhaust wouldn't help - using one as intake and the other beside it as exhaust will only result in a turbulent airflow short circuit. It's already bad enough with the tiny pancake cooler ingesting heated gpu air. If anything the top intakes should be mounted on the gpu side of the case as intakes to the gpu. But...space is an issue. ;-)
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

So...you're not going to send me the W1 for proper inspection. ;-)
Click to expand...
Of course NOT! i dont even know you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

Sure, let's do this the hard way. Over the internet.
Click to expand...
MMmm i love playing hard to get
tongue.gif
that's so hot
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

You might consider getting a cheap indoor/outdoor thermometer and measure the temp gradient between the internal case temp and the ambient temp. Would need to move the probe around near the cooler and over the PCH. Would give you an insight if there's hot pockets of air around the PCH. Does the PCH run cooler with all the panels off?
Click to expand...
Nope, too poor to buy a thermometer. who needs one when my oven / air conditioner thermometer already tells me the temperature, baby?

http://www.pcgamer.com/can-you-keep-your-pc-cooler-by-removing-the-side-panel/
"The principle of air cooling is to create either positive or negative air pressure within the case... When you remove the side panel, you disrupt the intended airflow of the case-whatever it may be-and also invite more dust to settle on your components. So it's not recommended.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

You didn't state if the 6700k is overclocked.
Click to expand...
I would never overclock in an ITX case. ever
 
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#8 ·
sorry wanted to role play. just finished playing the Witcher 3. one of the best RPG's of all time! hnnnnng

if you haven't played it, you're missing out buddy
biggrin.gif
 
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#9 ·
well here's my theory.
1) he's using top fans as intake

2) he's using a noctua L9i


3) i will regret this but t
sometimes, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Quote:
Originally Posted by doyll View Post

Downflow / Pancake Cooler Fan Orientation for Better Cooling
I've found more often than not using the fan to pull air up from cooler give significantly lower temps than pushing air into cooler.

Reason is pushing air in through cooler means hot air coming out toward motherboard turns out, hits RAM, GPU, I/O houseings etc. turning up past cooler & fan and is sucked back into fan.

With fan pulling out of cooler air flows over motherboard, up into cooler, fan and out side vents.

Even on open bench testing just turning the fan often lowers mobo and CPU temps by 5-8c
Click to expand...
Be sure to check out my man's "* * Ways to Better Cooling; Airflow, Cooler & Fan Data..* "
 
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#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

Of course NOT! i dont even know you!
Click to expand...
We're fast becoming friends tho. ;-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

MMmm i love playing hard to get
tongue.gif
that's so hot
Click to expand...
That and the PCH.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

Nope, too poor to buy a thermometer. who needs one when my oven / air conditioner thermometer already tells me the temperature, baby?
Click to expand...
Nope, it doesn't tell you the gradient between the room temp and temp inside case by the chipset.- hard to believe you can afford a premium rig and not a $10 digital thermometer. But, ok...keep guessing the issue away.
biggrin.gif

Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

http://www.pcgamer.com/can-you-keep-your-pc-cooler-by-removing-the-side-panel/
"The principle of air cooling is to create either positive or negative air pressure within the case... When you remove the side panel, you disrupt the intended airflow of the case-whatever it may be-and also invite more dust to settle on your components. So it's not recommended.
Click to expand...
Your case airflow is screwed up already. We're trying, or at least I am, to troubleshoot. Not saying run the case naked forever. Only to test the bad internal temp hypothesis. Just open it up and see after 5 minutes if the PCH temp changes. If not, then the bad thermal pad or sensor theory comes back in play.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

I would never overclock in an ITX case. ever
Click to expand...
And yet you bought the best overclocking itx Z170 board and unlocked cpu. Ok...but properly setup the W1 can support medium air-cooled overclocks very well. Not with the little L9i tho.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

well here's my theory.
1) he's using top fans as intake

2) he's using a noctua L9i

3) i will regret this but t
sometimes, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Be sure to check out my man's "* * Ways to Better Cooling; Airflow, Cooler & Fan Data..* "
Click to expand...
Desperate airflow issues call for desperate doyll quotes.
biggrin.gif


He's using the top intake AND the 140mm front intake.

The L9i lacks clearance below the fin stack to use the reverse flow effectively. It's a decent, much quieter replacement for the stock intel paperweight, er, cooler. But, is not the best choice for an itx case that supports 160mm+ tower coolers.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

Desperate airflow issues call for desperate doyll quotes.
biggrin.gif
Click to expand...
At least i'm not desperate like this


more in line of copy/pasting a post xD
 
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#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

The L9i lacks clearance below the fin stack to use the reverse flow effectively.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I thought reverse flow was an interesting concept.

Just like this rhyme

 
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#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MicroCat View Post

Desperate airflow issues call for desperate doyll quotes.
biggrin.gif


He's using the top intake AND the 140mm front intake.

The L9i lacks clearance below the fin stack to use the reverse flow effectively. It's a decent, much quieter replacement for the stock intel paperweight, er, cooler. But, is not the best choice for an itx case that supports 160mm+ tower coolers.
Click to expand...
NH-L9i lacks clearance for airflow either direction.

And it's about 3dB louder than stock Intel coolers.
tongue.gif


But it is very 'compact'.
tongue.gif
 
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#16 ·
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#17 ·
https://hardforum.com/threads/asus-z170-ws-pch-extremely-hot.1890322/
Seithennin - "50-60c is average temp for the PCH controller." "from reading around about the pch controller, people are reporting 60c averages and even a few @70C."
" These boards are designed to utilize the cpu heatsink airflow/exhaust as cooling for the PCH. The heat rising off the videocard right onto the PCH heatsink causes higher PCH temps also. Something to consider"

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?53106-Safe-Temps-for-VRM-and-PCH
Chino - "60C is perfectly normal. If you want to improve the VRM cooling, you can put a fan over it. "
 
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Discussion starter · #18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bboiprfsr View Post

well here's my theory.
1) he's using top fans as intake

2) he's using a noctua L9i


3) i will regret this but t
sometimes, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Be sure to check out my man's "* * Ways to Better Cooling; Airflow, Cooler & Fan Data..* "
Click to expand...
Major correction: Im using the Noctua NH-U9S Cooler on my Board (Sorry my baad)
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by mulkman View Post

Can you suggest a decent powerful front intake fan that I can use (that's not that noisy).

I might just swap out the front and back along with install the following:

Click to expand...
With 'case' setup like that you don't need any case fans.
tongue.gif


Edit: But dust and twitching cat tails are a potential problems.

Edit, Edit: Generally adding fans inside of case mixes heated air with cool intake air, so be careful how you use them
 
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