2009-12-08, 10:11
Finally, I didn't buy a zalman, I first tried to power the CPU fan with 5V (from the DVD/HDD power connector, no free 5V connector on the ASROCK ION 330, I've only seen the clear CMOS strap connector). With 5V, no noise, but temperatures were too high. Then I put a 68Ohms resistors in serie from the 12V fan connector and the temperatures are good now. Here are my results with 1080p playback
CPU FAN 12V/ BIOS ultra silent: GPU<75°C, CPU<55°C (initial)
CPU FAN 5V / BIOS ultra silent: GPU>85°C, CPU>80°C increasing -> stop
CPU FAN 5V / BIOS silent : GPU<85°C, CPU<75°C
CPU FAN 9V / BIOS silent : GPU<70°C, CPU<51°C
CPU FAN 9V / BIOS ultra silent: didn't try
With 9V and silent settings the CPU fan noise is gone and overall noise level is very acceptable
Ciao
CPU FAN 12V/ BIOS ultra silent: GPU<75°C, CPU<55°C (initial)
CPU FAN 5V / BIOS ultra silent: GPU>85°C, CPU>80°C increasing -> stop
CPU FAN 5V / BIOS silent : GPU<85°C, CPU<75°C
CPU FAN 9V / BIOS silent : GPU<70°C, CPU<51°C
CPU FAN 9V / BIOS ultra silent: didn't try
With 9V and silent settings the CPU fan noise is gone and overall noise level is very acceptable
Ciao