Alienware X51 CPU heatsink upgrade

Question

Hey everyone!

I have the top end model of the Alienware X51 with the intel i7 quadcore CPU. I am looking to upgrade the CPU heatsink to a more efficient all copper heatsink with the hopes of it radiating heat quicker and reducing the sound when the current CPU fan is at 100% (I am a gamer).

I understand the the current heatsink has an unconventional way of cooling the CPU with air being pulled from the CPU instead of pulling the air towards the CPU.

I have a few questions:

the CPU socket is a 1155 LGA. What is the maximum dimentions of a heatsink that will fit inside the Alienware X51 as space is extremely limited?

What would happen if I installed a CPU heatsink that pulled air towards the CPU instead of pushing air away from the CPU?

Could anyone recommend any top end CPU heatsinks that will fit the 1155 LGA socket and also fit inside my Alienware X51 case.

Thanks for your time

-Dave

dngray · Answer

I understand the the current heatsink has an unconventional way of cooling the CPU with air being pulled from the CPU instead of air being pushed towards the CPU

Tesla1856 · Answer

It's the heat-sink that's doing most of the cooling work. The fan is just to remove heat from it and vent it up and preferably outside the machine. The chip and motherboard is under the heatsink (blocking air-flow) so it has to pull air (heat) away, not blow toward it. Also, heat rises.

I've never really seen it work any other way.

dngray · Answer

So what you are saying is that all fans on CPU heatsinks are directing airflow in the same direction always?

Tesla1856 · Answer

So what you are saying is that all fans on CPU heatsinks are directing airflow in the same direction always?   Yes ... away from HS and chip.

dngray · Answer

Does anyone know the the dimensions allowed for a heatsink upgrade in the X51 case that supports the 1155 LGA socket?

solrac135 · Answer

You could try something like this

dngray · Answer

Could you link me to that on newegg.com

bills889 · Answer

Hey mate, a couple of people tried a compact Noctua cooler/heatsink and not only did it get louder but the temps went up aswell.

As you you know there is a plastic cup around the cooler in the x51 which forces all air OUTSIDE of the case. With no cup the hot air will simply be ejected into the case and it will heat up everything including the motherboard and GPU.

Unless you find a compact water cooler i do not reccomend trying an aftermarket heatsink those are made for regular desktops not something as tight and compact as the x51.

dngray · Answer

Thanks for the info bill. I have all the intentions to keep the plastic cup in the computer. I do think that there are some aftermarket heatsinks that would fit made with better fan technology and the heatsink being made of all copper. I would also use a high quality thermal grease to seat the new heatsink.

Here are a few heatsinks that I think would do the job better than the stock heatsink:

www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

However the only issue is finding a heatsink that fits perfectly without having to modify the plastic cup that sits on top.

hmmmmmmmmm... :)

bills889 · Answer

Exactly, if you can use that plastic shield with an aftermarket cooler then the results would be great. Let me know how you go

solrac135 · Answer

@Van1ty You may want too read here & scroll dawn so you see the mounting of the Noctua, some people are very satisfy with the modification! en.community.dell.com/.../19438386.aspx

Van1ty · Answer

@solrac

Thanks for the link. I can't believe I completely missed those pics. It seems like a good option.

I'm going to take the risk and try something no ones tried yet (from what I know of).

I'll report as soon as I get my hands on the upgrade.

Hush hush for now. ;)

Van1ty · Answer

Anxiously awaiting someone who's successfully upgraded the fan while maintaining the shroud. Else I'm gonna get myself an aftermarket Zalman and report the improvements/drawbacks without the shroud.

dngray · Answer

Hey VAN1TY can you please post to this thread if you end up trying this upgrade. I have yet to upgrade the heatsink and I am still looking to find the best replacement that will fit the X51 case with out removing the plastic cup.

will824 · Answer

Nice topic. Please do update us on the results. I do remember seeing some guy who changed the cooler in one of the alienware arena or in this community forum but I cannot remember. It looked quite nice.

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Alienware X51 CPU heatsink upgrade

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