Pi Cooling System

[Don]

Some time ago I bought myself a Raspberry Pi 3b to be used in conjunction with ICC. The only problem I could find with the Pi was that it was running hot. Maximum operating temperature rating is 85 degrees C, then it starts to throttle the CPU. I have seen many articles and YouTube videos where these things operate up to 125 degrees C. I just though that at lower temperatures it would last a lot longer and run smoother. I went to a few computer shops and inquired about heat sinks and a fan for the Pi. The only reply I got was "Huh, ow, never heard of that." 

So I went the old trusted route, went straight to China on Ebay. There are many different heat sinks to choose from. I wanted heat sinks and a fan. I eventually decided to buy this. It took about 3 weeks to get here by normal post. Postage is free in any case. If you buy a case in SA, it is double the price than that of the kit with all the accessories..

This is what I received. 1 x see through case, fan and bolts and 3 x heat sinks.

I assembled the case, installed the heat sinks and the fan.

I was not happy withe the big hole they cut in the case right next to the fan for the GPIO. The air will short circuit directly to the fan through the hole. I then decided to make use of my original case. I just had to cut a hole in the top cover for the fan.

I also preferred all the vent holes on the bottom cover than just the single hole on the other case.

Here are the Pi temperature graph for the last month without any cooling. The Pi has been running for about 18 hours now. See March 27 - with cooling. Makes a difference doesn't it.

And a graph for the last week. See March 27 with cooling. There is about a 20 degree temperature difference with the cooling kit. The main advantage is that if you load the CPU, it goes up by a few degrees, not run away like in the past.

I would recommend the cooling upgrade for all running on Pi's. For R48, you can't go wrong.

[Guest]

Awsome Don. Well explaine and a huge difference


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[Guest]

9 hours ago, Don said:

... it was running hot.

Just a little titbit I read about what Google did a while ago: http://www.geek.com/chips/googles-most-efficient-data-center-runs-at-95-degrees-1478473/

[SilverNodashi]

1 hour ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Just a little titbit I read about what Google did a while ago: http://www.geek.com/chips/googles-most-efficient-data-center-runs-at-95-degrees-1478473/

95 degrees Fahrenheit = 35 Degrees Celsius. Seems Don't Pi is close to it. 

 

What I have found, with the Pi, is that as soon as mine goes over 50 Degrees Celsius, it tends to be unstable. Opened the cover and lay it flat down so all the heat moves up. No problems after that. I think

 

pi@raspberrypi:~ $ /opt/vc/bin/vcgencmd measure_temp
temp=44.0'C

And it's currently 20.9C in that room:

pi@raspberrypi:~ $ python DS18B20.py
Outside=26.0
GarageRoof=32.6
Garage=23.6
DirectSun=55.6
Study=20.9
UnderPV=34.3

 

[Don]

1 hour ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Just a little titbit I read about what Google did a while ago

I am sure a Jet engine will run more efficiently at higher temperatures than a small prop propelled engine. 

 

[AndewJ]

On ‎2017‎/‎03‎/‎27 at 11:24 PM, Don said:

Some time ago I bought myself a Raspberry Pi 3b to be used in conjunction with ICC. The only problem I could find with the Pi was that it was running hot. Maximum operating temperature rating is 85 degrees C, then it starts to throttle the CPU. I have seen many articles and YouTube videos where these things operate up to 125 degrees C. I just though that at lower temperatures it would last a lot longer and run smoother. I went to a few computer shops and inquired about heat sinks and a fan for the Pi. The only reply I got was "Huh, ow, never heard of that." 

So I went the old trusted route, went straight to China on Ebay. There are many different heat sinks to choose from. I wanted heat sinks and a fan. I eventually decided to buy this. It took about 3 weeks to get here by normal post. Postage is free in any case. If you buy a case in SA, it is double the price than that of the kit with all the accessories..

This is what I received. 1 x see through case, fan and bolts and 3 x heat sinks.

I assembled the case, installed the heat sinks and the fan.

I was not happy withe the big hole they cut in the case right next to the fan for the GPIO. The air will short circuit directly to the fan through the hole. I then decided to make use of my original case. I just had to cut a hole in the top cover for the fan.

I also preferred all the vent holes on the bottom cover than just the single hole on the other case.

Here are the Pi temperature graph for the last month without any cooling. The Pi has been running for about 18 hours now. See March 27 - with cooling. Makes a difference doesn't it.

And a graph for the last week. See March 27 with cooling. There is about a 20 degree temperature difference with the cooling kit. The main advantage is that if you load the CPU, it goes up by a few degrees, not run away like in the past.

I would recommend the cooling upgrade for all running on Pi's. For R48, you can't go wrong.

Do you know where I can get this in South Africa? The ebay listing doesn't exist anymore. 

[NigelL]

Hi Andrew

I think I saw a similar case at Netram Technologies - but do not see it on their website (www.netram.co.za).  Otherwise the PiShop (www.pishop.co.za) usually has most Pi accessories at a good price.