Temp problem

[beavereater]

I have asked this question before I am sure. But at what temp do HD start to become unstable (loss of data or serious damage) I run an app called HDD thermometer, and it says anything over 60 is critical. Havent had that. The reason I worry is Japan is pretty humid and hot as hell in summer months like now. My front case fan is not working so I need a new one (no cash as cheap as they are) SO...now I have my case open with a regular fan point inside cooling it off a little...is this OK?? Also, I see in stores these, CASE and FAN control units that can turn up and down fan speeds as well as control temps in several areas of the PC case...are these for real, or just gimmicks?? Anyone got one!? About 60 bucks US...ya think its worth it!?

[rallynavvie]

Fan controllers are generally used to turn fan speeds down to quiet a system. The temp probes are useful to map the airflow in your case. They don't cool the system, just report what temps are where you place them. My case has two temp probes built in which I put on the intake and one on my NB heatsink. Knowing ambient air temps is helpful because then you'll realize how efficient your cooling setup is. Another nice thing about those fan controllers is it powers the fans. Most motherboards have fan headers to power case fans and HSF but if the fan controller takes over this job there is less stress put on your board. Some controllers will also let you know if a fan is going bad, but just make sure you have 3-wire fans otherwise the speed control is useless.

Which case do you have? I'd recommend using that money toward getting a new case instead of just one more addition to the current one.

As for having your case open and a room fan pointed at it you should be OK as long as it isn't kicking too much dust and debris in there and that it isn't pushing large amounts of humid air at it.