I use a system from 2013, still powerful enough to do computing in 2018. But I've always wanted to passively cool the system during low CPU utilization, 1. reduce noise 2. reduce dust. 3 reduce power? ...anyway 5 years later I've had another crack and here's the solution:
The ASUS P8Z68 motherboard is passively cooled, this board comes with a group of software tools called ASUS AI Suite 2, one tool being FanXpert for controlling CPU and system fan speeds at different loads. https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8Z68V_LX/
My CPU fan choice was the Nocturn NH-D14, An air cooling solution, which out performed the watercooled Corsair H100i. I swapped out the 3 pin NF-P14/NF-P12 fans for PWM NF-A14/NF-A12 due to the motherboard not supporting fan speed with the 3 pin versions. https://noctua.at/en/nh-d14
(low profile)
The crazy thing is this ram doesn't need big heat sinks.
I selected the Corsair RM850i PSU which drops in to 'zero cool' mode turning off the fan when not needed. I really like this power supply with modular cabling supporting any combination you need for GFX cards.
FanXpert 2 exposes more functionality like RPM fix mode which allows 0 RPM but then 100% RPM. or Smart Mode with 10% minimum.
But we want 0 RPM in the curvy Smart Mode! The good news is FanXpert 2 uses XML configuration files we can edit to specify 0 RPM in Smart Mode (curve).
Note: make sure you monitor CPU temperatures using realtemp or other software. Your CPU temperature will change from mine depending on your location, PC case, CPU, setup etc.
https://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/
Instructions:
1. Update BIOS to latest version
2. Disable minimum CPU RPM in BIOS.
3. Go to P8z68 downloads: https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8Z68V_LX/HelpDesk_Download/
4. Select your OS
5. Select Drivers and Tools tab.
6. Expand Utilities.
7. Download AI Suite 2.
8. Extract AI Suite 2 to a folder.
9. Delete FanExpert\AppSetup folder.
10. Go to the F2A85A downloads: https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/F2A85V_PRO/HelpDesk_Download/
11. Select your OS
12. Select Drivers and Tools Tab
13. Expand utilities
14. Download ASUS AI Suite II V2.01.01
15. Extract FanXpert2\AppSetup to Version 1.02.20\FanXpert .
16. Run Version 1.02.20\setup.exe
I don't bother installing:
a) MyLogo,
b) AI Charger+ (I think this is buggy),
c) ASUS Update (no further support likely from ASUS).
17. Reset PC
18. Run AI Suite 2,
19. Click tools tab.
20 Click Fan Xpert 2
21. "Fan Auto Tuning" will pop up, click "ok".
23. Open C:\ProgramData\FanXpert2\info.xml
24. Ensure these 4 lines are set to 0 under <FAN_0 Name="CPU fan">:
<MaxDutyToKeepStill Value="0" />
<MinDutyToKeepRuning Value="0" />
<RpmOfMaxDutyToKeepStill Value="0" />
<RpmOfMinDutyToKeepRuning Value="0" />
29. Adjust the Smart Mode curve how you want, but keep the following in mind:
Notes:
1. "In general you should consider 60 degrees Celcius the absolute maximum for long periods, but aim for 45-50 degrees to be safe."
(https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/desktop-pc/cpu-temp-3498564/)
2.CPU's perform faster cooler.
3. Semiconductor devices draw less power at lower temperatures, spend some power to cool them and they will consume less power.
4. ASUS AI Suite Sensors warn of 0 RPM.
5. The Nocturn NH-D14 PWM will stop spinning the fans below ~207 RPM
