Windows9566 wrote:

The voltage regulator to the right of my MMX 200 CPU gets way too hot after running for 15 minutes on my TC430HX. any way to make it run cooler?

Point a fan at it.

i do have some air blowing on it from my CPU fan on the heatsink.

Linears will run hotter with split rail CPUs. Is the regulator heatsinked?

gdjacobs wrote:

Linears will run hotter with split rail CPUs. Is the regulator heatsinked?

yes, many intel socket 7 ATX boards have huge black heatsinks, Advanced/ML, AG430HX (Sony OEM), TE430VX (Gateway/Dell OEM), TC430HX, AN430TX, LT430TX)
and thats why it was cooler when i used a Pentium 100 on it. MMX CPUs make the linear regulator get hotter.

Define "Way too hot".

Actually, you need to check the spec sheet of the regulator and mosfets to see what the max operating temperature is.

Should be at least 105 C anyway.

I have an Intel AN430TX which has the same huge and scorchingly hot metal lump of a cooling block for the mosfet as in the picture. I have tested holding/pressing down a 40mm fan on top of it, and that really helps a LOT!.

Now, there just the matter of how to 'permanently' attach and secure the fan to the block... 😀

i found out that the voltage regulator runs a bit cooler when i use a non mmx pentium on it.

Put a bigger heatsink on it? 🤣

A fan is a good option if you have one that fits in that space, just depends on if you want the noise of another fan in the case.

ninkeo wrote:

Put a bigger heatsink on it? 🤣

A fan is a good option if you have one that fits in that space, just depends on if you want the noise of another fan in the case.

The cpu fan should provide enough airflow.

Put a bigger heatsink on it?

You can't. Heatsink is soldered to the motherboard.

The Serpent Rider wrote:

Put a bigger heatsink on it?

You can't. Heatsink is soldered to the motherboard.

Didn't think they would be, that makes it harder to change, if at all.

I have the same problem with my MMX 200 build as well. The heatsink on the voltage regulator get so hot that you can only touch it for 2 or 3 seconds. However, human fingers are not a good indicator for temperature. If you can touch something for some seconds, it's probably not hotter than 70-80°C, which is still fine and should not cause any issues, apart from getting the heat out of the case.

The heatsink on one of my 430 based boards gets really HOT - yes, I mean HOT.
Maybe, try applying a bigger heatsink if you're worried.

If you can touch something for some seconds, it's probably not hotter that 70-80°C

Around 65 more likely. At 80 reflexes will kick in.

The Serpent Rider wrote:

Put a bigger heatsink on it?

You can't. Heatsink is soldered to the motherboard.

Nothing that a soldering iron can't solve...

The Serpent Rider wrote:

If you can touch something for some seconds, it's probably not hotter than 70-80°C

Around 65 more likely. At 80 reflexes will kick in.

That's different to every person. With enough callus, you may be able to touch something that's 90°C for some seconds. Other people crying "hot" even at 50°C already.

Nothing that a soldering iron can't solve...

But you also need a new bigger heatsink which will fit.