How HOT Does it Get?

AAPS

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to put a small fan behind my mirror. I’ve noticed that my raspberry pi gets pretty hot quickly, so I thought I might need to cool it down since the 3d printed case around my pi is made out of biodegradable PLA plastic. I really wouldn’t want it to get too hot.

Jopyth

What do you need? Module or command: /opt/vc/bin/vcgencmd measure_temp?

schlachtkreuzer6

@AAPS is your case ventilated/some holes? do you using a heatsink for cpu and Ram? my pi2 climbs to max. 60°C so anyway your far far faaaaaar way to melt your PLA case ^^

AAPS

My case is ventilated, but I still might consider a tiny fan to make sure nothing happens anyway. I don’t use a heatsink. Either way, my raspberry pi shouldn’t ever get hot enough to melt the plastic, which melts at like 200°C in the 3d printer.

AAPS

I am also assuming that it is okay for me to always keep the pi on (the display will mostly stay off, though). Someone please correct me if I am wrong because the last thing I need is my raspberry pi not being powerful enough to always stay active.

planet4

I did some tests and here is my results. However my PI is located on the other side of the wall and not in the frame.

PI Without heatsink and with
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With vent holes
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Without holes

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AAPS

It seems like I should be completely fine, and nothing should melt or get messed up. Is this right?

AAPS

I just realized that I do have a heatsink, but it’s one for an old computer. Do they run mechanically or electronically? It might be just what I need. It won’t be ideal, but I can figure something out.

1m2

@AAPS
Honestly I think this thing def. needs a fan even with a heatsink. It gets way too hot. I have not finished with OS set up and config quite yet though so it’s not my focus yet, case wise. I had to open the top part of the case even though it was well ventilated, I added a fan and sinse then it’s been running cool to the touch where that was not the case with an open case and heatsink. I will def. encorporate a fan once I get to that point in my build.

AAPS

Thanks! That’s the kind of response I was waiting to hear.