When I purchase my raspberry PI 3, will I need a cooling fan to keep it cool as I plan to add a heat sync to the main chip? Will I need a special case in which to mount a cooling fan?

When I finally purchase my Raspberry PI 3, will I need a cooling fan to keep it cool and I plan to add a heat sync to the main processor chip. Will I need a special case to enclose the PI with a cooling fan? If so, what would you suggest. I'll probably get the Raspberry PI 3 with the camera module for a starter pack. Any suggestions? Also I would like to know if there is a micro camera that will interface with the PI 3 using WiFi as I plan to mount a camera in the nose of one of my HO scale engines for a look around the layout. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Rusty

0 michaelwylie over 9 years ago

Doubtful you'll need one, but shabaz covered this in a blog:
Raspberry Pi 3 Cooling / Heat Sink Ideas
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0 simpsonron over 9 years ago

My Pi 3 does not have a heat sync. Just sitting on the desk not in a box. On cold days (in doors) it is fine. In the summer it will drop back in speed to keep the temperature under control. 1200_> to 600 It is on the edge of working at full speed with out heat syncs. I will add a small heat sync. If it was in a box with no air flow then it should have a fan.

On the internet there are many small boxes, many with fan mounting holes.
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0 wrustylane over 9 years ago in reply to simpsonron

Thank you very much for the information. I will keep it in mind when (if ever) I'm able to buy a RPI3. I've seen several different heat syncs shown in comments about cooling the RPI3. I shall look for an enclosure that will not only house the RPI3, but will allow for installing a small fan for cooling. Operating temperature need not be a variable with which I need to deal. I'd rather add a cooling fan than loose speed on the main board due to temperature. --Rusty
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0 piesp8472 over 9 years ago

Hi everyone,
I have been using my Pie 3B for almost a month now. It sits in that transparent case, with 2 heat sinks, 1 copper and 1 aluminium, without a fan, using OpenELEC as the OS. The ambient temperature tends to be around 15 degrees C now in winter. I watch SD/HD/Full HD content through WiFi and/or USB disks, sometimes 6-7 hours continuously without any problems. I am hoping this continues in summer, when the ambient temperatures tend to rise above 30 degrees C.
Hope this helps.
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