Hey guys. I bought: 3 x CXB3070 (BIN: AB) and 3 x CXA3070 (BIN: Z4) Cree LEDS - 3000k and 5000k. Grow space will be in the attic. 3ft by 4ft. Temps 50 to 60. Any benefits of using 1 large heat heatsink (heatsinkusa) over using multiple pc fan/heatsink combinations? I'm inclined to think the the pc fans would give greater cooling at slight cost and be sufficient to avoid needing much cooling/venting. Would it be safer and or more convenient to run a separate driver for each led? . Thanks guys
Please be more detailed on your question. Are you using all on one panel? What size area are you growing in? How hard are you gonna drive them?
for 6 cobs, you're starting to make buying individual heat sinks less cost and time efficient... And like REAL said, it depends how much wattage you'll be running... if you're only running 15-20W on them, than shitty 5$ ebay heat sinks will work well, but if you plan on running them at 50-60W then buying a good heat sink like the Arctic series will be a must and you'll be looking at 10-15$ each, so 1x large heat sink might start to be more cost efficient. Do you want modularity or not? 1 large heat sink will give you ''only 1'' source of light, while having 6 separate lights can be positioned more effectively to optimize the light getting to your plant(s) one thing to keep in mind also is that the more heatsinks you have, the more fan you'll have and a bigger chance of having one crap out and let your cob overheat.
My heat sink is overkill but will do the job. 10"x24" with a Thermaltake Pure 20 fan I got my sink from Heatsinkusa.com and it will run you around $100 shipping included. The fan you can find at frys.com as well as the Rhino molex 12v adapter to power the fan View attachment 1658385 View attachment 1657217
Ok. So a couple of reasons why I didn't want the big heat sink. One being I don't have a drill press to put holes in it. Second, like you said Yomandude, I think because my grow space is kind of cramped height wise I think it might be a good idea to try and optimize lightIng by having multiple sources so it seems like the Arctic fans are my best choice?
Your space is 3x4 my panels have 8 3590's on them and I panel full blast will cover a 4x4 area. You will have wires all over the place and you will still need to drill holes for the cob holders or you gonna have to solder. Think it over before you buy the heat sinks and good luck in your build.
Do I need a drill press or would a good drill be enough for the 10 x 24? So one panel with all 6 will be sweet for 3x4? Thanks a lot for the input.
Computer shops that take in second hand computers often have loads of heatsinks with fans, i payed a euro each. I used thermal adhesive glue instead of drlling holes.
What happens when you need to change the cob? That's the reason I use cob holders plus no need to solder which he wants to avoid.
Cool I might just invest in a drill anyway... What's the thickness of the heatsink you're using? EsNero, do you have any pics of your set up?
Of course, otherwise i wouldn't be talking You can see a bit at img 4 at my second grow album. I just have to unscrew those alluminum slats? and i can change the heatsink with cob.
I will be using thermal adhesive too. And if I want to change the cob, it probably means its busted so I wont mind scrapping it off and breaking it. Then clean and resand the heat sink. I will use cheap heat sinks too. If I were to use arctic sinks I might do the extra effort to screw it on.