Need a CNC Rig

[Dkenz79]

Budget (up to $1000): 

Country: US

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: 

Other details Just needs to run a few browsers and app

 

So my retired step dad 72yr old took a hobby in woodworking.  The problem is he keeps buying cheap laptops from best buy and of course the saw dust and stuff gets into everything.. I have advised him several times "Let me build you a computer"  He has said no every time..  IMO... he needs a solid state computer.. Passive cooled.   Ive always built high end computers (5090 and ect)  So my question is.. what CPU do i need to passive cool it?  no GPU needed.  Its solely to work his CNC machine.   Also had another question.. i build computers as a hobby.. i have allot of extra parts..  Im wondering can i undervolt a 8700k to be passively cooled? or a 10700k?  LIke i said.. ive built higher end..  Thinking the newer maybe 12th gen maybe better reguardless  12400k?  Gimme some thoughts.. thanks!

[Eigenvektor]

I'd look into small form factor industrial computers that are passively cooled. I don't think building your own machine at that level is really worth it. You just need something that does its job.

 

It'll be smaller than what you can realistically build on your own, and can do things like use its case for cooling by running a heatpipe between CPU and chassis

[Timme]

Would a used Toughbook or similar device with an IP6X(dustproof) classification be a perfect fit for the job?

[Kilrah]

Yup, industrial mini PCs. E.g.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127305810624

 

Qotom has a bunch too, many other options https://www.qotom.com/

[Dkenz79]

I do agree but Im not looking for a mini PC..  i want to be able to service/upgrade it if needed.  I guess i should have just asked what CPU can be passively cooled.  What wattage.. 65ish?

[Kilrah]

Well the stated use case doesn't really need upgrades, so still a couple hundred bucks for one that gets entirely replaced in a few years when needed instead of a grand on something custom makes more sense...

 

For the question... All depends on how massive/complex of a cooler/case design you want. I have 15W TDP CPUs that need a fan. Would say 15-30W at most unless you build something really beefy.

[Timme]

32 minutes ago, Dkenz79 said:

I do agree but Im not looking for a mini PC..  i want to be able to service/upgrade it if needed.  I guess i should have just asked what CPU can be passively cooled.  What wattage.. 65ish?

Could it be that you're looking for something that specifically you vibe with and agree with the scenario, where you assume that you could've been the responsibility and the guarantee of it working, regardless of what would be an actual optimal/best solution for your dad? Like, you really don't seem to understand your dead's reasoning behind the insistence on the "dustproof" factor and why it is so important to him.
Surely, he's not senile and keeps buying disposable every single time?

Like, if you really want to be of help to him, sit down with him and figure out his particular specs requirements. Try to figure out existing options and your assumptions against the actual professional industrial HW. Show him something like this and ask why he would or would not want it. Then figure out from there?

[Eigenvektor]

2 hours ago, Dkenz79 said:

I guess i should have just asked what CPU can be passively cooled.  What wattage.. 65ish?

It really depends. A sealed machine with a big metal case that doubles as its heatsink will be able to dissipate a lot more than a small cooler strapped to just the CPU. It also depends on how well ventilated the area is the machine will be in.

 

What does the machine need to be able to do? Do you see a reason it actually needs to be upgradeable, rather than just small, unobtrusive and out of the way? (also reduces the number of times you need to do tech support)

 

Ultimately you should look for something your dad is happy with, not something that makes you happy. In my experience, the more "it just works" it is, the better for people where the computer is a means to and end, rather than and end unto itself.

 

I think stating what the machine needs to be able to do, rather than just stating you need a passively cooled CPU is the right way to go about it (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XY_problem)