Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 14:35 Post subject: Asus N16 Router MOD
So I have an ASUS N16 Router it's pretty sweet with a 480Mhz processor ,Wireless N, Gigabit LAN, 128MB RAM, and 32MB flash ROM.
So anyway my router is in a closet and the signal is shitty upstairs in my bedroom. So I use DD-WRT not only because it is far superior to the stock firmware, it allows me to adjust the output power of the wireless radio. The stock power is 17mw, the max is 251 - this is great for signal but it tends to make the router run hot. My new 75/25Mbit service, my weakness for HD movies, and the fact I have lots of QoS rules that lead to the processor being over 50% usage constantly. Both of these factors create lots of excess heat, causing dropouts in speed and router crashes.
So...... time for some overkill
I started by removing the stock heat sink and thermal tape, sanding down the heat sinks and cleaning everything with 91% isopropyl.
Applied the arctic silver ceramic to the chips and placed the sink on:
Also decided to add a pair on the radio chip and a fan:
And a fan cutout of course:
And a set of 9dbi antenna from Fabcorp (pics to come):
I know there is better thermally conductive stuff, but this is an insulator and I didn't want to fuck with the radio chip, which seems to be covered in a faraday shield.
It is a very informative and useful forum. I have to admit, that I always follow your site because it is full of various information, especially touching ones. While reading this your entry I have found some new information, which I have not known before.
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bathroom heaters
thought i would share a simple solution for people to cool their rt-n16. i just purchased mine a couple weeks ago and had this small netbook cooler sitting around and put it under my router. its powered by usb so plugging it into the back of the router worked perfectly.
Interesting idea, can you feel the difference with the pad running? Also, do you think the fans will wear out pretty quick since they are running all the time? _________________ RT-N16; DD-WRT build 18777 mega
RT-N16; DD-WRT v24-sp2 (04/13/11) mega - build 14929
RT-N16; DD-WRT v24-sp2 (04/13/11) mega - build 14929
Just curious...would it be ok to just "stick" on the heatsinks with some left over Arctic Silver 3 thermal paste from my previous computer build instead of using a thermal adhesive/epoxy? Afterall, the router is always sitting parallel to the floor on top of my shelf.
Edit..also would wiring fans to the existing circuit cause the entire router to draw more electricity or deprive the router necessary power when it is running on a full load with both usb ports powering external hard drives? I feel like it'll overload...