Is exhaust fan needed for BE96U

[Tech9]

In this case tell Asus their device cannot maintain constant performance in claimed ambient temperature range 0-40C. You don't have to fix a new device by adding additional hardware to it. This new device is faulty and has to be fixed by Asus or replaced.

 

[Richard1864]

In this case tell Asus their device cannot maintain constant performance in claimed ambient temperature range 0-40C. You don't have to fix a new device by adding additional hardware to it. This new device is faulty and has to be fixed by Asus or replaced.

ASUS told me the temps were normal for this model, with 50⁰-65⁰ C being considered normal by them.

They did compliment us for using USB-powered fans to reduce the internal temps, but that the levels were normal.

Since my unit works better with temps in the low 40's, I question what they consider normal.

 

[Tech9]

I question what they consider normal

Make sure your performance testing methodology is correct first. Start a large transfer taking 10min for example and unplug the fan. Monitor the transfer speed changes and if they correspond to the radio IC temperature rise. If they do - Asus tricked you with 0-40C operating range. The unit keeps working, but not in the same way. If no one else with the same model unit never observed the same performance/temperature correlation - yours may have manufacturing quality issue.

 

[JGrana]

Too bad they didn’t put one of their patented vapor chamber coolers inside:

What is a vapor chamber, and how does it improve my PC’s cooling?

Every computer needs cooling. But here at ROG, we’re always pushing boundaries, which is why we've installed vapor chambers on many of our current devices for the best possible performance.

rog.asus.com

Of course it would increase the cost/price quite a bit! ;-)

 

[JGrana]

Make sure your performance testing methodology is correct first. Start a large transfer taking 10min for example and unplug the fan. Monitor the transfer speed changes and if they correspond to the radio IC temperature rise. If they do - Asus tricked you with 0-40C operating range. The unit keeps working, but not in the same way. If no one else with the same model unit never observed the same performance/temperature correlation - yours may have manufacturing quality issue.

This would be an interesting experiment. I agree that if you could prove that performance drops as the temperature increases (assuming less than 40C ambient) I believe you would have a case for a warranty return.
Maybe the thermal paste/pad between some of the components is not making proper contact.

Or, just live with the fans. If you search this forum (from years ago) you will see cooling fans “hung” on RT-AC68U’s.

 

[Tech9]

Too bad they didn’t put one of their patented vapor chamber coolers inside:

All they have to put is more precise machining of heatsinks actually making contact with ICs surfaces and some quality thermal paste. Few millimeters thick thermal transfer pads commonly used in consumer electronics are a joke. I remember copper shimming of RT-AC86U radio ICs and CPU were dropping the temperatures down with 20C without any fans. Disposable hardware.

 

[vit5421]

I got be96u and it feels little bit warm just same as all other asus routers. Works good and very fast