Topic: Need help Selecting new Heat Sink

[jgray000]

My home system is running pretty hot these days.  The northbridge is holding a steady 60C with Motherboard at 34C.

My current heat sink, Zalman Volcano I think, doesn't seem to be working too well.

I see that number6 recommended a Thermalright? Do you all like this one?

my system specs:

Asus A7N8X deluxe
AMD 3000+
ATI 9500 Pro
Antec Case (single fan at rear)

My room temp is at about 80F.  But I think the air flow to the back of the case is poor  (Located in corner under a shelf)

I though of putting a small 6" fan behind the PC to clear the air that is settling in the corner. I also thought of getting one of those cold cases, but not sure of what brand and assumed the cost was relatively high.

I am no expert in hardware and need some guidance.

Thanks.

[Doc Nyar]

Is it just a fan you're seeking, or a "better" case ? I know there are cases with multiple fans inside, like mine, which has 6 fans just for cooling (not to mention the 3 at the power supply).

I understand 6 fans is overdoing it, but I think you get the idea

Here are some links for coolers:

Several coolers tested

Zalman products (THE coolers)

Hope it helps

[RotteVis]

Go for a Swiftech MCX-462 heatsink with any decent fan (papst,y-tech,delta), it's the most expensive way but the best. Or if you want to to low budget, take a spire whisperrock III or IV. Very low noise and keeps the AMD cool for a nice price. But whatever you take, never take a thermaltake dragon orb 3. The quality of the fan is crappier than crap and the noise level will make you go insane (7000 rpm!!!). Had one  myself in the past, I still see dead people  

[jgray000]

RotteVis-
After researching Tom's Hardware review that Doc referred me to, I concur with you.

I am buying the SwiftechMC462-V.  

http://www.swiftnets.com/products/mcx462-V.asp

You mentioned 3 fans.  Do you have a favorite from those 3? The quieter one?

thx for the feedback.

jgray



Those who know everything, know nothing...

[jgray000]

Is it just a fan you're seeking, or a "better" case ? I know there are cases with multiple fans inside, like mine

Cool case Doc.

[Doc Nyar]

Thanks. Even with my pc 30% overclocked, it runs flawlessly

[BuzzSaw]

Your system is nearly identical to mine. I have 4 case fans (plus 2 on the PSU) and I have the Antec Aeroflow. With ambient temp around 80 f., My socket temp under load runs at 42 c., and diode at 45 c.
I also polished the copper core bottom of the heatsink and that brought my temps down about 10 c.
You definetely need more than one case fan my friend. Add two to the front sucking in, one in the side blowing right on the CPU/Vid card, and one in the top sucking out (Heat rises). That will really help a lot. Good luck!!

Buzz

[RotteVis]

RotteVis-
After researching Tom's Hardware review that Doc referred me to, I concur with you.

I am buying the SwiftechMC462-V.  

http://www.swiftnets.com/products/mcx462-V.asp

You mentioned 3 fans.  Do you have a favorite from those 3? The quieter one?

thx for the feedback.

jgray



Those who know everything, know nothing...

All three are very good, but my quiest one is the Papst, expecially when u use the 5v or 7v trick. Also a good idea is to buy a fan-adapter (60mm --> 80mm) and put an 80mm fan on top of it with a 7v trick. A good airflow with low noise.

But I still prefer my Koolance PC2 case, watercooled... best cooling system invented.