A8N-SLI chipset fan

[imported_rod]

Okay, if you hadn't already guesed, I have an ASUS A8N-SLI deluxe, and the noise from the chipset is really started to get annoying - it's the noiseiest thing in my system.

Anyway, I'm planning to overclock, but I also wanna make my PC a bit quieter. So, do I go with the passive NB47J from Zalman, or the free replacement which asus is offering to all A8N-SLI owners. I know the zalman will be quieter, but would the active cooler from ASUS handle the overclocking better?

Anyway, thanks for any advice you can give me people.
RoD

 

[Deinonych]

Check out this thread: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=1490234

 

[imported_rod]

OK. So the NB47 should be enough, even when OCing.

So, it's better to buy a passive Zalman cooler than get the active cooling combo freebie from ASUS.

Also, does this void my warranty?

RoD

 

[Rustler]

I am using the Zalman I installed it before I booted for the first time, and I ordered the replacement fan incase I have a warranty issue I will take the Zalman off and put the stock cooler back on.

 

[Gerbil333]

I have both, but I haven't had a chance to try the NB47J yet. I've used the replacement Asus fan, and it's one of the loudest fans in the computer, but only because it's a quiet computer. The MSI 6600GT is equally loud when idling.

I'm personally going to use my NB47J in my own system and direct some airflow at it from a 120mm fan. That should cool it better than either of the Asus fans, and should be quieter too.

 

[imported_rod]

OK, cool. Thanks ppl. I think I'll be doing what you guys have done, and install a Zalman NB47J. I'm about to put a 120mm intake fan in my case, so that should keep it cool. I might get the ASUS aswell like Rustler, in case i get any warranty issues.

RoD

 

[6800GTguy]

I just read a few threads like this and impuse-bought the zalman ZM-NB47J passive heatsink for my ASUS nforce4 SLi board. I took the easy route, using a wire cutter to nip off the heads of the push-pins of my chipset fan rather than taking out the mobo- although I literally mauled the old fan off the board, the board remained undamaged. Setting the pin-rails on the heatsink is tedious, and it took my a while to force it onto the board, but now that it's on, it fits in quite nicely under my 6800 and temps hover around 35-40 C as opposed to...35-40 C with the fan. Oh yeah, and now my pc is virtually silent.

I would reccomend it if you don't mind fiddling with your mobo for an hour.