Alpha 8045 or SI-97A

[L8CS]

One of my PC's is an oc'd 2500 Barton at 3200+ with an Alpha 8045 HS. While researching the XP-90 HS for another upgrade I'm doing, I came across the SI-97A. The reviews are positive for it and so I'm considering upgrading the Alpha to the SI-97A with the Nexus 92mm Silent on it.

My idle temps are currently at 48C and 52 to 56C under load. I'm keeping the 2500 around for awhile and I'll probably get a P-180 case to quiet things down. I haven't lapped the Alpha yet and I'm currently using Artic Aluminum but I'll change to AS5 shortly.

I'm not sure if it's worth $55 for the SI-97 and Nexus combo or if it would make any difference in temps.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tambora]

I'd keep the Alpha and go for the case. The case can be used for later builds, the Alpha won't. You could check to see if the heat sink and fan are clean as the dust can really get packed into an Alpha and hurt the air flow. Hmm, may be I should check my old pc and clean my 8045 too!

 

[L8CS]

I could probably lower the temps a little by putting a higher cfm fan and the AS5 on it but I like the Silencer because it's quiet. The Alpha sits pretty close to the PWS and it probably picks up heat from it, so that's why I was intrigued with the P-180 and it's seperate compartment.