AM2+ cooling help - which heatsink to choose?

[Foxbat25m]

Hello all. I am about to upgrade my CPU (AMD AM2+ sockets, 9950BE to AMD 965 and 1090T) in two of my PCs, and have decided to get a new CPU heatsink/fan for both as well.

I am currently using a Sunbeam 92mm and Sunbeam 120mm Core Contact Freezer. I decided that I would like to get a new heatsink/fan for my new CPUs as I found the installation of these very difficult, and damaged the heatsinks a bit during installation. So I would like to buy a new CPU cooler that is easier to install.


I have been considering the XIGMATEK LOKI 92mm. The installation itself seems very simple, but I am wondering which way the fan points? I can not find a picture of it installed in an AM2+ case. Is it mounted so that it blows the air into the rear case fan? Here is an illustration (different heatsink/fan than the XIGMATEK):

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2009/08/five-lga1156-coolers-tested-on-lynnfield/tx3.jpg


Here is the specific XIGMATEK LOKI 92mm I am looking to buy:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...igmatek%20loki


Anyone have any input on the XIGATEK in terms of quality, noise, and cooling? Seems very new and not a whole lot of info on it.

And I have never removed a motherboard before. Any tips on what I should or shouldn't do when removing a motherboard?

And finally, I have some TX2 thermal paste. What is the best method of applying it to this LOKI?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[GaiaHunter]

Welcome to the forums.

The Loki should allow only Crossflow configuration (exhaust to the rear) in most AMD motherboards (I believe all the motherboards that have the clip mount top-bottom).

I have the Gaia (slightly bigger version of the Loki with 120mm). It cools some 10-14C lower than the stock cooler and it is much more silent. When you are gaming it shouldn't be a problem at max speed. At minimum speed it is silent and it still cools quite decently.

About applying the thermal paste - I applied 2 lines (of Artic Cooling MX3), about 2/3rds of the length of the pipes, in the 2 spaces between the pipes.

About removing the motherboard - just unplug all cables and have some anti-electrostatic base (I believe that the base that comes with the motherboard should do the trick) and when you put it back just make sure the motherboard isn't touching any metal.

The tools I used was a long nose pliers (to remove the stock motherboard socket and pull the rubber pins), 1 slot screw driver (to remove the stock cooler, but I guess u don't need this) and 1 phillips screw driver. Also make sure to have something to remove the thermal paste on your cpu (rubbing alcohol will do) and some material to clean the cpu like coffee filters.

 

[Foxbat25m]

Thanks for the reply. I found the post helpful and clear. I am about to remove one of my boards in a few moments, so I might have some more questions soon.

 

[Foxbat25m]

I installed my 92mm LOKI and new CPU a few days ago. So far the temps are good. Installation was very easy.

However, it runs at 2800 RPM constantly and is a bit loud. I believe it should automatically speed down/up depending on the temps like the stock AMD heatsink/fan. If this is done in the BIOS, what setting should I look for?