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Athlon 64 + Antec Sonata II: CPU Cooler Recs?

V

vicwang

Member
I'm planning to build a new Athlon 64 3200 system with a K8USA Dragon Ultra mobo and I'm thinking about getting the Antec Sonata II for the case. However, from the screenshots of the case, it looks like clearance might be an issue with some CPU coolers due to the ducts:

Antec Sonata Pic

Does anyone know if this might be a problem? And, does anyone have a suggestions for a good CPU cooler that will fit this particular mobo/case combination?
 
You could remove the duct. What HSF's have you been looking at? Are you oc'ing? Can't go wrong w/ a Thermalright xp90 and a good med speed 92mm fan (panaflo).
 
Thanks. I've heard the XP90 is pretty good so if that will fit for sure I might go with that. I'd definitely rather go with something that will fit without removing the ducting than have to remove t for a bigger HSF. Don't plan to OC too much but it would be nice to OC a speed grade or two.
 
Originally posted by: vicwang
Thanks. I've heard the XP90 is pretty good so if that will fit for sure I might go with that. I'd definitely rather go with something that will fit without removing the ducting than have to remove t for a bigger HSF. Don't plan to OC too much but it would be nice to OC a speed grade or two.
Click to expand...

I know it will work on your mobo, but as to the duct I am not sure. I googled around and could not find anything on the xp90 fitting with the SonataII duct still installed. Only ploblem I see you running into with the duct is the height of the xp90 which is not all that high. G-Luck and yes the xp90 is an outstanding HS IMO. With a med speed Pannie & good case air-flow, you can oc to your liking.
 
Originally posted by: JBDan
Originally posted by: vicwang
Thanks. I've heard the XP90 is pretty good so if that will fit for sure I might go with that. I'd definitely rather go with something that will fit without removing the ducting than have to remove t for a bigger HSF. Don't plan to OC too much but it would be nice to OC a speed grade or two.
Click to expand...

I know it will work on your mobo, but as to the duct I am not sure. I googled around and could not find anything on the xp90 fitting with the SonataII duct still installed. Only ploblem I see you running into with the duct is the height of the xp90 which is not all that high. G-Luck and yes the xp90 is an outstanding HS IMO. With a med speed Pannie & good case air-flow, you can oc to your liking.
Click to expand...


The best thing about the Sonata II duct is that it allows you to add a 92mm fan in the duct over the CPU. As a result you don't need to purchase aftermarket CPU cooling. I've built a couple overclocked gaming rigs for friends using the Sonata II case and I get great temps with the stock AMD heatskink and fan with a single 92mm Panaflow installed in the duct. You can also completely remove the stock CPU fan and use only the duct fan if you wish.
 
I have that case, the duct with the 92mm fan will not fit with an XP90, the XP90 is just too tall. Now if you don't put a fan on the XP90 and just use the one in the duct, well that might just be better overall. I would leave the 80mm hole shut though.

edit: I mean the XP90 WITH FAN will not fit while using a fan in the duct.


btw if anyone is selling their duct, I'd like to buy another one, PM me with your price.
 
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