Best chipset cooler for MSI K8N Neo Platinum?

[WdnUlik2no]

My NB temps are now idling at 43C+. It used to be in the low 30's. Anyway I am thinking about getting another passive chipset cooler for it. The Zalman ZMNB47J is one I am considering.

I am worried about the inteference with the cooler and my AGP card (Radeon 9800 Pro). The card is so long that it seems to cover up one of the holes on the chipset and leave little if any room to install the Zalman.

Is the Zalman the best choice for a passive chipset cooler? And also, do I have to remove the existing cooler that came with the board before installing this one? It doesnt look like it can be removed.

 

[imported_Kensai]

The Zalman cooler is great, it's *very* easy to replace MSI's NB coolers as they only use thermal paste to attach them and it's a non-propriatery attachment system.

 

[lestat0521]

I hope we get a few more replies, im purchasing this board and read about needing to stick passive cooling on the chip down near the video card.

 

[MustangSVT]

I had to do some mods for mine to fit.

one hole is covered by agp card (6800) and the clearance is pretty low.

I decided to make my own heatsink because of the way it heated up. pretty damn hot after gaming for awhile...

I used an old K6 heatsink + fan. large enough to dissapate heat and old enough for me to hack it up 🙂

I used dremel to cut off top portion of it and shorten the fins to fit under the card 🙂

now it doesnt even get warm to the touch 🙂

 

[Jotho]

I have a similar setup to yours. I honestly don't think the Zalman would fit without some modification.

 

[Operandi]

Like others have said I don't think there will be enough clearance. This Zalman is shorter and may fit.

 

[Mrvile]

Originally posted by: Operandi
Like others have said I don't think there will be enough clearance. This Zalman is shorter and may fit.

Hmm I don't quite get what they're trying to say here:

1. Using Thermal Adhesive (No holes around the northbridge chipset)

Caution 1) The heatsink attached with thermal adhesive cannot be removed afterwards. 2) Attach in well-ventilated place. 3) Do not let your skin or eyes get in contact with the adhesive. In case of contact, clean off promptly with water, and contact your physician thereafter if it went into your eyes.

2. Using Push Pins

Cautions Do not let your skin or eyes get in contact with the thermal grease. In case of contact, clean off promptly with water, and contact your physician thereafter if it went into your eyes.

First, I get thermal paste on my hands all the time, and nothing happens. Also, if ever I wanted to replace my NB heatsink, it would be impossible? And finally, how do you use push pins to attach the heatsink?

I've been playing with the idea of getting a new heatsink for my NB but like everyone else, there is little clearance due to the AGP card (not to mention that I have a NV5 on it) and I don't have that much airflow around the NB area.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Mrvile

Originally posted by: Operandi
Like others have said I don't think there will be enough clearance. This Zalman is shorter and may fit.

Hmm I don't quite get what they're trying to say here:

1. Using Thermal Adhesive (No holes around the northbridge chipset)

Caution 1) The heatsink attached with thermal adhesive cannot be removed afterwards. 2) Attach in well-ventilated place. 3) Do not let your skin or eyes get in contact with the adhesive. In case of contact, clean off promptly with water, and contact your physician thereafter if it went into your eyes.

2. Using Push Pins

Cautions Do not let your skin or eyes get in contact with the thermal grease. In case of contact, clean off promptly with water, and contact your physician thereafter if it went into your eyes.

First, I get thermal paste on my hands all the time, and nothing happens. Also, if ever I wanted to replace my NB heatsink, it would be impossible? And finally, how do you use push pins to attach the heatsink?

I've been playing with the idea of getting a new heatsink for my NB but like everyone else, there is little clearance due to the AGP card (not to mention that I have a NV5 on it) and I don't have that much airflow around the NB area.

There is an installation movie on Zalman's website. If your motherboard has mounting holes around the NB heat sink you use the push pins to install it.

If it doesn?t you can use the thermal adhesive. If you think you'll want to remove it later you can mix a small amount of adhesive with the thermal compound and it should come free without too much fuss.