Best Cooler For A P4 3Ghz 800Mhz FSB 512Cache

[jgilland]

I have a P4 3Ghz 800Mhz FSB 512Cache with the stock Intel HSF Combo. At idle, it runs around 90-95F. At load, it runs anywhere from 120-140, depending on what I am doing. I would like to replace the stock option with a new cooler that can do a better job at keeping it cool under load. What is the best option out there right now for me (no water coolers, just HSF Combos / Heatpipes)?

 

[theMan]

thermalright

 

[qbackin]

xp-90, xp120

 

[jgilland]

Including links would be good also.

And model numbers, thermalright what? (model)

 

[TrueWisdom]

Depends on how much you're willing to spend, and how much noise you want to put up with. Zalman makes very quiet HSF combos that perform exceptionally well, but they're very expensive. Thermalright makes fantastic heatsinks, but they're also going to cost you some serious coin. To be honest, your temps are fine for a chip running at that speed. If you're not planning on overclocking, stick with the stock heatsink--it's plenty cool and quiet for the average user.

You might also consider putting on quality thermal paste. That can drop your temps considerably. (In the most extreme cases I've seen, up to 5 degrees Celsius.)

 

[Chode Messiah]

Thermalright XP-90-$46.99-N82E16835109119
Thermalright XP-120-$68.99-N82E16835109118
Zalman 7000-$49.99-N82E16835118113(copper 92mm)
Zalman 7000-$52.99-# N82E16835118115(copper 120mm)

note: You should by a nexus fan for the thermalrights and you can get cheaper zalmans if you get copper/aluminum. These prices are brought to you by the egg of new.:shocked::thumbsup:

 

[jgilland]

Originally posted by: TrueWisdom
Depends on how much you're willing to spend, and how much noise you want to put up with. Zalman makes very quiet HSF combos that perform exceptionally well, but they're very expensive. Thermalright makes fantastic heatsinks, but they're also going to cost you some serious coin. To be honest, your temps are fine for a chip running at that speed. If you're not planning on overclocking, stick with the stock heatsink--it's plenty cool and quiet for the average user.

You might also consider putting on quality thermal paste. That can drop your temps considerably. (In the most extreme cases I've seen, up to 5 degrees Celsius.)

The guys over at Tom's Hardware told me my temps were high. The Thermalright XP120 looks nice thou...

 

[jgilland]

Originally posted by: Chode Messiah
Thermalright XP-90-$46.99-N82E16835109119
Thermalright XP-120-$68.99-N82E16835109118
Zalman 7000-$49.99-N82E16835118113(copper 92mm)
Zalman 7000-$52.99-# N82E16835118115(copper 120mm)

note: You should by a nexus fan for the thermalrights and you can get cheaper zalmans if you get copper/aluminum. These prices are brought to you by the egg of new.:shocked::thumbsup:

UPDATE: My Thermalright XP-120 just came in and it is installed. My normal load temps of 140F has dropped to 115F. This thing is great!