Best cooler for Quad-core Kentsfield

[asdftt123]

I plan on purchasing one of these two processors for my new computer in a few weeks. I'm going to do some very mild overclocking on theses to around 3.0ghz by ONLY modifying the FSB and hopefully I won't need to touch the voltage settings. It seems everyone is recommending the Tuniq Tower for cooling, but honestly, I'm turned off by its massive size and difficulty with installation. I want to be VERY careful with my new system since it's such a huge investment. Is there a better air cooler that can handle light OCing with Quads that's relatively easy to install, quiet, and will yield good temperatures? Or am I asking too much? Also, do you recommend using Arctic Silver 5 or similar thermal paste with aftermarket cooling? Thanks!

 

[Blain]

What specific MB are you using?
Some CPU coolers do a better job of cooling surrounding heatsinks than others do.
HS A. may have a slight edge over pure CPU cooling (in benchmarks), than HS B.
But HS B. may do a better job of cooling the heatsinks around the CPU socket, along with good cooling of the processor.

 

[asdftt123]

Oh right, I'm planning to purchase when the X38 boards come out. I'm leaning towards the GA-X38-DQ6, but I'll have to see when they come out... It probably doesn't help much that the board isn't even in the market yet. =\

 

[MarcVenice]

Buy an arctic silver 7 pro, which comes with preapplied AS5. It will handle a q6600 at 3ghz no problem. Btw, the thermalright 120 extreme ultra is one if not the best aircooler out there. Compared to the as7 pro it's a pain in the ass to install though

 

[Operandi]

Alpha PRE9060T

 

[asdftt123]

Hmmm okay, I'll look into the Arctic Freezer Pro 7. Will it yield good temperatures with a Q6600 G0 @ 3.0ghz (stock voltage)?

 

[AuDioFreaK39]

Get a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme. It is thee absolute best on the market for Quads, I kid you not.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...lright-ultra120ex.html

 

[MarcVenice]

It's the best, but a arctic freezer pro 7 is sufficient for a q6600 g0 stepping at 3.0ghz.

 

[asdftt123]

Thanks. Unfortunately, the Tuniq tower and Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme look like a huge pain in the ass to install with those brackets. Can anyone else vouch for the Arctic Freezer Pro 7's effectiveness? I've heard problems with the plastic pins, but is it still a reliable and effective heatsink with easy installation?

 

[non duality]

Well, once it is at 3.0ghz you may just feel like pushing it to 3.2 or maybe even 3.4 then would the Arctic Freezer be enough i.e. at those temps?

 

[engiNURD]

The Tuniq and Ultra 120 are easier to install, imo, over the push-pin fasteners. The AC F7Pro is around $35 now (used to be $22 shipped)... for that price, I'd go for the Scythe Ninja Plus Rev.B isntead ($36 @ jab-tech). The Tuniq is only $45 at some places. I have all 3, and the Ninja is the most quiet.

 

[asdftt123]

Hmmm, okay, I'm looking at the Scythe Ninja Plus Rev. B right now. How is this cooler in terms of weight, installation convenience, and effectiveness for cooling Quads? If I were to purchase this are there any accessories I need to get with it (i.e. 120mm fan, fan clips)?

 

[Blain]

You're asking about cooling an overclocked quad core CPU costing almost $300...
And you whine about a little installation issue? :shocked:

Suck it up, you don't change heatsinks every month.