Best cooler for Socket 7

[thecoolnessrune]

Hey cooling guys. I received a computer that didn't work anymore. Turns out the CPU fan had died and was overheating + the HD seems like its starting to die. Its been hand built. My self-built computer has a Soyo P4I865PE Dragon Plus v2.0 mobo in it and it uses the distinctive Soyo vomit orage-yellow color Well, when I opened up the case I was surpised to see the mobo was the same odd color as my Soyo Dragon. So I went to their site and searched around and made an identification to the Soyo SY-5EHM v1.3

I could just go and by another 50mm fan. And btw, if anyone has a good suggestion for one, I'm open. I was thinking just get a Delta EFB 50x10mm low speed fan. Low CFM (7.9) but not at much noise as those 34db Sunon fans. However, If possible, I would like to have a larger cooler on it that could perhaps run passively with 120mm case fans. I know it is possible. I am running it right now with a 120mm 40CFM fan strapped to that little piece of metal considered a heatsink and it was cool to the touch in an 80 degree room (3 computers in a 10x10 room, it is getting pretty hot in here, i know im gonna trip a breaker soon cause this is old wiring in here). But If you guys, if anything could simply point me to the largest cooler available for Socket 7, Ill be very grateful I believe its going to be a Cooler Master I saw that is aluminum with a copper core and a 60x10mm fan. But I want other opinions.

Cliffs:

1. Acquired old K6-2 computer that didn't work
   Found that the CPU heatsink fan had died
   Need a new cooler that could run passively
   If not available, then a new 50mm fan suggestion

EDIT: Looking around, I notice that the attachment mechanism for Socket 7 looks VERY close to Socket A. Does this mean that if I can get a cooler for Socket A it would work for Socket7 as well or would there be exceptions?

 

[Howard]

Can't go wrong for $8:

http://www.xpcgear.com/vantecfce6040y.html

 

[thecoolnessrune]

That one looks very good Howard. The particular one I was looking at was a Cooler Master. Since the Cooler Mater seems to be larger and have a copper base, I think that would bake up for the slower fan compared to the Vantec. But with how close the mounting mechanisms seem to be, it looks like Socket A is identical to Socket 7 (Perhaps the width is different??) I was thinking that perhaps an SI-97 would fit if the mounting mechanism was the same. However those were designed for lidless chips, and the K6-2 i believe has a lid. If the mounting is the same, that opens near limitless possibilities. Heck, that means I could even get the Scythe Ninja to fit if I laid the case on its side to support it :laugh: Though I could probably go alot less and run even the little Kamakiri passively or maby smaller then that. I have yet to put it under strong load, but I dont think it will require a gigantic cooler to achieve passive running.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
That one looks very good Howard. The particular one I was looking at was a Cooler Master...

Believe it or not, I still have some Socket 7 doorstop computers floating around here. For instance, I have a proxy server sitting here, within arm's reach, that I use when my DSL connection is down for maintenance, the ATM dies, or whatever. I probably crank it up 2-3 times a year.

Anyway, what I've learned with these Socket 7 machines is THE BEARING TYPE is paramount -- so, what Howard suggested is world's better than what you picked!!!

The HS design, itself, doesn't really matter. With these things, a HS is a HS you know? The fan bearing is what gives you ALL the grief!

Having said that, what you need is a ball bearing fan, not a sleeve bearing fan. With that in mind, the Coolmaster that you linked to isn't gonna work, in the long run. It'll work for a while, then it'll start sounding like a garbage disposal at startup. then it will fail -- guaranteed!

So, pick something -- anything -- with a ball bearing fan, or simply buy a ball bearing fan and mount it on the existing heat sink, and you'll be fine...

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
...it looks like Socket A is identical to Socket 7 (Perhaps the width is different??)

It's funny you should mention this...

For the sake of conversation, I'm running a 3GHz Northwood right now. I have a Tuniq Tower on back-order, but in the meantime, while I'm waiting, I bought a Scythe 'ME-nay' 3. Personally, I think it's a POS -- cannot stand the Socket 478 straps ... worst mount I've ever seen! And, the fins will bend if you look at 'em cross-eyed!

Anyway, I decided to use the Socket 745/939/940/370/462 adapter instead. To me, these clips don't look half-bad, and the lug spacing all looks the same... The same probably applies to the Socket 7/Socket A...

In order to test this theory, I ordered 5 universal metal Socket 478 retention rings. If I screw one up, I figure I'll have four more to play around with... just a matter of being careful with the grinder -- and buying a can of black epoxy spray paint!

Heh! I don't see any reason this why shouldn't work -- using AMD clips on an Intel Socket 478! Nor YOUR idea, using a Socket A HSF on a Socket 7, given a little effort...

 

[thecoolnessrune]

You make a good point VinDSL. Ok, looks like if i cant find anything better I'll get the Vantec. I was hoping if possible, to not have to run a fan at all though....... I wish I had a Socket A cooler laying around to test the idea.

Also, I agree on the Socket 478 clips. I wanted to replace this cheap ass 60mm P4 cooler with an XP 90, but it was a BITCH to get on there and I dont know how to safely get it off without tin snipping the clips :laugh:

 

[Zepper]

Socket 7 AMD processors have a heat spreader, so heat sinks appropriate for Socket-A CPUs (open die) may not be appropriate for Socket-7. I'd look for one that says it is specific for Socket-7 or Socket-7/Socket 370. Probably getting scarce now. I don't think the socket 7 AMDs can be passively cooled very easily.

.bh.