Best Heat Sink and HSF for under $30.

modestninja

Senior member
Jul 17, 2003
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I've only got about a $30 budget to cool my processor down. I'm looking to replace the piece of s*** dynatron that came with my mobo and processor combo. I've got some ceramique sitting around, so basically I have $30 to spend on cooling. What is that best combination (for mild to moderate OC'ing on the market) that doesn't sound like a vacuum? BTW I have a A7N8X-dx and 2700+ inside a roomy Antec AMG1080 case.

Right now I'm thinking a Vantec Aeroflow or an SK-7 and Panaflo H1A.
 

Chumpman

Banned
Feb 26, 2003
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I'm thinking Aeroflow with the included TMD fan for this one. It's a pretty nice setup, for a damn reasonable price.
 

pspada

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 2002
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How about an SLK-700 w/74mm TMD fan for $27?

While this is a GREAT heatsink and fan combo, there is one caveat - you'll have to spend some time on it. The tape they used to preserve the nice mirror finish was crap, and it leaves gunk behind when you peel the tape off. So you'll spend some time with gunk off or isopropyl alcohol getting it off.
 

PCboy

Senior member
Jul 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: Chumpman
I'm thinking Aeroflow with the included TMD fan for this one. It's a pretty nice setup, for a damn reasonable price.

i agree.
 

modestninja

Senior member
Jul 17, 2003
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What's the diff between the SK7 and the SLK-700? I've got isopropyl alcohol sitting around, so cleaning off the gunk isn't a deal. Does the tape protect the finish well at least, or is lapping it almost required?

Also, is there a good review site where I can check these Heatsinks' performance against each other?

Thanks for the help so far.
 

pspada

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 2002
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The SLK-700 holds 60, 70, and the included 74mm fans. The SK-7 holds up to an 80mm fan, therefore is a bit larger.

The finish is only slighly marred by the gunk. Perhaps a minor lapping could be done, but I did not bother.
 

coolroyboy2

Senior member
Nov 14, 2001
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I would check out the FS/FT fourms here, you will probaly save some money and might end up with a better HS/f than if you bought one retail. I picked up an AX-7 for $14 shipped.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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Hard to beat for the money-$12. shipped: Speeze - punch this no. into search field on newegg: N82E16835150010 .
It's large, but will fit most mobos because of tapered sides.
.bh.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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My Speeze is working great for me - read the reviews on newegg. IAC, you don't want warm fuzzies from an HSF, you want the cool and breezies...
.bh.
 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
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Originally posted by: pspada
$12? for some reason it does not give me the warm fuzzies.

Don't worry, it will once you get it. I wouldn't overclock (at least not overvolting as well) with it, but I was extremely impressed. $12, pretty quiet 80mm fan, gets nice and warm, cools very well, and is very light. Sleeving on the fan wires are a nice touch, too (they refuse to get in the way of anything).

I'm not giving up my SK-7 for it, but try it.
 

pspada

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 2002
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Originally posted by: Cerb
Originally posted by: pspada
$12? for some reason it does not give me the warm fuzzies.

Don't worry, it will once you get it. I wouldn't overclock (at least not overvolting as well) with it, but I was extremely impressed. $12, pretty quiet 80mm fan, gets nice and warm, cools very well, and is very light. Sleeving on the fan wires are a nice touch, too (they refuse to get in the way of anything).

I'm not giving up my SK-7 for it, but try it.

I'll get one for the next OEM processor I sell to see how she performs. But I'm not giving up my SLK-700 w/74mm TMD fan for it, either.

 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
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Originally posted by: pspada
Originally posted by: Cerb
Originally posted by: pspada
$12? for some reason it does not give me the warm fuzzies.

Don't worry, it will once you get it. I wouldn't overclock (at least not overvolting as well) with it, but I was extremely impressed. $12, pretty quiet 80mm fan, gets nice and warm, cools very well, and is very light. Sleeving on the fan wires are a nice touch, too (they refuse to get in the way of anything).

I'm not giving up my SK-7 for it, but try it.

I'll get one for the next OEM processor I sell to see how she performs. But I'm not giving up my SLK-700 w/74mm TMD fan for it, either.
I got it 'cause of stellar reviews, and the fact that my friend's retail 2000+ cooler (palo) was dying (you could spin the fan by hand and hear the bearing scratch/grind!) from the sh!t in his house, and figured a slower 80mm fan would last longer; and worst case, I had a couple louder used coolers that would work. Turned out great, though.
Having gotten my SK-7, there's good reason it's almost $20 on its lonesome, but for a normal cooler, that Speeze is great.
 

cavemanmoron

Lifer
Mar 13, 2001
13,664
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Originally posted by: coolroyboy2
I would check out the FS/FT fourms here, you will probaly save some money and might end up with a better HS/f than if you bought one retail. I picked up an AX-7 for $14 shipped.

agreed
there are several hsf's for sale usually at fs/trade forums here!

i have also been happy with the retail fans that come with the newer AMD Xp cpu's from xp1700 and higher.
 

Brian48

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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For the price range indicated, I'd recommend the AX-7 plus a decent 80mm fan from Sunon, Antec, etc.. There's better options, of course, but you'd have to spend a little more.