Best Heatsink/Fan Combo for overclocking Tbird 900

[harshac]

I am thinking of buying Artic Silver heatsink along with the Global Win FNP50 fan. Can anyone suggest a better one? Also to what level can a Tbird 900 be overclocked safetly?

 

[SilverBack]

The Alpha 6035 seems to be the best for the Socket A's at this moment, but it is difficult to find. I'm currently using a GW F0P32-1, which does a pretty good job.
The TBirds run hotter than the Intel counterparts so cooling is pretty essential when you overclock.
My TBird right now is running at 1032MHz, it's a 900 to. The problem here is that I believe it would go higher as it posts all the way to 1150, but since the TBird motherboards limit the voltage to 1.85, I can't give it anymore than what I have already. It's at 1.85. So I can't get it stable at higher speeds without the voltage.

 

[Technonut]

Read my reply to this Post Hope it helps.

 

[AMB]

The Tai Sol is defintly a good option, I cools to 1.2Ghz

Tai Sol

 

[MadRat]

Are you cracking RC5 for the TEAM ANANDTECH? Your Thunderbird at any speed would be a welcome addition!

 

[harshac]

I read in some of the reviews that the FOP32 is hard to install. I have lost the links to the page. But is the FOP32- 1 a different model?

 

[Technonut]

Here is an update. I just received an Alpha 6035 that I ordered Friday from 2Cooltek. On a KT7/800 T-Bird system I just built, the stock HSF Idled at 55-60 Cel. I checked it a few times to make sure that it was installed properly, which it was. The heatsink it's self was pretty warm to the touch. That was at the default 800MHz. It would run at 850MHz, but I backed it down due to the temperature. It would not POST above 850.

In comes the Alpha, with a Delta "black label" I had around. With Arctic Silver applied, it reached a max of 32 Cel. at idle. I proceeded to boot almost into Win98SE at 1000MHz, then backed it down to 950 1.85V. (maximum voltage of my KT7) and it is happily running 3DMark2000 benchmarks as I type this. The Alpha is cool to the touch even after 10 loops so far. I will continue to test it through the day, but in my book the Alpha made one hell of a difference teamed with the Arctic Silver and Delta fan. I will attempt to boost the FSB later to "get the Gig" I am pretty sure it will. Even if not, 950 is not bad running as cool and stable as it is.


EDIT: The T-Bird topped out at 982MHz. It will boot Windows at a Gig and run, but will not complete benchmarks or run UT for long.
Temperature never above 40 Cel. even after 400 frags in UT. I already transfered the setup into my primary box for keeps. The Sandra memory benchmark is an incredible 531/609 at CAS2 Turbo.

 

[harshac]

Sorry! This might look like a stupid question. But this is the first time I am assembling my own computer.Although I can very comfortable with assembling,my only problem is I don't know how to attach a HSF 'casue I have not done it and never seen anybody doing it either.I would be really grateful if somebody helped me. I am totally confused with all the options avaliable.Is the Alpha or the Global win only a heat sink?Do I have to buy the fan separately or something?? Or did you replace the fan that came along with Alpha with 'delta' one?? Can anybody tell me the easiest installable HSF? And is there a website which gives me step-by-step procedures on installing the Alpha or the GW or the Taisol.

Thanks in advance

 

[Technonut]

The Alpha that I ordered from 2Cooltek, could be purchased either with or without the fan. In most cases the fan is included with the heatsink. I had the Delta (a loud high CFM/RPM performance fan) already, so I did not need a fan. It is not difficult to replace the HSF. Just take your time and look at the instruction sheet on how to put on the clip & fan. It is just a matter of two catches on the CPU socket that the clip locks into. It is important to not rock the HSF over the CPU to prevent cracking or chipping the core. Clip one end, and bring it evenly down flat over the CPU, and then depending on what brand of HSF and clip (some have a place that you could put a flat tip screwdriver on the clip) push the clip down over the catch. I hope I explained it well. You should have no problem with it. The clip on the Alpha is not hard to put on at all if you choose that route.

EDIT: It is usually easier to install the HSF before you put the mobo in the case. If you can't, make sure your drives are secure, and lay the case on it's side to install it.