Can I get some recommendations on a great HSF for TBird 900?

[MDesigner]

I currently have an Alpha PAL6035 w/ Sunon fan (~4800RPM), but my CPU runs at around 61C. AMD states that 90C is the danger point for 900MHz, but 61C is still too high for my liking. I've already reapplied the thermal compound & HSF twice, so I suppose the heatsink is faulty perhaps.

Can a handful of you recommend a VERY good heatsink, and a fast, QUIET fan? Quiet is important to me. And the HSF combo MUST fit properly in an ASUS A7V133. I know that some HSFs don't fit correctly in certain motherboards.

Thanks.

 

[MrJ]

I had the exact same HS/fan combo aas you on my 1.2 gig and ran into heat probs. I just bought a new Vantec HS with Sunon 38cfm fan and it rocks. My temps are down to 35 degrees now. I got it at www.protoncomputers.com and they are ranked #4 at resellerratings.com. Got the whole combo for $18.00.... The Vantec HS was also voted best HS for the 1gig and higher T-Bird by AMDMB.com

 

[MDesigner]

A thousand thanks to you. I'm glad to hear this is a common thing with the PAL6035. I'm surprised Anandtech gave it such great reviews. Anyone more recommendations from anyone else out there?

 

[Boonesmi]

i use the fop32-1 on my a7v133 and the temp never gets above 44 (650 duron @ 950mhz 1.80 voltage) and remember that asusprobe is about 10 degrees higher then what most motherboards read.

 

[MrJ]

Here is the link for that site to see the Vantec Proton ComputersThey have A+ service. The Vantec FCE-62540D is the one to get.

 

[MDesigner]

MrJ, is that Vantec a 60mm HS? Will it fit OK on my ASUS A7V133?

 

[MDesigner]

Right. ASUS PC Probe adds 10C to the temp because they know the Socket A thermistor is inaccurate by about -10C.

 

[PapaRomeo]

Hmmm. I have a very similar setup to yours (A7V133, TB900, PAL6035, and Sunon 26.5 cfm fan), and my T-bird is running closer to 40C. Even OCed to 1050 (7.5x140) it was idling at around 45. This is with a case temperature of about 25C/77F.

Not sure how a heatsink could be faulty (no moving parts?) I had trouble with my previous heatsink running hot, and that I'm almost certain was due to my applying WAY too much thermal paste. Then someone on this board pointed me to the instructions on the Arctic Silver page: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

I got the Alpha and some ArcticSilverII (from www.ColdCPU.com), followed their directions, and my temps dropped from 48-50 idle to 39-42 idle, ~44-45 under gaming load. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with that combination. :Q I'm sure a lot of that is because I only used a little of the compound this time.

Another thing: how's your ventilation on your case? You didn't mention the temp inside the case, so it's hard to say how much of a problem that might be.

Good luck!

PR

 

[MrJ]

Yes it is 60mm and it fits perfectly on my KK266 IWILL. I had a board like yours and there is just as much room. ALSO...this HS was voted EASIEST to install too. Much easier than the Alpha.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

Did you guys have the ALPHA CLIP reversed by any chance? The 4 PAL6035s all beat the Vantecs I have. The off-center pressure point of the clip should reside over teh cpu core... if its reversed, not enough pressure is put on the CPU core and performance drops dramatically.



Mike

 

[PapaRomeo]

Also, all the fans people have suggested here are relatively loud (especially the FOP-38, which has been described as sounding like a hairdryer!). Just pointing it out since you said "quiet" was important to you.

While you're at it, I'd look into some case cooling, make sure your exhaust fan isn't covered up or blocked by a desk or a wall something, and add an intake fan to the front of your case if you don't have one already.

Hope this helps.

PR

 

[Technonut]

KD Computers offers the CPC-30370. It is a good quality knock off of the Swiftech MC-370 HS, but is priced lower. It cools very well, has a good clip, and there is no 30 day+ waiting period. I received a couple the other day, and I am impressed with the quality.

EDIT: You can see a review Here


<< The clip on this HS uses a unique and simple mounting solution. The screws have springs on them to ensure that proper tension is maintained and that the heatsink stays flat while installing it. They are designed to keep from overtightening, resulting in crushing the core >>

 

[zzzz]

I am also a happy alpha 6035 user. Make sure the clip is oriented right way as mike suggested.
Also try to &quot;suck&quot; the air instead of blowing if you are using the shroud.

 

[DarkMajiq]

If you want good cooling for your noise buck, go with the Taisol CGK742092. It's quiet as hell, but also does a good job of cooling the processor.