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Changing CPU fan

T

tminter

Junior Member
I was wondering if it would be easy to change the cpu fan at a later date if I required more cooling. I am going to get an AMD Athlon 64 3000 (Win) and i was going to use the stock HSF. The mobo will probably be either asus an8 sli deluxe or GA-k8nf9. Also, would i need a new heatsink if i changed the fan or would that depend on the new fan?
 
depends on your heatsink on how easy it will be.


it took me 1 min to remove my volcano 12 and 10 mins to install zalman cnps7000A AlCu for my rig 🙂
 
It more depends on what size fan your stock/retail heatsink uses. If it uses an 80mm fan, then you're kosher. If it uses a 60mm or 70mm fan, then you'll need an adapter to get up to the 80mm fan size.

If you REALLY want to improve cooling over stock, you'll need to get an aftermarket heatsink and fan.
 
bite the bullet and just get a good aftermarket cooler now and install it all at the same time. Something like a volcano 12 will mount identically to the stock one but if you want some real cooling like a thermalright xp120 it mounts completely differently so you might have to remove the motherboard from your case.
 
I removed my mobo when installing the XP-120. There were two reasons for this, which not everyone will encounter... One: I needed to go back to the stock backplate on the mobo. I had to change it for the SLK-948U that I tried before the XP-120. Two: I wanted more arm room when installing the new cooler. I don't like putting tension on the board when it's mounted to a mobo. I'm more nervous about putting too much pressure against it and causing damage. I feel much safer doing it outside of the case.

If you have the stock metal backplate on the mobo, and you feel comfortable pressing onto the mobo like that, and you have enough room to work inside the case, then do it inside of it. Of course, if you're building a system up from nothing, then putting the heatsink on first is no trouble at all. I actually install the memory, processor and heatsink on the mobo's when setting up a new system. It makes things a lot easier when setting it all up. Or at least, I've found it does for me.
 
Thanks to you all for your advice. I think i'm goning to get either an Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 or ThermalRight XP-120 with Zalman CNPS7700-CU. The former is the cheaper alternative but is the thermalright/zalman combo going to work and if so more efficiently/quieter?
 
Originally posted by: tminter
Thanks to you all for your advice. I think i'm goning to get either an Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 or ThermalRight XP-120 with Zalman CNPS7700-CU.The former is the cheaper alternative but is the thermalright/zalman combo going to work and if so more efficiently/quieter?
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The XP-120 and the Zalman CNPS7700 are two different coolers.Also the stock heatsink is fine but if you want to lower load temperatures and noise then i'd pick the XP-120 provided that you use a good 120mm fan.
 
No,the Zalman CNPS7700-Cu is a heatsink and because of its unique design already comes with a fan.The XP-120 is a more conventional heatsink that lets you install a fan of your choice.
 
Originally posted by: tminter
Thanks for correcting me before i made a mistake.

Can you suggest any 120mm fans for the xp 120
Click to expand...


You are more than welcome.Sunon is what i have installed on my XP-120.The tricky part is you have to make sure nothing blocks mounting holes on the fan.I have encountered this with a Vantec Stealth,it's fan shroud design prevented the XP-120's retaining clip to to get in the right place.
 
I had a look at the suggested fan on thermalright. The panaflo 120L1A. Not too bad at £13 (not sure what that is in $). That should fit the mounting block okay as they recommend that fan.
 
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