Easiest/Safest/Cheapest Socket A heatsink/fan to install

[chochem]

Hey guys, I just finished reading the Anandtech review on socket A coolers, and I was really intersted in getting a screw mounted heatsink for my 950 Mhz Thunderbird, until I saw the price. I crunched the edge of my old chip, and I don't want to screw up another. Anyway, I'm not in need of hardcore cooling, since I don't overclock, and the case itself has pretty good airflow, I just don't want to crunch another cpu. Any suggestions to a cheap, easily mountable heatsink? The anandtech article was good, but it focused a bit more on performance, and since I don't overclock or run at very high speeds, I just want to be safe. Thanks ahead of time.

BTW, I was using the vantec 60mm heatsink I got from atacom.com, which has a super resistant clip that I basically had to smash on (well, not really smash ) to get into place.

 

[phatstyl]

maybe try the volcano2, be sure to flex the clip a few times before you try to install it

 

[optimistic]

I thought the vantec heatsinks were the easiest to install.

I've installed
Generic Globalwin HSFs
Alpha PAL6035
Thermosonic Thermoengine
Vantec 6030D

 

[cpals]

I have the GW WBK38 and almost killed my mobo while trying to push the pin on. A heatsink that screws on would be optimal but expensive.

 

[Jhhnn]

Two items to check out at KDcomputers.com-

the cpc30370 uses screws and coil springs, super easy. You already have a suitable fan, right?

The Vantec blue ice cube has a really good tool-less clip, dunno why they ever changed it.... Better pics at www.2cooltek.com.

Put the board on a doubled-over bath towel, hold the bare sink squarely seated on the processor as you install the clip. Don't allow the sink to tip at all- easier said than done.

 

[Bovinicus]

Definitely the Vantc 6030D. It's not a bad heatsink either. Go look at the reviews for it, that's one of the big selling points of it in reviewers eyes.

 

[nxh]

VANTEC 6035D!

The definitive solution for ease of use

 

[joeryu]

agree with the 2 people above, those vantecs are damn easy to get on, and you get great cooling to boot

 

[Newbie77]

The only heatsink I know which is foolproof to install is the Swiftech MCX370. Just hook on the latches and loosen the screws till the spring is fully extended. The problem with this heatsink is that it's kinda costly.

 

[Phunktion]

I think the Alpha's have a very safe and easy clip.. Vantecs are absolutely awesome and the three prong clipped Taisols require a lot of force to put on but are very safe and easy..

 

[RanDum72]

Vantecs are easy. Alpha clips are easy if they've loosened up a bit. Fresh Alpha clips are evil, its always a good idea to break them in.

 

[Electric Amish]

Yeah, those fresh Alpha PAL6035 clips are bastards!

The Zalman CNPS3100 is very easy to install, but kinda pricey at $45.

The Thermaltake Volcano II is easy as well.

amish

 

[grrl]

I find the Taisol CGK742092b Voodoo Daddy to be a good HSF unit. Not too loud and cools my 1 gig Tbird fine. It also uses all three hooks and is very easy to install or remove with a small screwdriver.

 

[virtuamike]

Alphas aren't all that bad. I put a FOP38 on a Duron, that scared me more than the Alpha.

 

[skrill]

Foolproof -- Swifty MC462

Nearly foolproof -- Swifty MCX370

Pretty easy and excellent design for a traditional clip mount -- Dragon Orb 3 (why doesn't anyone else use all six tabs for mounting???? Duh).

My experience -- I always remove my MoBo from the case when I install a HSF, and I have never had a problem.

 

[RanDum72]

Those FOP38's are also SOBs. Even if you try to loosen up the clip, its still as hard as ever. Using a screwdriver on the clip is also scary, it can slip out and you end up stabbing the board. HAs anyone seen the new Antec coolers, the wierd round one with the copper center? They said the cooling sucks but the clip looks very good, uses two clips from each side of the socket. Only problem is the copper center is round and is big enough to cover only the CPU core. So if you get careless, the core can be cracked easily as well.

 

[PING]

safest way to put on a HSF...use chopstick and a screw driver. use the chopstick to push down on the clip , then use the screwdriver to guide the clip over the retention.... never killed a mobo ... btw, stay away from Agilent ArtiCooler...now those are mobo killers. i almost had an anuerism trying to install one of those.

 

[drti]

have anybody try this one GlacialTech.com Igloo 2300, the website state that tool-free installation. unit cost about $20. suppose to support up to 1.733 ghz. some reviews

http://www.legionhardware.com/Article/GlacialTech_Fortis/GlacialTech_Fortis_13.php