FOP38 Review/Thoughts

[kcobra]

I just got through installing my FOP38 fan. Here are some thoughts.

Installation was a breeze. I have heard a lot of negative things about the FOP32-1/38 clip, but I had no problem. I just used a small flathead screw driver, which I inserted into the horizontal slot in the clip, at about a 45 degree angle. While holding the heatsink flat on my p3 with my left hand, I pushed down on the screw driver with my right hand. It was stiff but easy to get clipped. With the screw driver in the clip slot, there was no danger of it slipping and hitting the mb. Note, this was done with the mb on a flat counter-top (I do not recommend installing this HSF with the mb in the case). Also, I am using the CUSL2-C mb, so there were no caps around the right side of the cpu. This made using the screw driver at an angle possible. Finally, I took the fan off while installing the FOP38 (fan is very easy to remove/install. There are no screws involved).

About the fan. Believe all the reviews on how loud the Delta fan is! This thing is about as loud as my strong 120mm fan! I still haven't decided whether I can take the sound or not. I may buy the fan that comes on the FOP32-1.

Now for the results. I am very impressed. I am running my p3-700 at 933/1.95v. With the stock Intel fan, under Prime95 torture test, the CPU temp would rise above 60c/140F. At this point, win2k would lock up. With the FOP38, temp after 3 hours of Prime95 torture test is 45C/113F. The cpu seems very stable at this temp. Not to shabby, considering I am running at 1.95v and using generic silicon grease from Fry's.

I'd say the FOP38 is a great deal. Same or better performance than an Alpha fan, for less cost and can be found almost everywhere.

 

[VladFrost]

yeah and it sounds like somone is drilling your brain after an hour . My girlfriend couldnt take it either she said its fan or her you say why because you can hear the damn thing through walls.

 

[Dantzig]

Heheh...this fan is very loud. I was quite surprised--I expected loud, but not 2-3x louder than all of the case fans I have installed (5 x 80mm, 2 x 40mm, PSU)! I can hear it 20ft away from my computer, with the side covers installed! Don't even think about running this fan with your case open. I think I'll keep it though. My loud music usually masks the sound fairly well

 

[Subversal]

I don't think it is THAT loud. I'm used to it now. And the price/performance ratio is number one for this HS/F.

 

[Origin]

I've got me ecaxtly what you're talilking about.. a FOP38, but I removed the Black-label Delta and replaced it by a YS-Tech GlobalWin uses on the FOP32.

My advice: if ya wanna keep cool, don't switch fans. It's the fan doing all the work, not the heatsink. Replacing the fan gave me an extra 5°C on a Duron800@1GHz, full load, on a Abit KT7A-Raid I've acquired for a review. I can't stand the noise fo the Delta, and with 46°C max full load, I can deal with both temps and sound from the YS-Tech fan..

this is the way i'll be going

 

[Spoooon]

You guys are weak! I can't even hear my delta. Though, I do have 1x120mm and 1x80mm blowholes. If I take the cover off and turn off the blowholes, it sounds exactly the same. The delta is pretty loud, but if you've already got blowholes etc it's no big deal.

 

[Turbopit]

How well do they fit on a PIII with slotket on a slot one board like my abit BX6r2?
Thanks

 

[FriedRiceBob]

does anyone know what rpm the fop38's fan would give you if you crippled it to 7.5 volts DC (connect both red and yellow from a 4 pin PS connector)? if close to the ystech, you might get comparable performance, less noise, and save yourself from buying YS fan.