Future Proof CPU Heatsinks

[XLNC]

Is there even such a thing? I'm trying to buy parts to last thru a few builds. If I buy a decent cooler today (let's say Noctua):

What are the odds I'll have to buy one again 2-3 years from now?
Would I have the option of simply getting new mounting brackets for new sockets?
Which manufacturer is a safe bet in this regard?

 

[zagood]

Noctua, if you're willing to spend the money, is the safest bet. They normally send adapters for free (with proof of purchase) when a new socket is released.

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=presse_archiv&step=2&news_id=62&lng=en

Most other companies will release an adapter kit but won't provide them free of charge.

 

[BoomerD]

I agree with zagood...and the only way the noctua would't be serviceable for a new processor is if the physical size of the processor changed dramatically...for larger or smaller.

 

[XLNC]

It's nice to see a company taking care of its customers. I think I'll vote with my wallet and go with Noctua.

As for the size of processor changing dramatically, when was the last time that happened? Seems like we'll be safe for another 5 years at least with the current size due to tick/tock improvements.

 

[Phanuel]

I've had the same TRUE for nearly 4 years now. Some Athlon I had -> 775 C2D -> 1156 i7. I've just had to buy new hold downs. I don't foresee a need to replace it outside of potentially the hold down unless I get a Sandy Bridge patterned motherboard in the next year or so.

 

[0roo0roo]

sure if you make your own mount anything is possible

 

[frostedflakes]

Noctua, if you're willing to spend the money, is the safest bet. They normally send adapters for free (with proof of purchase) when a new socket is released.

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=presse_archiv&step=2&news_id=62&lng=en

Most other companies will release an adapter kit but won't provide them free of charge.

Stuff like this is what makes Noctua awesome. They're expensive, but they really stand behind their products, which is worth the extra cost IMO.

 

[aigomorla]

the closest to future proof your going to get is a waterblock.

Example, the Apogee GT has been around since AMD 939 times, and it has options available to use from anywhere in a tight U1 server case, to a large EATX board setup.

 

[Fayd]

i have a scythe ninja that i brought from a 775 build to a AM2+ build..

woulda used it on a 939 build, except that motherboard had clearance issues.

 

[aigomorla]

i have a scythe ninja that i brought from a 775 build to a AM2+ build..

woulda used it on a 939 build, except that motherboard had clearance issues.

lol blocks rarely have clearance issues.

They are made now to minimize the floor footprint around the cpu.

The main reason why i gave up on air was the massive increases in sizes on heat sinks.
Dude, some of them actually got up to be close to 1.3kg!! Thats a lot of weight torqing your board.

Watercooling is not anywhere near as complicated or difficult as it was when i started.
We only had less then a handful of vendors, and options were scarce.

Now the industry has blown up. Im not kidding.
There are options for almost anything and the sky is the limit with water.