GC68 HSF push or pull air ?

[OmegaStarRed]

I just purchased a 80mm GC68 HSF with stock fan from SVC and this this is huge compare to my original 60mm HSF. I have a tiny problem in my current case due to the design the PSU sits directly over the mobo and when the HSF is mounted there is less than an inch of clearance on half the fan, the other half is unubstructed. Should I mount the fan pushing air onto the heatsink or pulling away even with partialy blocked airflow?

 

[OmegaStarRed]

Now that I measured it, it only has half an inch or room on half the fan. And I have tested it both ways (pushing/pulling) and I get the same tempature readings 48c at idle either way. Just want to see if at higher temps it would make a difference like under full load etc.

 

[CrazySaint]

Btw, how difficult was the GC68 to install? I had intended to use it, but decided to go with the Thermeralrigh AX-7 because I heard that GC68s were very difficult to install. I'm about to build my own computer for the first time, and I don't want to take any chances on damaging the CPU.

 

[Buz2b]

The GC68 is no harder or easier than any other HS to install. The only "problem" you might run into is the size of the fan (80mm). That makes the top of the HSF a slight bit larger than some but it is also high up on the HSF so it usually clears any potential obstructions. It's a nice "bang for the buck" HSF though. I have put a couple on some units I built and had no troubles whatsoever in keeping the temps in a "reasonable" range.

 

[CrazySaint]

Hmmmm...thanks for the info, I may reconsider the GC68, then.

 

[hopeless879]

I also have the GC68. Its a great heatsink for the price. I didn't have any problems installing it, just like any other HS. My temps dropped when I switched from the stock hsf that comes with the athlonxp to the GC68.

 

[Buz2b]

Just installed one (GC68) yesterday with the stock fan on a 1.13 Athlon. Initial temps are running 34 C. That will go up after I am done adding hardware and button up the box, but that's not bad to start with and a stock fan.