Gigabyte GA-8KNXP CPU HSF size

[Vertigo-1]

Trying to put together a computer slowly piece by piece, and I settled on this mobo. Well I've boiled down my choice for a HSF to either the Thermaltake SP-94 + some quiet fan, or the Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. Will either one of these fit? I've heard the Zalman's a tight fit when the DPS module is installed...just how bad of a tight fit? Also plan on having a Radeon 9800 Pro + Zalman heatpipe + Zalman ZM-OP1 fan in the AGP slot if that'll matter.

 

[tallman45]

The newer Gigabyte mb's do not have the 4 mounting holes that would enable you to bolt on the SP-94. The below review is for the Slk-947 but it would use the same mounting process.

http://www.atruereview.com/thermalright/thermalright.php

"Thermalright's SLK-947-U mounts to the 4 holes around the processor. If your board does not have these such as new Gigabyte boards, then you cannot install this heatsink "

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: Vertigo-1
Trying to put together a computer slowly piece by piece, and I settled on this mobo. Well I've boiled down my choice for a HSF to either the Thermaltake SP-94 + some quiet fan, or the Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. Will either one of these fit? I've heard the Zalman's a tight fit when the DPS module is installed...just how bad of a tight fit? Also plan on having a Radeon 9800 Pro + Zalman heatpipe + Zalman ZM-OP1 fan in the AGP slot if that'll matter.

I was going to get a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu for my Gigabyte 8KNXP, but it will not fit with the DPS module. So, I bought a Thermalright SLK-900u and couldn't be happier. Perhaps you should look into one as well.

 

[tallman45]

Daniel,

The 8knxp has mounting holes for the SLK-900u ?

 

[Vertigo-1]

Sounds like the Zalman is definitely out then. Only reason I asked this to begin with was because both Zalman and Thermaltake's mobo compatibility don't list the GA-8KNXP as being incompatible. I was planning on running a P4 3.2, no overclocking, so I guess I should consider more down to earth HSFs? Only reason I wanted these two was for product life longetivity, ideally I wanted this computer to last 3 years.

 

[Caal]

Why rule out the Zalman? I have it and so do many other ppl. No one has reported any benefit from the DPS thing, infact there were a few who reported it causing instability. I never installed the DPS and all is well.
Have you purchased memory yet? There have been many posts regarding incompatibility [ie Cosair LL]. Also the Zalman is very close to the first dimm slot so you either have install the RAM first or just use slots 2 and 5 like I did.

 

[Vertigo-1]

Thanks for that tidbit about the DPS unit. That was mainly what I was worried about, the Zalman bumping into the DPS. Excellent, looks like I can pick up a Zalman then, and forget the DPS.

For RAM I bought a 512 x 2 dual channel pair of Kingston HyperX 3500s. Mainly as you said and from what I read, this mobo seems picky about its RAM and Gigabyte successfully ran those very Kingstons with this mobo and recommends it.