How good is a Swiftech MC462-A and will it help me?

[gplracer]

I have a Epox 9kha+ motherboard and a Athlon XP 1700+. I currently have a alpha pal 603 heatsink. How much better is the Swiftech MC462-A? My cpu runs at 41-43C at 140fsb (1549mhz)When I put the fsb up to 145mhz the temp jumps to 50C. Would it be worth it to get a swiftech? They are a lot of money.

 

[Kipper]

You mean an 8kha+ and a PAL6035? You're better off buying the PAL8045 from SVCompucycle. It's better priced and performs equally, if not even BETTER. Get a tube of ASII while you're at it.

 

[Jhhnn]

50C is not an unreasonable full-load temp, not at all. Many OEM systems run a lot higher, with excellent stability.

The Swiftec is for peeps who have too much money, IMHO. If you insist on cooler temps, go with a SK6, maybe a Taisol 760092, or an Alpha 8045. Not cheap, not ridiculous either. The 8045 lends itself to quieter fans, and should fit your 8KHA+.

8045 Compatibility

 

[chizow]

<< You mean an 8kha+ and a PAL6035? You're better off buying the PAL8045 from SVCompucycle. It's better priced and performs equally, if not even BETTER. Get a tube of ASII while you're at it. >>



I second that notion

I consider 50C high for an XP, but thats only b/c I'm running my AXP 1800+ 10C cooler at 1.725 gigahertz with my Pal 8045

Chiz

 

[gplracer]

I am going to put some artic silver II on the cpu and a 120mm case fan at the front of the case. My case temp was 31C and I think that is high. Both are on order now. I had some artic silver but used all of it up before.

 

[SWScorch]

lowering the mbient/case temp will have a more profoud effect than buying a better heatsink. However, if you do want a better HSF, don't go for the Swiftech; go for the Alpha. Just as good, if not better, and its a hell of a lot cheaper.

 

[Yihaa]

The price difference between the PAL8045 and the Swiftech MC462 used to be big but now prices (bare heatsink only) are within $5 of each other (the Swiftech being the more expensive). The Swiftech does have more copper and is heavier. Its replacement, the MCX462 is now available here.

Performance of the MC462 and the PAL8045 are virtually the same ( I have both). However, I noticed the MC462 does cool down faster ( from load temps, it goes down to idle temps faster).

 

[Pabster]

Swiftech's MC462-A and the newly revised MCX462 are top-notch coolers. Don't fool yourself with the Alpha PAL8045. It's also a fine heatsink, but despite the various 'reviews' floating around, I've always gotten lower temps with MC462-A using the same fan. The price difference on the bare heatsinks shouldn't be more than $10 and, IMHO, it's worth the extra for the Swiftech. One look at the base and you'll know what I mean