Hows the stock thermal compound on the Zalman CNPS7000ACu & recommend me a good <$60 case w/ no PSU!

[supster]

How good is the stock thermal compound that comes with the CNPS7000A-CU HSF? Should I bother getting some AS or just use what comes with it? It will be put on an Athlon64 3000 with barely an overclock. I will just be pushing the FSB up to 217mhz from 200.

I'm also in search for a cheap $50ish case. I'm looking to keep this a quiet box but would also like decent air flow as this will be placed right next to an overclocked Athlon XP 2400. I already have an extra PSU so no need for one.

 

[supster]

anyone?

 

[RalfHutter]

You'll be fine with the stock thermal compound but you could probably get your CPU a few degrees cooler with some "premium" compound. SVC sells AS Ceramique real cheap with free shipping. Check it out.

For a great and inexpensive case I'd recommend either the Evercase 4252 (Newegg sells 'em) or one of the Compucase 6A19's from Directron for $39. This is the same case as the Antec SLK3700 with a different front bezel that has no door over the 5.25" drive bays.

 

[sugarkang]

For a great and inexpensive case I'd recommend either the Evercase 4252 (Newegg sells 'em) or one of the Compucase 6A19's from Directron for $39.

 

[supster]

Originally posted by: RalfHutter
You'll be fine with the stock thermal compound but you could probably get your CPU a few degrees cooler with some "premium" compound. SVC sells AS Ceramique real cheap with free shipping. Check it out.

Ok thanks, but is there a reason I would use Ceramique over AS 5?

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: supster

Originally posted by: RalfHutter
You'll be fine with the stock thermal compound but you could probably get your CPU a few degrees cooler with some "premium" compound. SVC sells AS Ceramique real cheap with free shipping. Check it out.

Ok thanks, but is there a reason I would use Ceramique over AS 5?

It's cheaper, not conductive, easier to apply and cools just about as good as AS5.