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HSF Recommend for C2D

M

moosey

Golden Member
This is for a system that is mainly for games and some o/c (nothing extreme). I would like to keep a nice balance between quiet and performance. So if a difference in performance is slight, I'd probably opt for the silence.

The case will have 2 Nexus 120mm fans rated 37CFM (intake and exhaust). There will also be a GF 8800GTS in there along with the C2D 2.4GHZ.

After looking at the reviews I've narrowed it down to...
-Zalman 9500
-Zalman 9700
-Scythe Ninja
-Thermalright Ultra-120
For the heatsinks that don't come with a fan, I was looking at either another Nexus, or one of 2 Scythe fans (either the 33.5 or 49CFM models).

If anyone can make a suggestion as to what would work best and with what fan combo, or if I'm leaving something out, it would be appreciated.
 
I would go for the 9700 simply because it performs pretty much on par with the others but is also very very easy to install. I mean you just latch it on the brackets theres no screws no motherboard backplate to hassle with etc.
 
I'd go with the Scythe Ninja for silence. Should be able to run it passive.
The XP-120 is old stuff. 🙁
 
I'd use a fan just to make sure, the system doesn't have to be dead silent. You think a Scyth 33CFM fan would do or should I maybe try something that moves a bit more air.
 
The only thing that makes any noise is the fan. I'd recommend one that lets you change the fan, so that you can decide on the right mix of cooling and quiet. Fans also tend to get noisier over time, and having the fan replacable gives you the option to replace it rather than having to toss the entire HSF. I think the Zalman's have a permanent fan that is not changeable. THe Ninja can definitely be changed, as can the XP-120 I believe.

In terms of cooling, given your parameters (some OCing but not extreme) I'd say either will give you good results. Read up on how to apply the TIM material properly - many people are realizing that doing it correctly makes more difference than anything.
 
Zalman 9500AT. "AT" for the 4-pin PWM functionality, automatic fan control for the best compromise between noise and performance.
 
The scythe ninja is built for passive cooling, and the fan that comes with it is lower than 25 Db, I have it 🙂
 
Instead of the XP-120, I'd consider the Ultra-120 since it is a better cooler more in the class with some of the others that you mentioned. With the fans you mentioned the Ninja and Ultra-120 are going to be pretty similar in cooling ability.
 
"I'd go with the Scythe Ninja for silence. Should be able to run it passive.
The XP-120 is old stuff. "
____

That's what I meant, Ultra-120...sorry
 
I didn't know you could buy extra Zalman fans, but not a huge shock. I was really saying that with some heatsinks you could pick most any fan with the cooling and quietness that you wanted., rather than having to stick with what the manufacturer provides. Don't get me wrong, I like Zalman and have one of their HSF on one of my computers, but this is a negative for someone really worried about noise and might want to buy a special low/no noise fan.
 
I have the Zalman CNPS 9500 AM2 and it does better than my XP-120, and is allot easier to get off. Taking the XP-120 off bends my pins, because the thermal paste sticks to the bottom of the heatsink.
 
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