Is the AX-7 still at the top?

[Jman13]

Hi. I just took of my stock AthlonXP HSF since I had to ship my computer overseas. (I'll be meeting it there in a month). So, since the HSF is already off, it seems the perfect time to put on a better cooler. When I did a lot of research the last time, it seemed the Thermalright AX-7 was about as good as they came, and it's not too expensive. Is this still the case? I'm running an AthlonXP 1700+ (OCed to 1572MHz with the stock cooler) on a Soyo Dragon Plus mobo. Also, will the AX-7 fit on this mobo? Thanks.

Jman

 

[CastorTroy747]

Im pretty sure that the AX-7 would fit on your Soyo mobo. I currently have an AX-7 on an XP 2200+(not OCed). But If you want to wait and spend more money you can go with the SK-7

 

[jarsoffart]

The Thermalright SLK-800 is currently king, but it is expensive. There is new Swiftech MCX462+ that has a half inch of copper on the bottom and the rest seems to be like the old Swiftech MCX462.

 

[dszd0g]

I've got an SLK-800, which I researched vs. the AX-7. The SLK-800 is bigger and performs a bit better. I would feel better if the SLK-800 screwed into the motherboard.

 

[DrVos]

I've got a Soyo Dragon Plus and a AX-7... its a bit tight, but yeah, it'll fit without a problem

 

[dszd0g]

Originally posted by: DrVos
I've got a Soyo Dragon Plus and a AX-7... its a bit tight, but yeah, it'll fit without a problem

If the AX-7 is tight, stick with that and not the SLK-800, because the SLK-800 is definitely bigger. "Tight" is a relative term, so maybe it does fit. But I would check to make sure before purchasing. The SLK-800 isn't cheap.

 

[dannybin1742]

ax7 was never "at the top" at least as a decent quiet cooler, the mcx462 can acheive better cooling with a quieter fan

 

[Live]

Originally posted by: dannybin1742
ax7 was never "at the top" at least as a decent quiet cooler, the mcx462 can acheive better cooling with a quieter fan

Well a roundup linked to from Swiftechs site shows just the opposite mcx462 ends up "at the top" with a high performance loud as hell fan but AX7 wins over the Swiftech when coupled with a low performance fan.

http://www.swiftnets.com/assets/images/products/mcx462/64bitsroundup.jpg

So I would have to disagree. But both have its merits and are "good" heat sinks.

 

[randomlinh]

isn't the swiftech a lot more expensive too?

 

[Live]

Here is a very good review including the AX-7 with special intrest on low noise fans. The winner in all categories but one is the SLK-800 (which just happens to be the one I am using )

AX-7 wins the category for use with absolute lowest noise (5v and 10cfm)

Swiftech does not win any.

dannybin1742 maybe some reading for you?

http://www.silentpcreview.com

 

[dszd0g]

I agree, every HSF review I've read that has had the AX-7, Swiftech MCX462, and the SLK-800 with the same fan the SLK-800 wins, the AX-7 comes in next, and the Swiftech MCX462 comes in last (out of those three).

I am not saying the Swiftech MCX462 is a bad cooler. I like that it screws into the motherboard. If one is using water cooling, it is still the best cooler on the market as I recall (with watercooling it is a good idea to use a HSF that screws into the motherboard).

 

[tuan121]

Just go w/ the AX7 and you will never have to buy a heatsink again. Today's AMD are hotter than ever. Newer ones are going to be alot less hot. The ax7 is a safe bet!

 

[JokerF15]

This is the only link you ever need for comparing heatsinks: http://www.overclockers.com/articles373/.

Don't even look elsewhere.

Personally, The AX-7 Rocked, but I think it's replacement is the Vantec Aeroflow! The things AWESOME!

Best Heatsink: SLK-800
Runner up: SK-7

Problem with both is they require a high CFM fan to perform good. If you want quietness, the AX-7 or Aeroflow is better. Only problem with the AX-7, you can't get it anymore. Thermalright isn't distributing it anymore.

-JokerF15

 

[dszd0g]

Originally posted by: JokerF15

Only problem with the AX-7, you can't get it anymore. Thermalright isn't distributing it anymore.

If that is true, which makes sense as they just released the "budget" SK-7, there are still plenty of places that still carry it.

2cooltek Thermalright