Is there a quiet HSF for socket AM2 cheaper than this?

[alexruiz]

I wonder what all the socket AM2+ owners / builders are using for quiet computers on the cheap.

I have been using the thermaltake TR2-R1 here at ewiz for pretty much all the machines built. It is very quiet, and pushes a decent amount of air. In fact, for the machines with integrated graphics, the hard drive is usually the noisiest part as the CPU HSF and the PSU can be barely heard.

The heatsink might look small in the picture, but this is a 92 mm fan, not small. It is quite beefier than the stock phenom coolers with the heatpipes. Been very happy with its performance and acoustics in non overclocked machines. However, that doesn't mean that I am closed to new options 😛

I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion that is better performing in acoustics and cooling for about the same price. Quiet is key here as these HSF usually go in machines I build for someone else that have IGP most of the times. The stock heatsink is cheaper (free as it comes bundled) but it is ridiculously noisy under load thanks to the tiny 60 mm fan.



Alex

 

[wiretap]

Cheaper than $8? That would be tough unless you found something in the FS/FT forums. Hell, shipping is going to be almost as much.

I'd say this is one of the cheapest decent thing you'll find:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103075

Put a silent fan on it if the one that comes with it is too loud, then you'll be good to go.

If you want something dead silent, use a Scythe Mini Ninja and run it without a fan. (more expensive obviously) That's what I do in my HTPC. Works great and still maintains <55C temps with a 65w AMD X2.

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

a $2 retention module to allow s775 hsf- then buy bargain bulk intel stock hsf's? They're considered acoutically fair on unoverclocked systems, right?