Looking for a recommendation for a CPU fan

[RoamDog]

I am going to purchase an Athloin 64 3200+ and build a new system. But have never built from scratch before. How good/bad are the stock CPU fans that come with the retail boxed sets? I am probably not going to overclock but want to keep my options open. So, I think that I want to get a better and more quiet solution. I am NOT going to ever overclock enough that I want to go all the way to a water-cooled system or anything else exotic enough to be featured in Maximum PC.
Lack of noise is extremely important. What would you recommend as an ultra-quiet high quality CPU fan (that will not totally break the bank--do not mind spending a reasonable amount but do not want to spend more on the fan than I do on the CPU itself)??
Do I also need something called thermal glue or tape?? How does that work and is it hard to install correctly for a first-timer?

 

[Operandi]

Thermalright XP-90/120 with a L or M Panaflow
Zalman 7000/7700AlCu

Neither are very hard to install if you follow the instructions, and both come with thermal paste.

 

[fireontheway]

If your motherboard allows it,get the XP-120 but the heatsinks mentioned above are all good.

 

[cockeyed]

Take a look at the Arctic-Cooling Freezer 64 HERE. It is fairly new, but google turns up some reviews that might help you decide.

 

[Nessism]

XP-120 with a low speed fan is the best bet at this time. Not cheap however; expect to pay about $60 with shipping. Zalman 7000 series is best bang for the buck for $35 or so. The stock heatsink cools good enough but the fan is fairly noisey compared to the others mentioned.

Good luck.

Ed

 

[smoothness]

get an xp-120 with a compatible motherboard, then get one of these fans: Yate Loon Blue LED fan. Although it's only 7 bucks, it doesn't break 2500 rpm, and it's quiet. if that's not your style, you can also try to get the non-led orange version that only goes to 1200 rpms. it's a big hit amongst silentpc enthusiasts. however, if you're gonna try to overclock, go all out with some giant delta fan or something.

 

[Mucker]

Good deal here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...s=electronics&n=507846

m

 

[JulesMaximus]

The stock cooler is pretty noisy. When it's not running full it's not bad but when the fan speed kicks up to cool the CPU it is quite loud IMO. I have an XP-120 on order supposed to be delivered today.

 

[V00D00]

I'm getting a Zalman 7700 Cu and I'm going to put on a quieter fan (nexus 120) for my prescot 450

 

[Rhoel]

Remember you can use speedfan to control your fans also. I have a xp-90 with a H1b panaflo, and it lets me adjust to cool and quiet you want it.

 

[CraigRT]

Thermalright XP90/120 for sure