Need help choosing a CPU fan

[aplefka]

I've narrowed it down to two based on sound factor/RPM ratio and I'm not really sure which to pick. I've never installed a CPU fan/heatsink myself so I'm hoping it's not too difficult otherwise I'm fvcked, cuz I can't afford a new CPU right now.

Choice 1 - Cooler Master 80mm fan

Choice 2 - Arctic Cooling 90mm fan

Are there any factors that would be specific to my mobo? I'm on an A-BIT IS7-E if it helps. I'm not really sure how to pick what size or anything but I'm assuming any socket 478 CPU fan will work.

 

[JDCentral]

Personally, I like the Thermalright heatsinks... mostly 'cause they're awesome, and you pick your own fan to put on them. So if you want a loud/quiet heatsink, it's easy to change. However, they are quite expensive (like $40).

Also - remember to get thermal paste, or whatever, to put in between the sink and the cpu... otherwise the heatsink will be basically useless (I think... no contact w/ the chip means no heat dissipation).

 

[aplefka]

Can you give me a link to a specific model? Yeah, I've got another friend who keeps reminding me not to put the paste on otherwise it won't be worth anything.

I've heard from one person that tape is better than paste. Less of a mess and just as effective. Any truth to this?

 

[aplefka]

Anyone at all?

 

[suicidalpigeon]

xp-90 with artic silver 5. usually retail pc's void warranties if you remove the original heatsink. tape aint that great, paste all you need is to make a paper thin coat on the heatsink the size of the cpu. not much of a mess there. get rid of original compounds before you install a new heatsink using something like 91% pure isopropyl alcohol like the ones at wallgreens/cvs.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

oh and a 92mm panaflo L1a.

 

[aplefka]

Well this is a mobo/cpu combo I bought used from a friend so a voided warranty is not of any worries. Okay so using isopropyl rubbing alcohol I clean off the cpu then use the new paste to put the heatsink on? Doesn't sound too difficult.

 

[aplefka]

Oh also, are there any advantages/disadvantages to using only a heatsink and not a heatsink/fan combo?

 

[suicidalpigeon]

better perspective. you'll be better off with a fan so it can suck out the hot air from the heatsink -or- blow in cool air.this may help you decide which way the flow is going.

 

[aplefka]

Thanks. So does anyone have any recommended heatsink/fan combos?

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Thanks. So does anyone have any recommended heatsink/fan combos?

I just bought a Zalman CNPS7000B yesterday to replace my crappy thermaltake cooler.

 

[aplefka]

I saw that Zalman at Fry's but it looked fvcking HUGE. And I didn't have time to screw around with buying one that doesn't fit then returning it. So I bought a Cooler Master XDream III or something. I'm idling at 145 F so I definitely need to install this bad boy and get back in the 90s. Can anyone point me towards a tutorial with pictures so I don't destroy my computer?

 

[aplefka]

So I bought this Arctic Alumina stuff while I was there, figuring it was the same as Arctic Silver, then I go to the website and it says do not use for CPUs... wtf? Should I just use the paste that Cooler Master provided and get it over with? I'm really nervous I might fvck things up.

 

[aplefka]

About to power up for the first time, I'm pretty worried because I dunno, it seems like there's a lot of potential for something to have gone seriously wrong.

*Crosses Fingers*

Edit: The computer powers on but the monitor says "Please check signal cable." It's only done this once before and all I did was turn off the computer and turn it back on and it worked fine, however it's not working fine now. Is it possible I've fux0red my CPU/system?

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: aplefka
About to power up for the first time, I'm pretty worried because I dunno, it seems like there's a lot of potential for something to have gone seriously wrong.

*Crosses Fingers*

Edit: The computer powers on but the monitor says "Please check signal cable." It's only done this once before and all I did was turn off the computer and turn it back on and it worked fine, however it's not working fine now. Is it possible I've fux0red my CPU/system?

It's very possible. But I would try this. Try taking your CPU out and reseating it in the socket. Remove the thermal grease, reapply and then see what happens. You may have pryed(sp?) your CPU out of the socket some when you removed your other heatsink.

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: Rock Hydra

Originally posted by: aplefka
About to power up for the first time, I'm pretty worried because I dunno, it seems like there's a lot of potential for something to have gone seriously wrong.

*Crosses Fingers*

Edit: The computer powers on but the monitor says "Please check signal cable." It's only done this once before and all I did was turn off the computer and turn it back on and it worked fine, however it's not working fine now. Is it possible I've fux0red my CPU/system?

It's very possible. But I would try this. Try taking your CPU out and reseating it in the socket. Remove the thermal grease, reapply and then see what happens. You may have pryed(sp?) your CPU out of the socket some when you removed your other heatsink.

Hmmm... I don't have anymore grease though, so I'd have to go out and buy some since supposed that Arctic whatever (wasn't silver) isn't supposed to be used for CPUs. I made sure I put the CPU back in socket and pull the lever down before putting the heatsink on, but I'm gonna try it anyway. Hopefully it works.

Edit: I took it out and I see where the CPU was pressed against the heatsink on one side there's a LOT of thermal paste and it looks like it's touching the side of the chip... could that be the problem?

 

[klah]

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article30-page1.html

Thermalright or Zalman.

 

[aplefka]

I've already bought a nice and quiet Cooler Master, now the problem is that my CPU isn't working. I did a pretty sloppy job with the thermal paste, guess I'll head over to BB and get some more then try again. HOPEFULLY it works.

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: aplefka

Originally posted by: Rock Hydra

Originally posted by: aplefka
About to power up for the first time, I'm pretty worried because I dunno, it seems like there's a lot of potential for something to have gone seriously wrong.

*Crosses Fingers*

Edit: The computer powers on but the monitor says "Please check signal cable." It's only done this once before and all I did was turn off the computer and turn it back on and it worked fine, however it's not working fine now. Is it possible I've fux0red my CPU/system?

It's very possible. But I would try this. Try taking your CPU out and reseating it in the socket. Remove the thermal grease, reapply and then see what happens. You may have pryed(sp?) your CPU out of the socket some when you removed your other heatsink.

Hmmm... I don't have anymore grease though, so I'd have to go out and buy some since supposed that Arctic whatever (wasn't silver) isn't supposed to be used for CPUs. I made sure I put the CPU back in socket and pull the lever down before putting the heatsink on, but I'm gonna try it anyway. Hopefully it works.

Edit: I took it out and I see where the CPU was pressed against the heatsink on one side there's a LOT of thermal paste and it looks like it's touching the side of the chip... could that be the problem?

Hmm...It shouldn't be a problem. I'm not sure how exactly it's touching the chip. Snap a picture of it...that might be able to help me determine better. Also, just fiddle with some crap. Make sure your expansion cards are seated tight. You might have jarred one in the process of installing/removing your HSF...um...maybe even try resetting the CMOS.
Check your power connections too, especially your P4 power connector.

 

[aplefka]

I'm fvcked. I was trying to take the CPU off the heatsink and right as I almost got it it popped off and took a 1-2 foot tumble and the way it landed bent some pins. I tried getting them back in place using the .5mm pencil method, but there are 4 that are intertwined and they're going to break before they get unbent.

Anyone know a friend trying to sell a socket 478 CPU? 2.8 GHz or above?

 

[Rock Hydra]

Originally posted by: aplefka
I'm fvcked. I was trying to take the CPU off the heatsink and right as I almost got it it popped off and took a 1-2 foot tumble and the way it landed bent some pins. I tried getting them back in place using the .5mm pencil method, but there are 4 that are intertwined and they're going to break before they get unbent.

Anyone know a friend trying to sell a socket 478 CPU? 2.8 GHz or above?

I only have a 2.6.

Edit: I thought I was bad with computer parts and dropping things. Well, best of luck, man.