- Nov 17, 2002
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Hello gents. I've been going on a computer cooling kick as of late and I feel that my stock NF7-S 2.0 Northbridge cooler just isn't cutting the mustard anymore. Consequently, I've begun looking for new solutions.
First contender: Swiftech MCX159-A
This one looks quite badass. I've read a few reviews and it really hums along when it's cranking at over 8000rpm. Noise really isn't a big deal to me because I'll have it on a manual fan controller, so when I'm going to bed or whatnot I'll be able to crank it down a ways while the rig is idle.
Second contender: Microcool Northpole
This one seems to beat out the Swiftech cooler in most reviews, but appears to be a bit harder to install. If someone could find me a respectable retailer that carries this one I'll consider it more heavily.
Third contender: Thermaltake Extreme Spirit
I've read that this one doesn't offer too much over Abit's stock cooler, but I'll still throw it in here for the sake on comparison. It seems to be quieter than the others and comes with its own switch. Oh yeah, and it's less than 1/2 the cost of the others.
Well there you have it. Another thing I'm concerned about is having to physically remove my board in order to install this new item. The current cooler is held in place by screws, but is it also fastened with rentention clips on the rear of the board? Unfortunately my case doesn't have a removeable tray so this would present a dilemma. I really don't want to go tearing the guts out of my rig if I can help it.
As always, if there are any products that I've overlooked, please feel free to post your recommendations.
First contender: Swiftech MCX159-A
This one looks quite badass. I've read a few reviews and it really hums along when it's cranking at over 8000rpm. Noise really isn't a big deal to me because I'll have it on a manual fan controller, so when I'm going to bed or whatnot I'll be able to crank it down a ways while the rig is idle.
Second contender: Microcool Northpole
This one seems to beat out the Swiftech cooler in most reviews, but appears to be a bit harder to install. If someone could find me a respectable retailer that carries this one I'll consider it more heavily.
Third contender: Thermaltake Extreme Spirit
I've read that this one doesn't offer too much over Abit's stock cooler, but I'll still throw it in here for the sake on comparison. It seems to be quieter than the others and comes with its own switch. Oh yeah, and it's less than 1/2 the cost of the others.
Well there you have it. Another thing I'm concerned about is having to physically remove my board in order to install this new item. The current cooler is held in place by screws, but is it also fastened with rentention clips on the rear of the board? Unfortunately my case doesn't have a removeable tray so this would present a dilemma. I really don't want to go tearing the guts out of my rig if I can help it.
As always, if there are any products that I've overlooked, please feel free to post your recommendations.