Question about cooling for Q9550

[ExcaliburMM]

I'll be upgrading in the next month to a Q9550 and some better RAM on my current setup. I was looking into getting a better CPU cooler and considered the following:
Sunbeam Corecontact Freezer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835207004

Xigmatech 120mm Rifle Cpu Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003

or stay with my current A7FP maybe?

Any recommendations? Using a CM RC690 Case, seems roomy enough. Was also considering switching whatever fan they throw on it with one of my high speed YL 120mms.

 

[zerogear]

Xigmatec.

 

[sao123]

the xigmatek is an awesome cooler...however it is freking hugh...

unless your case is the size of a MACK TRUCK, you might want to consider
XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 like I did.

the larger one wouldnt fit inside my P182 case, this one is just right.

MY Q9550 idles at 25C, and rarely ever breaks 33-35C under the severest of loads.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Anyone have experience specifically with the Xigma and the RC690? I'm thinking it should fit.

 

[RallyMaster]

Xigmatek S1283 will definitely fit inside a CM690.

 

[nyker96]

i vote for Xigmatec, contact freezer is even bigger but not necessarily better by much.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Can anyone confirm the Xigma out preforms the Core Contact? Also thoughts on putting my Yate Loon 120mm HS fan whatever one I get instead of the stock? Note fan noise isn't an issue, I'll run it 100% 24/7 without a care.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Lil bump please.

 

[KingstonU]

Link

Link

Link

Link (scroll down)

Link

Enjoy

 

[DXtreme]

Originally posted by: sao123
the xigmatek is an awesome cooler...however it is freking hugh...

the larger one wouldnt fit inside my P182 case, this one is just right.

S1283 fits in my P180 just fine, so not sure why it didn't fit your P182.

Xigmatek is a great cooler!

 

[Ward]

I replaced the Arctic Cooler 7 Freezer Pro with the xig S1283. The Xig 120 fan is much quieter than the 92 fan on the Pro 7. The S1283 is holding my Q9550, OC to 3.6Ghz, to a max of 50c. This is in my Antec P182 case with the top fan removed (hole plugged) and the rear Tri Cool fan on mid speed. The 7 Freezer Pro had a hard time holding the CPU temp to 55c with an OC to 3.4Ghz.
It did fit with about 1/2" clearance to the case side.
I noticed the Sunbeam has 4 heat pipes. I noted in the Benchmark Review testing of heatsinks the Xig 3 pipe beat out the Xig 4 pipe, which is why I went with the S1283.

 

[Martimus]

I built a Q9550 build for my roommate in November. I used the Xigmatek S1283, and I can say it keeps his processor frosty cool. I couldn't get any core to read above 30C even after hours of Prime95 testing. It was at stock, but I was still impressed with how well it works.

If you go this route though, make sure you also get the retention bracket. The heatsink is way too big to use the push pins that come with it.

EDIT: after reading the rest of your comments, I have to say that the stock fan is actually very quiet. I bought an S-Flex (Scythe) fan to use, but decided to try the stock fan that comes with it first, and I have to say that I am unable to hear it run at all. It runs very quiet if you install it correctly (using their rubber spacers). I now have two extra fans that I don't need sitting next to me, because the stock fan on the case and cooler were good enough.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

I honestly do not care how the fan does noise wise because I have 3 120mm Yate Loon High Speeds in the case already that sound like wind turbines. And my music is always so loud, that it doesn't matter.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I use a ZEROtherm ZEN FZ120 on my Q9550. I got it for $10 after rebate. At load, the highest any of the cores reach is 41 with the cpu oc'd to 3.6ghz.

 

[DXtreme]

Originally posted by: Martimus
If you go this route though, make sure you also get the retention bracket. The heatsink is way too big to use the push pins that come with.

That's a must have for easy install!

 

[doubleflo7]

I agree that the Zigmatek 120mm series will fit in just about any mid-tower or full-tower enclosure. But it IS a tall cooler, so keep that in mind. On one of my builds, I had to dremel open a section in the side panel to allow the top of the heatpipes through.

The Xigmatek coolers are hands-down the best I have used. I'm using the new Dark Knight cooler, which is an update to the Rifle cooler, with one important update: NO MORE PUSHPINS! It finally comes with screws and a backing plate, which incidentally also supports LGA 1366 in case you want to upgrade to Core i7 without buying a new cooler. And the performance? My current Q9550 idles at 25-27C on each core, and maxes out near 40C. It's only been a few days, so I haven't attempted to overclock yet. But my last one ran at 3.8GHz stable, with the Rifle cooler.

Good Luck!

p.s - Pay attention when applying thermal paste, you have to put some in the grooves between the heatpipes on the cooler's contact area.

 

[smackababy]

I am using the Core Contact and I love it. I am switching to water though, so I might have one for sale soon.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Anyone know if the Q9550 is going to price drop anytime soon or if anyone is selling one over in FS/T?

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: ExcaliburMM
Anyone know if the Q9550 is going to price drop anytime soon or if anyone is selling one over in FS/T?

Q9550 is 279.99 at newegg, that actually is a recent price drop since it was 319.99 just at thanksgiving.