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Quietest CPU Cooler for XP 1600+

F

figgypower

Senior member
I was wondering on what would be the quietest cooling solution in order to have a stable system with an XP 1600+? I've decided on getting
the Alpha PAL8045 heatsink and for the fan I'm thinking a Panaflo. What I'm confused about are the two different solutions from
Heatsink Factory and 2CoolTek.
The Heatsink Factory version uses Panaflo model FBA-08A12H that provides 39.6 CFM at 32dB, while the 2CookTek version uses an
unspecified model Panaflo that provides 24 CFM at 21dB.

All I need to do is cool an XP 1600+ as quietly as possible and I'm not thinking of overclocking. The case I'm going to use is the Fong Kai 603. So what's everyone's
suggestions/recommendations?
 
I am running the Alpha with a Sunon 42.5 CFM fan that runs at 36.5db and I can barely hear it over the rest of my system.
I really think that the 24 CFM fan will not be enough.
If you really want to pick a good combo buy the heatsink and fan seperately like I did.
I bought the Heatsink here for $29.99.
It now is listed as $39.99, but it has gone on sale often since I was first made aware of the deal.
I bought my Sunon high speed fan here after
listening to it with the audio files there. If you need quieter you could go for the Sunon regular or low
speed 80mm fans. With the low speed at 28db(while still at 31CFM) I doubt you will hear it at all over you PSU.
At least this will give you an idea of what a particular DB sounds like, although not perfect it's better then
nothing.

Mark
 
Get the swiftech mcx462. with a comparable fan, it will always beat the alpha.

I have a enermax 80 mm fan that is 40 cfm at 32 db on this massive heatsink and my computer stays at a chilly 32 degrees idle/ 35 full load (145 fsb) on a athlon xp 1800+.

this is one review of several where the swiftech stomps the alpha.

http://www.2fastcpu.com/swifmcx462/page2.html

Just my two cents.
 
The SK6 w/80mm case fan mounted diagonally. keeps things cool and you won't have the annoying buzzing noise of a 60mm fan.
 
He already clearly stated he wanted the Alpha which is a very good Heatsink.
The Swifty might be a better cooler, but it is also much more expensive.
Unless you you are going to seriously overclock, which you said you were not, go with
the best cooler with a reasonable price and an 80mm fan.
The Alpha fits this bill nicely.
Since you are buying new it makes no sense at all to mickey mouse around with a heatsink that
is designed for a 60mm high speed fan which is much louder.
Do it the way you want from the start.

The only potential issue is that the Alpha does not fit all motherboards. I needed to mod mine to make it fit.

Mark
 
The low speed panaflo cools nicely on the Alpha. It's what I have, well had. I got the same (Whisper setup) from 2cooltech. It is quiet and cools nicely. Just set the fan to suck from the HS! I now have an enermax adjustable fan set to low and it cool s the same and is very quiet. I think it also blows the same CFm as the panaflo. I needed the panaflo for my PSU that's why I put the adjustable on my HS.

So I would say get the whisper set up. You almost can't hear the thing and it cools great!
 
2CoolTek's Panaflo FBA08A12L1A rated at 21dB/24CFM should be enough to cool your XP1600+, since Anand's review shows that even Papst 8412NGL rated at 12dB/19CFM is sufficient with Alpha8045. Since you are not overclocking, Anand's result is applicable to your case.

I'd rather suggest, however, Alpha8045 with Papst 8412NGML rated at 19dB/26.5CFM, quieter than Panaflo with more airflow. You can get this fan at Plycon.



 
I'm wanting to build a best-bang-for-the-buck performance system, so I'm wanting to keep it around $1100 - $1500. The Swiftechs, while
offering the best cooling performance, are just not worth it for me. As markrb stated, I'm NOT going to switch from the Alpha PAL 8045 unless
someone can point me to an equally performing heatsink at the same price. I like Ausone's suggestion, so I'm going with the Papst fans.
Does anyone know of a reputable retailer selling Papst fans cheaper than Plycon (the 8412NGML ones)? I have another question - do I need
a 3 pin to 4 pin adapter for the Papst 8412NGMLs? The ones in Plycon only seem to come with the 3 pin adapters...
Lots of thanks to the people who provided me with helpful suggestion.
 


<< Does anyone know of a reputable retailer selling Papst fans cheaper than Plycon (the 8412NGML ones)? >>

AFAIK, Plycon is the only seller in the U.S. that carries 8412NGML. Of course, you can order one from noisecontrol.de in Germany, and it can be cheaper if you are going to order something else, like Silverado, Magic Fleece, Papst modded Enermax, etc, from them anyway. But if you are just buying NGML only, Plycon seems to be the cheapest.

According to this thread, you could try contacting larry@interior.bc.ca.



<< I have another question - do I need >>

I don't think you'll need one unless you have some reason not to connect your CPU fan to a motherboard connector.

 
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