Recommendations for replacing Volcano 6cu+ (or just the fan)

[Scurvy]

I have the Volcano 6cu+ -- it does a fine job for the CPU (XP1700+). Too bad it runs at 7200rpm all the time and sounds like a Hoover. (Hey, it was 12 bucks)

All I can say is wish I spent some time hanging out here before making my parts order from newegg. Anyway, in another month or two I'll be ordering "phase II" of my computer project, which will be a cdrw, IDE controller add-on card, and sound card. Considering the noise this HSF makes, I might as well drop a few bucks on a better one.

The Volcano 7+ and Alpha PAL8045U products are just a bit pricey. I'm not overclocking, so c'mon ... $fifty bucks??

Is there a fan-only option I can look at that will slide right onto the 6Cu+ HS?

Is there a good but (relatively) quiet HSF for under $30 that fits the bill?

 

[Scurvy]

BTW, what I'm considering for this right now is the Volcano 7 (not the 7+) which has variable settings and heat sensor, but there are a couple references to this fan also being a little loud unless run on low settings, and I dont want to run my CPU hot. Right now, with the 6Cu+, I can't get temps higher than 42C even running RTCW, so even though its 12 bucks and loud as hell, the thing works.

 

[sodcha0s]

I know what you mean about that HSF. I have the same one and it is very loud. Recently I stumbled on a tip that has quieted the thing down a bit and made it more bearable. Somebody said to oil the bearings (ball type) on any fan before installing it, and it will run quieter. So I removed the fan from the heatsink. The cool thing about this particular HSF is that it slides off and can be removed easily without removing the HS from yhe CPU. Once the fan is off, carefully remove the sticker on the underside, where the wires connect to the unit. You will see one of the bearings, and a very small clip in the center that holds the fan shaft. You must remove this clip. I did it with two jewlers screwdrivers, but be careful, the clip is pretty flimsy! Once it is off, the fan blade and shaft can be removed and you will be able to remove both bearings easily. I put one drop of oil on one side of each bearing and let it seep in. I used SAE 20 oil (3 in 1 elect. motor oil) which is a bit heavy, but it's all i had 🙂 Re-assemble the unit. When I removed the clip it got bent a little bit, but I used tweezers to squeeze it back in place. Just place it over it's groove on the shaft and clamp it until it's snug.

At first it didn't seem to be much quieter, but after a day or so it really has quieted down! Made a big difference. Now it's the PSU fan that is making the most noise, I think i'll try oiling that one next. 😀

 

[Scurvy]

Sodcha thanks i'll think about it. Right now I'm pretty much thinking get a whole new HSF, or maybe this:

80x80x25 Sunon quiet fan from www.subzeropc.com
2900RPM
36.5 CFM
32dB

Plus, 60 to 80 adaptor from Horse of Iron (stocked at newegg - here's link)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=62&manufactory=1490&DEPA=1


This gets me a big, slow fan pushing lots of air. I just need to take a double check tonight to make sure I have the clearance w/ video card for an 80mm on the CPU.