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SLK-800 vs. PAL8045 (Not so much coolingwise..)

magnux

magnux

Platinum Member
Both are excellent coolers I've read, but my question is for the owners of these heatsinks. How hard is the SLK-800 to put on? Basically, is it a chip-killer? I cracked the core on my XP2200+ w/ a Volcano 9+. It's a "decent" HS, but IMHO not worth the stress of putting it back on. I currently have it on my XP2400+, sure, it works, but my load temps are 51C+. Obviously, either of the 2 sinks I've considering will cool significantly better than the V9+. It calls comes down to whether the PAL8045 screw method is THAT much safer/securer than the SLK-800 clip method. Any comments (alternatives?) are greatly appreciated. With SVC selling the SLK-800 for $29.99, price isn't so much a factor anymore. 😀
 
Are you using a shim? Buy a CPU shim for $5-10, it goes between the CPU and HSF, will reduce your chances of cracking the CPU greatly...


 
lo, yea. The PAL8045. In any event, I picked up a SK-7. Apparently, the SLK-800 isn't much better, and it's $10 less. $19.99 @ SVC. Anything has to be better than my V9+.

I've tried a CPU shim before, PC wouldn't boot. I figure it was preventing contact with the core, I tried tinkering with it for hours, but finally gave up. I haven't had any problems until I used this monstrosity V9+, it take the brute force of 10 men to put that clamp on. Heh, I'm hoping the SK-7 is better.
 
I've tried an slk800 on 3 different mobo's and with each the install was very easy. Tried 2 mobo's with the sk7, and it also was very easy. I do suggest to first try several screwdrivers in that slot and choose one that fits it best. You don't won't it slipping out and damaging the sensitive components. 😉

The sk7 cools just a few degrees lessor than the slk800 when using the same fan. Depending on the install, 3-4 f. tops. 19.99 is a bargain.

The only kind of shim one should ever get is a non-conductive shim. Forget those all copper ones. The non-conductive ones from crazypc.com I've tried have all worked very well.

And no frickin' doubt, I will NEVER have a V9 on any mobo again. I had no problem getting it on, but getting it off, sheeesh! At one point I was so ticked I was about to use a crowbar just to get it off. 😀 It's a very poorly designed clip and it's too close to the heatsink so it will stick. The fan I do like however, except for that fugly orange color.
 
I literally just installed an SLK-800 on my home machine and granted the fit is tight, but it went on very well and I had no problem with it. It comes with it's own 'stick-on' cushions for the cpu since it's base is more narrow than most heatsinks.

 
The PAL8045 is pretty easy to install on a new system, but with an existing system, you'd have to take out your motherboard from your case, which can be a hassle.
 
I have a alpha in 1 system and a swifty in the other, have no problem taking out the mobo every once a while. Unless you're upgrading cpu every month. mounting it is pretty easy also.
 
I found my SLK-800 to be very easy to put on, much easier than my Vantec CCK-6027D, but the Vantec was the first heatsink I put on so that probably had a factor. I don't recall ever taking off my SLK-800 though.
 
As far as safety goes, I think that the Swiftech MCX462+ and Alpha PAL8045 win hands down over any clip mount hsf. It is just about impossible to chip a proc with their mounting system and once you have the standoffs securely mounted on the board, it is a breeze to change procs, 15 minutes tops. One problem with the Alpha is that it is a big heatsink and won't fit all boards without modification. I had to grind a divot out of the side of mine to mount it on a Shuttle AK31 board and the Epox 8KHA+ boards. I will be trying out an SLK800 on my newest rig I'll be building for Christmas. The SLK800 also is an impressive heatsink; you won't go wrong with either hsf you mentioned as far as cooling goes.
 
yeah good choice

ive had no problems with my SLK800 and installation was easy after i found the perfect screwdriver 🙂
 
RANT:

I take back what I said about the alpha. just spent an hr last night changing a freaken cpu.

I couldn't yunscrew the bolts on the heatsink to the stands on the mobo because the bolts themselfs were spinning as I unscrew. had to remove the mobo to get the damn thing off.

ok. but yea, performance is top notch. 2400xp oc to 2.1 @35 degress all day.
 
Originally posted by: magnux
lo, yea. The PAL8045. In any event, I picked up a SK-7. Apparently, the SLK-800 isn't much better, and it's $10 less. $19.99 @ SVC. Anything has to be better than my V9+.

I've tried a CPU shim before, PC wouldn't boot. I figure it was preventing contact with the core, I tried tinkering with it for hours, but finally gave up. I haven't had any problems until I used this monstrosity V9+, it take the brute force of 10 men to put that clamp on. Heh, I'm hoping the SK-7 is better.
Click to expand...

OK, where is this "SVC" you speak of, and do they ship to Canada? If not, someone want to proxy-buy one for me? At $20 that's a steal for an SLK-800.

- M4H
 
Originally posted by: cheapgoose
I have a alpha in 1 system and a swifty in the other, have no problem taking out the mobo every once a while. Unless you're upgrading cpu every month. mounting it is pretty easy also.
Click to expand...

do u really upgrade ur cpu every month??? man... i wish i could do that 🙂

lordbob99
 
what i meant was unless you're upgrading every month, mounting an alpha is not troublesome at all. Me? I don't upgrade worth crap. too poor.
 
I have the Pal8045 on my main rig with a 92mm enermax adjustable fan on it and a sk7 on my front room computer with an 80mm panaflo fan. The front room computer is now darn near silent and the chip keeps a pretty good temp. My pal is pretty quiet and alos keeps a darn good temp. I would recommend either one of these to anyone. I do prefer the PAL. No reason I guess, I just do. I also upgrade my CPU 2 times a year and it does not bother me that I have to take the whole mainboard off. It gives me the chance to do some good house cleaning to the case. I did see pics somewhere that someone with the pal cut out the back of the motherboard tray so they could get to the screws without removing the mobo.
 
cheapgoose,

You can also get you some nylock nuts like Swiftech is including with their new MCX462+ locally or if you can't find them, sidewindercomputers has Swifty mobo parts kits for about $10 I think. Those nylock nuts will keep your standoffs from turning without using superglue.
 
tks for the tip.

man, I already bought a 462U awhile back. oh well, another 10 bucks for the mounting kit? I dont' know about that, but tks for the info.


 
I have the SK-7, just got it today... my XP1700 in my profile runs 43 degrees idle, and 50 under full load with a crappy crappy fan from a retail heatsink/fan combo that came with an old T-Bird 1.2 I use to have. Fairly easy to install, although I always take the motherboard out to install a heatsink because the little pedestals the motherboard sits on in the case aren't nearly enough to prevent the board from flexing and possibly breaking a connection when you use the force necessary to install it. I just set the motherboard on one of those foam pads that come with new motherboards, to give it a little cushion, but not enough to let it flex, then set it on a solid surface. I found it easier to install RAM that way too, cause in the case, the board flexes sometimes and distorts the slot and then it requires more force to seat it.
 
Originally posted by: cheapgoose
RANT:

I take back what I said about the alpha. just spent an hr last night changing a freaken cpu.

I couldn't yunscrew the bolts on the heatsink to the stands on the mobo because the bolts themselfs were spinning as I unscrew. had to remove the mobo to get the damn thing off.
Click to expand...

i've never had that problem with my 8942. just make sure that the standoffs are in good and tight.
 
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