The importance of the HSF

[AZReDWiNG]

Currently, I am using a Thermaltake Big Typhoon HSF on my Athlon X2 4200+. Before using this HSF, my HT freq. could not exceed 245MHz -- after 245, it fails to boot. My max CPU freq was 235MHz -- after 235, it would fail Prime95 within minutes.

With the new HSF I got a bit adventurous and clocked the CPU up to 240x11, and it ran smoothly. I then decided to attempt reclocking everything in the system, as per Zebo's "Quick and Dirty A64 clocking guide". I'm trying to max the HTT. Right now it's at 280x3 and still going strong. Before the new HSF, I was 35MHz below. I don't understand how the HSF could cause such a gap.

Does a good HSF really make that big of a difference, or is my computer just nuts now ?

EDIT: I'm currently at 310x3 and still going strong.

 

[MaxxuM]

They make a heap of difference... well, cooling does anyway. The number one enemy of electronics and just about anything mechanical is heat. The faster you get rid of it the better. Most HSF can do a pretty good job of getting rid of the heat but fewer can do it 'quickly' which is the key. The faster you get it out of the processor the better. Thats why the Athlon XP's were hard to cool, their small size was a big limiting factor. The more surface area the better as well.

 

[lopri]

HSF makes a huge difference. Better HSF will let you OC higher @same voltage, or let you lower the voltage @same clock.

 

[TrevorRC]

Originally posted by: AZReDWiNG
Currently, I am using a Thermaltake Big Typhoon HSF on my Athlon X2 4200+. Before using this HSF, my HT freq. could not exceed 245MHz -- after 245, it fails to boot. My max CPU freq was 235MHz -- after 235, it would fail Prime95 within minutes.

With the new HSF I got a bit adventurous and clocked the CPU up to 240x11, and it ran smoothly. I then decided to attempt reclocking everything in the system, as per Zebo's "Quick and Dirty A64 clocking guide". I'm trying to max the HTT. Right now it's at 280x3 and still going strong. Before the new HSF, I was 35MHz below. I don't understand how the HSF could cause such a gap.

Does a good HSF really make that big of a difference, or is my computer just nuts now ?

EDIT: I'm currently at 310x3 and still going strong.

Big difference, yes...

But a near 25% increase? Doubtful.
You may have mounted it (the stock cooler) incorrectly.

I'm not sure if the X2's stock coolers are ANYTHING like the Opty ones, but someone did a bench with the Opty Stock(heatpipes&all) vs. an aftermarket cooler, and the Opty was only a C or two behind.