Thermaltake V1 HSF CPU Cooler any good? Best Thermal Paste?

[badboyeee]

A friend of mine is offering me a new in box Thermaltake V1 CPU Cooler for $35 (I can probably get it down a few more bucks, maybe $30?).

I don't know much about cpu coolers. I currently have the Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. I got this because it looked pretty cool and "looked" like it can do its purpose and then some. But it doesn't seem to cool my Opteron very well (I get like 80deg @ max load when trying to OC to 2.7ghz).
Here is the link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118109

So will the Thermaltake V1 be a worthy upgrade for $30??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106102

Or is there another one better for this price?

The V1 looks pretty good according to the Newegg reviews. I know some of you might say to just use that money to upgrade my CPU. But I'm trying to hold out for Bulldozer. I also would like to use this HSF for my next CPU as well.

Another question, is Arctic Silver 5 still the best thermal paste to use? Or recommend one that is just as good with easier application.

Thanks in advance.

 

[badboyeee]

anyone? would like advice on thermal grease at least... i also need to replace my chipset fan that i would like to do over the weekend. is that shin-etsu g751 stuff better than AS5 in terms if ease of applying?

 

[theAnimal]

Looking at a few reviews it seems OK, but I think a Scythe Mugen 2 or CM Hyper 212+ would be better, quieter options in that price range.

The TIM only makes a few degrees difference at most. I'm using AC MX-2.

 

[badboyeee]

Looking at a few reviews it seems OK, but I think a Scythe Mugen 2 or CM Hyper 212+ would be better, quieter options in that price range.

The TIM only makes a few degrees difference at most. I'm using AC MX-2.

Yeah I heard about the CM Hyper 212+, its out of stock everywhere tho except newegg but they sell it expensive. Mugen 2 looks out of my price range.

My friend brought the offer down to $25 for the V1.

I also just placed an order for the AC MX-2. Seems to fit all my criteria (cheap, easy to apply and remove, good performance, non-conductive) Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[fluffmonster]

V1 is better than stock and probably better than that Zalman, but not really that good.

 

[alfa147x]

The key about TIM is applying it the right way not so much which one you buy