What do you think?

[Relion]

1. Big Typhoon: seems to be the best at cooling but its heavy. ($51 + S&H)
2. Zalman 9500. Seems to be a good option too, a lil xpensive tho. ($61 + S&H)
3. Zalman 7700cu. ($40 + S&H)
4. XP-90C + Panaflo ($60 + S&H)
5. XP-90 + Panaflo ($43 + S&H)

S&H should be like $5 for most of them.

What you think is best choice? I have almost enterily discarded #4 since difference in cooling is like 2C with #5

 

[TankGuys]

3 or 4. Personally I like 3 since it's a bit cheaper and frankly, you're not going to be seeing any HUGE temperature differences between them. However, you'll bet a ton of different opinions, and everyone will likely recommend a different one, so good luck getting a solid answer

 

[Markfw]

5. I have 5 of them. The big typoon is a pain to mount and heavy and not required unless you have a Pentium D. The Zalmann doesn't cool that much better if at all from the XP90, and if the fan dies, then how do you replace it ? (goes to 2 and 3)

Xp90 all the way ! And you can get it for $27.99 at SVC.com, or retail for $35.

 

[Concillian]

They're all pretty good. Cooling is really not all that much of a concern unless you're using a dually. The single core processors don't really see huge OC margin benefits from additional cooling until water. For that reason I'd go with 3 or 5... cheap and good performance... good value.

The XP90 is nice in that you can control it's efficiency and noise depending on the fan you use. If you use a very high CFM fan it can come very close to some of the best coolers out there. If you use a low speed Panaflo, you can match some of the quietest coolers out there. If you want something in-between, you can do that too.

When you compare noise vs. thermal efficiency, there is really only pretty small differences between top end coolers, it's not something to agonize over.

 

[drifter106]

Relion,

What I have to show you is not on your list but I was in the same boat as you (really spent to much time reviewing) but this guy has some good information I thought you might like to hear. In this thread go down to where Madellga makes a comment.

I just got mine today and am looking forward to using it...

Good Luck!!

 

[Zebo]

XP-90. Cools as well as XP-120 just go over to overclockers.com's scientific reviews and check it out.. What everyone seems to forget with 120's is the large motor bore those fans must have - essentially stealing lots of space over HS. The 90mm OTOH uses same motors as 80mm fans so you get small bore with a little xtra in 90/92mm fins. Besides it's a smaller profile, letting you work around socket and putting less stress on mobo.

 

[drifter106]

Overclockers is but one of many good sources of information about heatsinks. There testing showed that a xp-90 running at 1500 rpms would give a temp of 37. Whereas the SI-120 would give a temp of 32. The 120 is larger and does provide cooling over a wider range which can result in cramped conditions. But as Zebo points out it is a very workable solution.

heatsink reviews

 

[Relion]

Thank you all...thank you very much....one more question....Low speed and high speed panaflos will differ too much in temps? Im sold to XP-90 so I need to chose between these (can only buy at Amazon since Im in Costa Rica):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Y...glance&n=541966&n=507846&s=pc&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Y...glance&n=541966&n=507846&s=pc&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Y...172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002C...172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance

 

[Relion]

Originally posted by: drifter106
Relion,

What I have to show you is not on your list but I was in the same boat as you (really spent to much time reviewing) but this guy has some good information I thought you might like to hear. In this thread go down to where Madellga makes a comment.

I just got mine today and am looking forward to using it...

Good Luck!!

Ty....guys what you think about this SI-120 vs XP-90 ?

 

[Toddo97]

I'm getting ready to get the Typhoon, but only because I'm lumping it into a Monarch deal. If I were you, I'd get the si-120. That way, you'll never get a case of the shoulda woulda's wondering how much better your cooling would be if you had gotten it. BTW, where in CR do you live?

 

[Cruise51]

The si-120 is a good choice.

 

[lifeguard1999]

XP-90 if you are price constrained. SI-120 if you are not price constrained.

 

[AppaYipYip]

My Zalman 9500 is AMAZING! I love this cooler so much. Here are pics of my full Zalman rig:

My new gaming rig I've built

 

[Cruise51]

Sweet rig Appa. Where did you get the case? How quiet is the 9500?

 

[Andres3605]

xp-90

 

[Relion]

Thanks all who replyed...went for the XP-90, a high speed panaflo and some artic silver 5 .... is it true that is better to let the heatsiknk spread the thermal compound instead of spreading it with say...a credit card or something?

 

[AppaYipYip]

Originally posted by: Cruise51
Sweet rig Appa. Where did you get the case? How quiet is the 9500?

The case is a Gigabyte Aurora 3D, got it at www.zipzoomfly.com

 

[Regalk]

Well I use the Big Typhoon on the A8N-E in a cramped case and did not have too much trouble installing. Did not have to take the mobo out of the case but I did remove the Powersupply since not enough room to work. All told about 20 minutes and done.
This is one big HS and i was worried about the clearance with the case - iits OK though. In Canada I can get in a local store so I was able to feel the weight of the Zalman CNPS9500 and 7700CU and they felt heavier than the Big Typhoon contrary to what others say.