What is a solid but inexpensive CPU cooler for overclocking

[anandsteve]

I am new to overclocking. I am going to be playing around with an inexpensive AMD x2 5000+ and an AMD x2 555BE. Is there a cooler that i can use for both of these that would be under $20 and give me a lot of bang for my buck? Or do I have to pay $30-$40 to really get good performance. I am basically looking for a diamond in the rough that someone has had a lot of good experience with...a CPU cooler that exceeded expectations, etc, but didn't break the bank.

I have a Microcenter near me which seems to have a huge selection. If you can make a recommendation for a CPU cooler that Microcenter sells, that would be great. But I might consider an online purchase with inexpensive or free shipping. The people at Microcenter are such BS'ers. They don't have a clue as to what they are talking about, so I have come here for an opinion.

 

[alyarb]

it's unfortunate, but heatsink prices have kind of gone up, and in addition newegg typicall wants $8 to ship them. the sweet spot for 92mm heat towers is mid-to-high twenties shipped.

good 92mm:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103064

and

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233001


the best value for 120mm is the 5-pipe zalman CNPS10X which is $40 with free shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118059

 

[modestninja]

I am new to overclocking. I am going to be playing around with an inexpensive AMD x2 5000+ and an AMD x2 555BE. Is there a cooler that i can use for both of these that would be under $20 and give me a lot of bang for my buck? Or do I have to pay $30-$40 to really get good performance. I am basically looking for a diamond in the rough that someone has had a lot of good experience with...a CPU cooler that exceeded expectations, etc, but didn't break the bank.

I have a Microcenter near me which seems to have a huge selection. If you can make a recommendation for a CPU cooler that Microcenter sells, that would be great. But I might consider an online purchase with inexpensive or free shipping. The people at Microcenter are such BS'ers. They don't have a clue as to what they are talking about, so I have come here for an opinion.

If you wait around for a deal you can get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus for $20-25, otherwise they will run around $30. That cooler is by far the best one at that price point.

 

[DrMrLordX]

The Thermolabs Baram is a pretty good buy if you already have 120mm fans lying around to use with it:

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thbauncpucos.html

If not then you will have to buy your own which will drive up the effective cost. Still, it is reportedly a good HSF. Not the best, but still good.

 

[ss284]

Kingwin/xigmatek 120mm cooler. Should be plenty, and performs quite well.

$22 shipped with amazon prime, if not add a $3 filler.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new

 

[alyarb]

wow i just saw this. it's a coolermaster 212 with dual 120's in push-pull for $27 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-.../ref=pd_cp_e_1

 

[cubeless]

samish price on the 212 @ superbiz...

 

[aigomorla]

Can u unlock a 555BE and make it a quadcore?

If you can, and will, you will need a mid tier to higher tier sink to keep that puppy in check.

 

[faxon]

If you wait around for a deal you can get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus for $20-25, otherwise they will run around $30. That cooler is by far the best one at that price point.

this

 

[anandsteve]

Kingwin/xigmatek 120mm cooler. Should be plenty, and performs quite well.

$22 shipped with amazon prime, if not add a $3 filler.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new

That cooler does have a lot of really good reviews. But I also found this:
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/coolermaster_hyper_212_plus/4.htm

I am not sure what to make of the Hyper 212 Plus performing better under OC at full load.

 

[jbh545]

the sunbeam core contact cooler is also pretty decent. design is very similar to a lot of what has been posted already.

 

[nyker96]

hyper 212+ best bang for its price.

 

[stm69]

I bought 3 555's and used stock cooling. Stock coolers suck, very silent but no heat pipes etc. Unlocked quad core, temps skyrocket, can't keep up 55+ before I turned off comp.

Bought 2 212's. Love them. Under load still ~40C. Bought another.

 

[SHAQ]

I have the Ultima 90 which is almost as good as a TRUE but a smaller footprint and cheaper. Adapters are available for different sockets.

 

[Copenhagen69]

here is a great review ....

http://www.techreaction.net/2010/04/19/review-seven-way-am3-cooler-shootout-winner-takes-all/