Which top shelf heatsink for my P4? (oh no, not again!)

[beatle]

Yeah, yeah, I've searched. I have a feeling I'll eventually want a beefier heatsink for my P4 when it arrives, despite the claims of how well the stock cooler does the job. I'm considering these based on others recommendations and reviews:

Zalman CNPS7000-Cu / CNPS7000A-Cu (what's the difference?)
Thermalright SP94
Swiftech MCX478-V

I'd be using a Panaflo M1a on the latter 2 heatsinks, which according to SVC, runs @ 30db, 2450 rpm. The Zalman runs @ 25, 2400 rpm. Is Zalman fudging their numbers or are they really that much quieter than the Panaflo? I can't find published CFM numbers on the Zalman fan, but would estimate 45-50.

I'd have this fan hooked to the fan control on my Musketeer, which I use frequently to turn the fan down @ idle, so a heatsink that performs well with a small amount of airflow is important. I hear that the Thermalright heatsinks don't really shine unless they're being pumped full of air. How true is this?

Cost isn't a big issue and neither is the convenience/inconvenience of installing the heatsink, but performance is. I'm willing to pay for a heatsink that fits my needs. From the looks of it, the Swiftech would give me the most flexibility in fans (should I need a higher flow fan, like an H1a, in the summer) and provide good cooling when using a low flowing fan. I just don't see many reviews of it, espeically those with low flowing fans.

 

[nick1985]

slk-900

 

[beatle]

I'd rather have the performance of heatpipes (or at least the 947). I'm not really considering the 900.

 

[Slogun]

The CNPS7000A-Cu is the newer version which comes with connectors to make it compatible with the socket 754 mobos.

BTW, there is essentially no difference in cooling bewteen the CNPS7000A-Cu and the CNPS7000A-Al-Cu.

 

[beatle]

Thanks for clearing that up, Slogun. In that case I'll probably go with the lighter/universal version (if I get a Zalman).

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: beatle
I'd rather have the performance of heatpipes (or at least the 947). I'm not really considering the 900.

slk947 is identical in performance to slk900, it has be slightly redesigned for more mobo compatibility

 

[beatle]

Any input on the Swifty or those Thermalright heatsinks with a low flow fan? Or even about the db/cfm ratings of the Zalman fan?

 

[Slogun]

Here's a review for ya.

 

[RalfHutter]

The stock Zalman fan running at 12V will definitely be quieter than the M1A Panaflo and about the same as an L1A Panaflo when they're running at 12V.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: beatle
Yeah, yeah, I've searched. I have a feeling I'll eventually want a beefier heatsink for my P4 when it arrives, despite the claims of how well the stock cooler does the job. I'm considering these based on others recommendations and reviews:

Zalman CNPS7000-Cu / CNPS7000A-Cu (what's the difference?)
Thermalright SP94
Swiftech MCX478-V


I just don't see many reviews of it, espeically those with low flowing fans.

The review Slogun linked tests the MCX478-V, Zalman 7000AlCu and Thermalright 900U specifically with low airflow (i.e. "quiet") fans.

BTW, the difference between the Zalman 7000Cu and 7000AlCu is that the Cu is all copper and the AlCu is a hybrid of aluminum and copper. Performance-wise, there's no difference. The only real difference is that the copper version weighs a bunch (770 grams, way over Intels' recommended max of 450 grams) verses the much lighter AlCu version (450 grams).

 

[syberscott]

With my P4 3.0 and the 7000A-ALCU at the lowest speed (with included fanmate) my idle temps are about 38C. It is very quiet. I'm very impressed with the Zalman HS and it looks cooler than the Thermalright ones too. (I had an SLK-800 on my last system).

 

[RussianSensation]

I believe the 7000A designation simply adds the support for Socket A (Athlon processors)

All Zalman 7000s without the A designation still support the socket 754. The A adds a bracket underneath the motherboard for better support and protection for socket 754 but the normal version just has 2 screws i believe.

Regardless, you have to realize when the Zalman 7000Cu was compared to Al/Cu the cpu was used 1.8A Northwood which heats up to 50-60Watts (in the review above). If you want to overclock to 3.4 you are looking at least 85-100Watts. With wattage that high you'll see a larger perfomance difference between the 2 coolers. (but still marginal 2-3*C)

here is one another review shows they are pretty close still
7000Cu vs 7000AlCu

Because Zalman 7000AlCu weighs less and its safer to install (due to following intel specifications), I would get it. Personally if you dont need to cool Athlon XP (462) you are just wasting money on A support. Then if you search pricewatch you'll find that Zalman 7000AlCu is $31 at BestByteComputers.com, and 7000Cu is $33 at eWiz.com. If you dont mind ordering online, then i'd spend the extra 2 bucks for slightly better perfomance.

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
I believe the 7000A designation simply adds the support for Socket A (Athlon processors)

Sorry ... i must have woked up drunk and high.... i mean support for socket 462