Your Top 3 CPU HS/F combo and why? (AMD XP)

Comp625

Golden Member
Aug 25, 2000
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What would you rank as the Top 3 CPU Heatsink/Fan combo and why? The reason I ask is because I am about to buy a new AMD XP2100+ but I have no clue as to where to start my search for a HS/F. Surely I'm not gonna use the stock. :) I'm looking for one that's quiet but more importantly, can cool very well.
 

BoleyWV

Member
Feb 19, 2003
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Curious to see the replies myself, as I am currently putting together an Athlon 2100+, EP-8RDA+ box myself.

I am kind of clueless on heatsinks and fans but I am looking at the Thermaltake VOLCANO 9.

 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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  • Alpha PAL8045 is a bolt-down heatsink designed for 80mm fans of any thickness. It cools well but can be a pain to install and remove. Fit list is here. I have one of these in my office system :D
  • Swiftech MCX-462U is another bolt-down unit designed for 80mm fans, also cools well and also could be a drag to install and remove.
  • Thermalright SLK-900, SLK-800 and SK-7 all take 80mm fans (SLK-900 will take 92mm too) and perform well. They have three-prong clips so you can install them without removing the motherboard. I just got another SK-7 for my home system after giving my first one to my dad. It's $20 at svc.com, definitely a nice price for the performance.
Here is some relative performance indication: Overclockers.com heatsink rankings, go down the page to the Air Cooling DIE Simulator C/W TEST RESULTS

If you want quietness plus cooling, 80mm fans (or larger) have what you want: lower noise, lower RPM/pitch, higher airflow.
 

Jman13

Senior member
Apr 9, 2001
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I'd go for any of the Thermalright HSFs (SLK-900, SLK-800, SK-7). The Alpha PAL is a good HSF, but outdated, IMO. It still cools well, but not even as well as the SK-7, which is much simpler to put on.

I have an SK-7 on my OCed 1700+ (Palomino), and it keeps the chip quite cool (30C idle, 39C load)
 

WalMart1564

Banned
Jan 22, 2003
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Originally posted by: mechBgon
Originally posted by: WalMart1564
im also building an amd 2100 system soon and im gonna use the Vantec AeroFlow


but ide listen to mechbgon im only using the aeroflow because of the low noise
Wow, the Aeroflow does ok considering its noise level too: test at overclockers.com


well i am in theory going to overclock my 2100 but there is one more factor look at it
it looks so friggin cool its a must for my lanboy