Heatsink recommendations? (Athlon II X4 640)

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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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Hello,

While some of the replies in my last thread about CPU cooling were encouraging, I don't think I'm going to be able to relax until I find a more substantial CPU cooler of some sort.

So what I'd like to do now is ask if anyone has any recommendations for screw-on/bolt-on heatsinks that would be suitable for an AMD Athlon II X4 640(socket AM3), installed in a Dell Inspiron 570. I'm not exactly hitting dangerous temperatures, but I'd still prefer something I can have more faith in than a stock Dell cooler intended for an Athlon X2. I would use the heatsink that came with my X4, but it's a clip-on type, which, unless I'm mistaken somehow, I can't use here.

My only minor requirement is that I'd prefer not to use anything with pipes. It could be my noob-ish-ness talking, but I'm not comfortable with the paste distribution methods for heatsinks that use them.

Once again, any and all info is appreciated.

(...and of course, any opinions on the usefulness/viability, or lack thereof, of the aforementioned stock Dell CPU cooler would also be appreciated.)
 
Solution
Kisianik
I think I have to step in to educate people around about what really is going on inside of Inspiron 570, because I see that suggestions in this thread are incorrect when applied to Inspiron 570.

So lets start.

das_stig said:
Coolermaster 212 Evo, you will need about 160mm of clearance from socket to side/top of case
Click to expand...

Actually I recommend using this cooler, but only when Inspiron 570 original case is swapped for larger one, which can actually can fit this 120mm cooler.
Let me show you what I mean.

This is Coolermaster 212 Evo - Heatsink Dimensions 120 x 80 x 159 mm 159 mm is height, now let see if this can fit inside.

This is actual, my picture of Inspiron 570 with Rocketfish cooler, which is re badged and...
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theonerm2

theonerm2

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What kinds of temperatures are you hitting? Are you trying to overclock?
 
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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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I tend to hover around 42-45C when idle, 48-55 when browsing with Chrome, 58-62 when installing Steam games(or other "large" programs), and occasionally hit 68-72 when playing certain games before the sun goes down and/or without the AC running in my room.

And no overclocking on my end, too chicken/too much of a noob. :)

Additional note: In my previous thread, I was told that these temps were -probably- nothing to worry about, but I'm still using a heatsink made for an X2 on an X4 processor. I could just be worrying too much, but I can't seem to let that go.
 
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theonerm2

theonerm2

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Those temps are very high. What kind of thermal compound are you using? How are you applying it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835226048 that one should do a bit better than the one you currently have and there are no heatpipes. Although heatpipes would do a better job. But this one is cheap and should get the job done.
 
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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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I'm currently using Arctic Silver 5, and I used the "pea-sized dot in center of heat spreader" method of applying the compound. I first attempted the "sandwich bag over finger, spread compound evenly" method, but it ended up not working out so well. If the method I've chosen is an issue, I'd be willing to try the "horizontal line across entire surface" method, but I've seen many swear by the one I've chosen.

Many thanks for the link, I'll definitely give that cooler a shot. I may try one with pipes in the future, but being that I am still new to all of this, pipe heatsinks seem just a bit intimidating. I'm used to having four posts I simply screw on, whereas most of the pipe heatsinks I've seen have a multitude of rather tiny components to keep track of. It's something I may feel more comfortable with when I've had some more experience in maintaining and upgrading a PC.

Whatever the case, I thank you for your help and patience. :)
 
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Kisianik

Kisianik

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I think I have to step in to educate people around about what really is going on inside of Inspiron 570, because I see that suggestions in this thread are incorrect when applied to Inspiron 570.

So lets start.

das_stig said:
Coolermaster 212 Evo, you will need about 160mm of clearance from socket to side/top of case
Click to expand...

Actually I recommend using this cooler, but only when Inspiron 570 original case is swapped for larger one, which can actually can fit this 120mm cooler.
Let me show you what I mean.

This is Coolermaster 212 Evo - Heatsink Dimensions 120 x 80 x 159 mm 159 mm is height, now let see if this can fit inside.

This is actual, my picture of Inspiron 570 with Rocketfish cooler, which is re badged and identical to COOLER MASTER Hyper TX3 92mm - Heatsink Dimensions 90 x 51 x 139mm. Now pay attention to the picture - Coolermaster 212 Evo would stick out from the case, so side panel would not be closed!

5125._5F00_CPU-cooling-no-Video-card.JPG


Now you can see that only 92mm tower heatsink can be installed. I would not recommend going my steps here due to the mounting problems, which I will discuss next.

Unfortunately I have to unselect current solution, because it is not applicable for Inspiron 570, sorry theonerm2.

theonerm2 said:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... that one should do a bit better than the one you currently have and there are no heatpipes. Although heatpipes would do a better job. But this one is cheap and [strike]should get the job done[/strike]
Click to expand...

Here comes real experience dealing with Inspiron 570 upgrades.

First of all this is Inpiron 570 motherboard. It is very important to know that Dell motherboard (MOBO) model 04GJJT has Intel LGA775 screw type mounting socket, not AMD standard and not Intel clips, I think it was done by Dell to lower the overall costs.

7752.4gjjt_2D00_top_2D00_800-LGA775-Cooler-screws.JPG


To understand the gravity of the situation, take a look at what is mounted on the other side - Dell motherboard backplate (I removed it eventually).

3414.backplate-only-picture.JPG


This one looks almost the same as the next one.

8156.LGA775-Bolt_2D00_Thru_2D00_Kit.jpg


As you can see - the only way to attach cooler to Dell MOBO is to use one with screws. When backplate removed, remaining holes are too small for Intel type clips, I tested, I know.

This is what OP has now, pay attention to mounting screws.
C957N Heatsink & Fan Assembly for 65W CPUs

6712.c957n_2D00_overview_2D00_800.jpg


This is presumably the stronger one, which Dell used for Athlon 640 95 watt CPU.
C955N Heatsink & Fan Assembly for 95W CPUs

2642.Dell-K078D-C955N-CPU-Heatsink.jpg


Now let me show what was offered as solution to this question, just a picture, please note that SilenX has Intel mounting clips, even if you remove those clips, metal above will prevent you from using screws!

35-226-048-Z05


Now, everyone can see why this solution is not applicable to Inspiron 570.

Next, is the solution.
Dynatron P985 was tested to cool down Phenom II x3 processor (95 watt) installed by one of the owners, reported to have good results, that is why I recommend it, however OP pointed out to me in PM (this is how I found out about this thread) that it was out of stock on newegg, so this is amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Dynatron-Cooler-Intel-Socket-Extreme/dp/B0099W6HO8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372084560&sr=8-2&keywords=Dynatron+P985

6558.Dynatron-P985.jpg


Do you see the screws I was talking about?!

If OP decides to use other cooler - it is perfectly OK, as long as this cooler is LGA775 and has screws not Intel or AMD standard clips.

In fact, when Inspiron 570 upgraded to Phenom II x4 965 BE, which is 125 watt CPU, more serious cooler is required and here comes
the real one - DeepCool IceEdge 400XT It has mounting screws in the package.

0435.DeepCool-IceEdge-400-XT.jpg


I would not advise using this one here, because some modifications might be required - fan wattage is stronger that the one Dell uses and fan speed never goes above 50% on PWM. Unfortunately Inspiron 570 doesn't have software fan speed control (tested with speedfan), only hardware. So, if using IceEdge, the one has to change the fan for 3 pin one to run it at 100% speed, or use some type of fan control panel. But, this monster will freeze your CPU and you would never see max temps above 50C, since it keep 125 watt Phenom below 60C.


P.S. Use alcohol to clean well your processor prior installing new cooler, any remains of old thermal paste will affect your cooler. I usually recommend ArctiClean 60ml Kit, which I used myself.

So, anything else I can help you with?
 
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Solution
volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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The only detail confusing me is the stock coolers you've shown here. You see, in examining my own heatsink, it seems that it does not match the 65w one you've shown here(C957N). Rather, it is identical to the 95w cooler(C955N), and so I think that I might somehow already have the 95w cooler, which wouldn't make sense, as my Inspiron shipped with an Athlon II X2 250 installed. Therefore, despite what my cooler looks like, this seems unlikely. I do also think a lot of whatever heating issues I have are due to the climate and the season where I live, which only further confuses things.

In any event, the Dynatron looks to be worth a shot. I shall trust your word on this matter, and I'll be ordering one within the week.

I thank you for your time and patience on this issue.
 
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Kisianik

Kisianik

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I really don't like word TRUST, so I took my time and found the confirmation about Dynatron cooler here http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19438020/20059562.aspx#20059562

I took the advice offered and ordered the Dynatron P985 92mm heatsink/fan assembly, as I can confirm it's a direct replacement capable of using the stock screw holes in the motherboard. I also replaced the factory exhaust fan with a Cooler Master "Blade Master" 92mm fan (this will be updated to a more effective unit- it's quiet but seems to move no more air than the factory fan). Lastly, I removed the three vacant PCI slots and replaced them with Aeroslot PCI covers.

I am currently 37 minutes into my first OCCT 1-hour test after just having finished with the heatsink installation. The ambient room temp is 26c, the current ambient temp inside the tower (installed a remote sensor) is 32c, and the current temp across all three cores has been a stable 57=58c for the past 20 minutes. The max they reached so far was 59c for a brief moment.
Click to expand...

The owner has actually Athlon x3 not Phenom (my mistake), but it is still the same 95 watt TDP.
So, I base my recommendations on this post. I am sure there are better ones, but it will take enormous amount of time looking for answers, comparing those coolers.

OK, I decided to search through Amazon for final solution, just to be sure.
So, here is what I found.
I am going to just list the links for all coolers with LGA775 screw type mounting 92mm coolers - the ones which should fit and mount more or less easy.
DeepCool Alpha 6 http://www.amazon.com/DeepCool-Alpha-Hydro-Bearing-Cooler/dp/B008CV8ZJW/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372209071&sr=1-8&keywords=Deepcool
MassCool 8W1538 http://www.amazon.com/MassCool-forIntel-Prescott-Celeron-Dual-Core/dp/B000VSHT3C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_pc_2
Dynatron P985 seems the same as above http://www.amazon.com/Dynatron-P985-Desktop-Workstation-Cooler/dp/B004HH4BNO/ref=sr_1_74?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372209514&sr=1-74&keywords=92mm
MassCool 8W553B1M3 http://www.amazon.com/MassCool-8W553B1M3-Prescott-Celeron-Dual-core/dp/B000OCUS7Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372211749&sr=1-1
Masscool 8WT15-17 http://www.amazon.com/Masscool-8WT15-17-LGA775-Copper-Cooler/dp/B008LA6W9Y/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372211749&sr=1-8
Thermaltake CL-P0497 http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-CL-P0497-Intel-775-Cpu/dp/B001CCGYU0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1372214709&sr=1-1&keywords=Thermaltake+CL-P0497

Next one caught my attention due to extra heatpipes, but could not find many reviews Deepcool ALPHA 200 ST http://www.amazon.com/Deepcool-Socket-Aluminum-Heatpipes-Connector/dp/B005UFEGT6/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372209071&sr=1-1&keywords=Deepcool

And, then, I found this by an accident, this one looks awesome, LOGISYS ALPHA 400ST IC4100AST http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835999010 OR http://www.amazon.com/Logisys-Corp-IC4100AST-Performance-Cooler/dp/B0040V544M/ref=sr_1_27?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372212461&sr=1-27

41hn7tZ7KBL.jpg


I feel somewhat excited because this one has 4 heatpipes, copper base, and quiet fan according to reviews, the only problem - people state that it is big, so I will need a bit more time to check the size! This could be the WINNER.

I will comeback maybe tomorrow for more, this is not over yet.
 
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Kisianik

Kisianik

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Unfortunately I can not guarantee 100% fit, since I can not measure my motherboard as it covered with many parts, in this case you have to take ruler or measuring tape and check yourself. I will provide all info for this below.
I will make hyperlinks so click on the model to get the link.
LOGISYS Computer ALPHA 400ST IC4100AST OR DeepCool Alpha 400 ST

Heatsink Dimensions 98.5 x 108.5 x 82mm Measure from approximately center of CPU socket to the power supply - if it is less than 55 mm, you fine (108.5 rounding to 110 and dividing by half)

So, far this is the best choice for 95 watt CPUs (LGA775 with screws), I did not know about this until now.

If you decide to use this cooler, let us know the results, this is how community knowledge builds.
 
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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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Wow, that Alpha 400ST really does look amazing. Unfortunately, after measuring the space inside my PC every which way I possibly could, it looks like it's just slightly too big. It would crowd my chipset's heatsink and likely butt up against a few things inside the case. It's disappointing, because it looks like it'd do a stellar job.

So for now, I think it's a toss-up between the Dynatron P985 and the Masscool 8WT15-17. My only question now, in regards to the Dynatron, is if an additional core would make a difference in terms of heat, if two CPUs are both rated at 95w(Athlon x3 vs Athlon x4)?

Whatever the case, I'll look into picking up one (or maybe both) of those coolers, and perhaps reporting their performance here when I get the chance. Thanks a ton for all the info and aid. :)
 
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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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UPDATE: My new cooler came in today, I decided to go with the Masscool 8WT15-17.

Unfortunately, it seems that I misread or missed details given by Kisianik on this thread, and have hit a brick wall. I had wanted to avoid having to remove my motherboard and mess with the backplate, but as he apparently pointed out, the screws on some of these coolers simply don't reach far enough on their own. Unfortunately, I already have my Inspiron disassembled, and... well, there's nothing I can do but put everything back together.

For now, all I can do is put the old cooler back in. I can't get that backplate off, and the one that came with the Masscool is basically the same exact thing. So it appears that I am at a loss. I don't normally make such foolish mistakes as this, and I can only chalk it up to recent stress.

In any event, my two choices now are the Dynatron or the 95w stock Dell cooler. If the Dynatron also requires a new backplate, then the Dell cooler it is.
 
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Kisianik

Kisianik

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Hold on. Cool down. Explain one more time. Is Masscool came with backplate? Masscool screws should fit Dell backplate.
Please elaborate on your problem.
Dynatron was reported to mount easy, but you already have Masscool, so explain your problem one more time.

My response, at worst and latest, will be tomorrow morning, Pacific time.
I hope you can read my request and answer it the sooner the better.
 
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volkerball3011

volkerball3011

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Aha, it seems I made a small error when attempting to install the Masscool. You see, when I attempted to bolt the new cooler in place, it seemed like the screws simply weren't reaching their destination properly, like the posts themselves were too short. But in my haste, I somehow managed to completely miss the springs on the posts of the Masscool. A very "noob" mistake, all I had to do was hold the cooler firmly in place then push the posts down and screw them in one at a time until they were holding themselves in place on their own, then finish fastening the cooler in place.

Minutes ago, I installed the Masscool, and while the thermal paste is still "new," I'm already seeing temperatures that are 5-8 degrees lower than I was getting with the stock cooler. I was pulling around 45-50c while browsing with Chrome using the old cooler, and right now I'm hovering around 35c-39c. I have yet to test the temps under load and other activities, and the thermal paste hasn't had time to settle, but this is already looking very promising.

Thank you for your help, Kisianik, and I apologize for dragging you back to this thread yet again. I might make an update thread later on if there are any changes, but so far this cooler is looking like the answer to my problems. :)
 
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