AMD CPU and Cooler compatibility

stevethehunter

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Aug 26, 2012
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Hello everyone!

I've been having some trouble with my desktop computer's CPU overheating. A friend of mine believes there is an air bubble or something in the thermal past and I should re-apply it. I have an AMD A6-5400K and my friend said if I want to replace the stock cooler this would be a good time to do so, and said the stock can be a bit difficult to snap back in without messing up the paste. He recommended this cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

So my questions are: Is that^^ cooler compatible with my AMD A6-5400K CPU? I believe my case will be big enough, but is there a way to make sure? In the compatibility column of the specifications page on Newegg, it doesn't mention the FM2 socket as being compatible. My friend specifically recommended that cooler, and said it would be good with my CPU? And will this cooler come with thermal paste already applied? Or must buy some paste and apply it myself?

Thank you in advance! Any help is appreciated!

Cheers
Steve
 

pbm86

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Jan 9, 2012
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if a cooler is compatible with AM2 and AM3 it is also compatible with FM2. I suppose the cooler comes with a some paste but you must apply it yourself. The height of the heatsink is 125 mm. That should fit in almost any midi or mini tower case. Some case specifications state maximum CPU cooler height.
212 EVO is very good. I also own one. But you need at least 160 mm CPU cooler clearance (not any case).
 

stevethehunter

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Aug 26, 2012
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Thanks for the amazingly fast responses!

That friend I mentioned, when he recommended the ZALMAN CNPS9500A, he said it's even capable of outperforming the 212 EVO in his own experience. Though I don't have a huge beast of a computer, so I don't need a mega-cooler, performance isn't a big priority, ease of installation would probably be most important, and the price difference isn't really important in the long run. And I'm sure either cooler will keep my CPU plenty cool.

Is there any way to check my case to see if the 212 EVO cooler will fit? I don't remember what case I have.
 


Make sure that you have at least 6.5 inches of space from the socket,as the Hyper 212 EVO is about 6.3 inches tall.
If you don't have that much space,then go for a Hyper TX3/TX3 EVO.The TX3 is 139mm tall (about 5.5 inches),while the TX3 EVO is 136mm tall (about 5.35 inches).
All the best. ;)
 

stevethehunter

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Aug 26, 2012
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I'm not sure but I believe my case has a 155mm limitation, it's only about 7 inches wide, so I think the 212 EVO is out. I've been comparing the ZALMAN CNPS9500A, and the TX3 (I can't seem to find much info on the TX3 EVO, as far as reviews go). Most people say the ZALMAN needs the mobo taken out to be installed, and the TX3 is very difficult for AMD. Is the installation of these coolers doable if you pay attention and follow the instructions? Or should I just have a professional do it? I built my computer myself, so I know a "little" bit about how it works.:D

Thanks again!
 

bmacsys

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The Hyper 212 EVO doesn't use the stock AMD backplate. Unless you are handy or have done installations like this before the Hyper 212 EVO can be tricky to install. Actually it has a crap mounting system imho. My Thermalrights are a breeze and use less than half the mounting hardware.:D Heatsinks normally come with a tube of decent tim bundled with them.
 

bmacsys

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Air bubble? Lol. You need a friend who is a little more informed. Normally you aren't going to remove the hsf unless you are going to clean the old thermal interface material off and reapply it or plan on swapping out the hsf for a aftermarket one. FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ all are interchangeable as far as hsf mounting go. That being said an AM3+ processor such as an 8350 needs a much beefier hsf to dissipate the heat than an AM2+ Athlon II.
 

stevethehunter

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Aug 26, 2012
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I measured my case and I'm quite sure the 212 EVO won't fit, so nothing to worry about there.:)



Well perhaps it is not an air bubble, but I do believe the solution to my problems is to re-apply the thermal paste. I have an A6-5400K, so I believe my needs would be somewhere in between. The stock cooler has worked fine for over a year already, so I don't think I need anything to powerful in the cooler department.