Wondering how ineffective the stock heat sink and fan is that comes from Intel with their Core Duo 2 CPU's? I am assuming compared to most water cooling kit and/or name brand coolers out there Intels is pretty weak. Just wondering how bad it really is, and if I should be looking for other solutions right away or not.

It's not that bad, it's more the enough for stock systems, and adequate for moderate oc'ing, but that's about it. An aftermarket hsf is pretty much required for hardcore oc'ing.

Doubt I will do much in the way of overclocking- at least that is what I say now. But I do plan to play some intensive games, and just ordered a 7900 GT OC card, and will order a 2nd for SLI. Other then that, I just want the computer to run as efficient as I can.

Any recommendations for aftermarket heatsink and fans? Also was looking to go back to watercooling, but don't want a system I have to fuss with a LOT. Thought about the Thermaltake CL-W0005-01 Big Water SE.

No oc'ing? WC is a waste, and an aftermarket hsf isnt really needed. The Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro is a pretty cheap hsf though ($30-35 depending on where you shop), and it's much better then the stock hsf.

The Intel stock HSF is very low quality IMO, in terms of both performance and noise. That's not to say it's inadequate tho. WC is probably overkill if you're not planning to OC a lot; I think the AC Freezer 7 Pro represents very good value for money

(BTW, does it really cost $30-35??? It's around 18-20 euros where I live!)

It's good to 3GHz.

(BTW, does it really cost $30-35??? It's around 18-20 euros where I live!)[/quote]

It's about £12 here... so around $24

- http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Pro [...] tID=340995

Yeah, hsf prices are inflated here, Newegg is actually one of the higher priced etailers right now when it comes to hsfs. They're much cheaper on Xoxide, but it's not as well know as Newegg.

I know that there are about 100g of copper thats in the middle.I was able to OC an extra 0.4 ghz just by using my stock Pentium D hsf vs the core 2 duo.They really skimped on the copper but does it really need it.

I check out xoxide all the time. They carry a lot of nice products at good prices.

Atp777? Apt403? WTF?!

it's just my initials, and the 777 came out of nowhere. LoL

Ah, my entire name came outta nowhere.