Best Quad Core Cooler?

level101

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Jan 18, 2008
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What is the best quiet air cooled cooler for a Quad Core?

I have a Zalman CNPS9500 I use on a Core 2 Duo. It works great, but the main thing is that it's quiet.
I need a cooler that would work for Overclock plus be quiet when I turn the speed down.

I was thinking of buying the Zalman CNPS9700 but not sure if that is the best choice for an overclocked Quad.

Zalman website shows the CNPS9700 supporting up to Core 2 Duo
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=164

& the CNPS9500A supporting Quad 2 Core & Core 2 Extreme
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=277

The 9500 (18 dBA on low speed) is quiter than the 9700 (19.5 dBA on low speed) which is a plus.

I use my computer for gaming, but I also use it for recording audio.
I use a fan controller so I can run all fans at max when gaming & low when recording.

What cooler would you recommend for a overclock Quad?
Zalman, Thermalite, ? ? ? ?
That can also get quiet?

Thanks