Howdy, just like the title suggests, I am looking for a good cooler for a Q6600 @ 3.0 Ghz. Money is not a concern, but I do not want to spend anything outrageous for a cooler. I would prefer not to go with liquid cooling due to the fact that I really dont want to mess with it. What are some of your suggestions? I was thinking the zalman 9700 LED, but would like some other opinions.

The TRUE as usual. I have mine on a true at 3.8, so I think it works, and at 3.6 all my cores remain under 65c for 8 hours of testing. So its the best as of now for air! Just get a nice fan like the Skythe Kaze, and you are good to go!
 
BUT... for 3.0 you wont need much cooling, really, unless its a B3! So a cheaper solution may be good.  
 
HOWEVER... I have noticed that when people start to OC, they say I am just gonna go to 3.0... until they realize how easy it is, and how fun! (If you like computers!) So it may be best to get the TRUE to start with. I have a pair of arctic squares I dont use now. And they were 40 bucks each!
 
--Lupi!

Lupi,
I'm one day away from the real fun beginning...Starting at 3.0 first, then 3.2, then 3.6 (hopefully)...I'll be posting back here with results.

Kewlness! I magically inherited a G0 in exchange for my B3, so have a bit of toying around to do. Its a 1.300 VID like every one else who has gotten one in the past few months.
 
What scared me is someone posting that they had a new edition low wattage q6600! Is intel hip to the VID and weeding out the low ones for their own use??
 
--Lupi

In case you were wondering, TRUE = Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme. You will need to buy an extra fan, and be prepared to lap it.

I think the TRUE is overkill for only 3.0 ghz.  If you are really not going to OC past that (much), the Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 would be fine.  If you don't need the TRUE, you're paying too much, and it's a hassle because you'll have to lap it (there's a good chance it will come w/ a pretty curved surface).
 
I think the Xigmatek S1283 for only a few $'s more is a better value and would be more than sufficient.  I've OC'd my Q6600 to 3.5ghz with the S1283.
 

Well, he did say money isn't a concern, so TRUE ftw.

I second the TRUE!!! thermalright ultra 120 extreme.

Well if money and hassle are not factors, liquid nitrogen is a viable option as well

Thanks, I think I will go with the TRUE. Quick question though, is there a really good guide to lapping? I have never done it before and just recently even heard anything about it. Also, how do I check if I have a G0 Stepping Q6600?

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/1 [...] page2.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/1 [...] page3.html
These two pages tell you exactly how to make sure you get the G0 stepping... this is imperative that you get the G0 vs. B3... way better o'cer!
 
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] cs-results
Guide to lapping Q6600
 
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] mp-results
Guide to lapping a TRUE
 
There are also other articles for lapping HSF and CPU... but figured I would point you to a THF guide.  
 
Any more questions?

Awesome thanks. If my CPU is B3 how can I fudge with newegg to get a new one with G0 stepping? Also, SLACR is the sSpec for G0 stepping for the Q6600 right?

I actually wouldnt bother with newegg for that specific reason... they wont guarantee G0 and wont allow you to return due to it. Go with clubit: http://www.clubit.com/product_deta [...] =CA1938460

B3s aren't in production anymore, right? So isn't the chances of getting one small? Anyways, go with Clubit, I bought mine there.