Tom's Hardware > Forum > Overclocking > Cooler and Heatsinks > CPU Fan Suggestions Please!
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
Stregachess   07-10-2008 at 03:24:21 AM

I need some help in selecting a fan for my CPU.

This is what I'm going with in a build, I won't really be overclocking but figured might as well add a decent fan.

ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard
Using a Q6600 for CPU
Case Antec P182

I was like minutes from placing my order for all the stuff for my first build and had settled on this CPU fan.

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler

So as a final review started looking at the reviews on newegg before I placed my order and it looks like a fair number of folks had problem putting it in. Figure as a first time builder with no support (like no friends that know how to do it) that I could find a fan that was easier to install.

Also a general question, how much stuff do you put on the MOB before putting it in the case?
Like is it easier to put CPU,FAN and Mem in and than install it in case or do you risk more damage that way?

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
spathotan   07-10-2008 at 03:27:41 AM
- 0 +

I have the ASUS P5Q Pro, Q6600 and that cooler. Others have had much more success than I have with the cooler but my experience has been disaterous. You might consider grabbing an AC7 pro along with that, test them both and keep whichever nets the best results, and return the other.

------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/547515.png
Intel Xeon X3370 @3.6ghz Under Enzotech Extreme-X,EVGA GTX 285 SC, 4GB Mushkin Ascent eVCI @ 1066mhz, Gigabyte P45 UD3P
 Reply to spathotan
dagger   07-10-2008 at 03:29:31 AM
- 0 +

Top 5 performing heatsinks:
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
Stregachess   07-10-2008 at 03:33:50 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the suggestion but I need something that's dummy proof for installation, that's equal to performance.
So if you have suggestion in that area..

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to Stregachess
spathotan   07-10-2008 at 03:36:57 AM
- 0 +

Since me and you have the same board I can help you out there as far as the Xigmatek goes. If you go with that cooler, put it in first, then attach the fan to it, then put in your RAM. It will be near impossible to put the fan on with the RAM in there, hell its near impossible to attach the fan regardless. Also that heatsink comes stock with pushpins which apparently do not work well with that heavy cooler, so I bought the mounting bracket, another $6. The AC7 has pushpins but they work very well.


Message edited by spathotan on 07-10-2008 at 03:39:57 AM
------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/547515.png
Intel Xeon X3370 @3.6ghz Under Enzotech Extreme-X,EVGA GTX 285 SC, 4GB Mushkin Ascent eVCI @ 1066mhz, Gigabyte P45 UD3P
 Reply to spathotan
aevm   07-10-2008 at 03:46:52 AM
- 0 +

Just buy the Q6600 retail and use the stock fan. It's $210 instead of the $195 OEM, but you don't need to buy an aftermarket cooler.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017

 

OK, if you really want an aftermarket cooler, buy the Q6600 OEM and add an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134
Save $15 on the CPU, spend $27 on the Freezer.

 

Edit: I'm a big fan of the Xigmatek, but if you don't overclock it's a complete waste of money. Seriously, don't bother.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by aevm on 07-10-2008 at 03:48:31 AM
Reply to aevm
spathotan   07-10-2008 at 03:50:46 AM
- -2 +

Yes yes......to aevm you listen.

------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/547515.png
Intel Xeon X3370 @3.6ghz Under Enzotech Extreme-X,EVGA GTX 285 SC, 4GB Mushkin Ascent eVCI @ 1066mhz, Gigabyte P45 UD3P
 Reply to spathotan
Proximon   07-10-2008 at 03:52:27 AM
- 0 +

Stregachess wrote :

Thanks for the suggestion but I need something that's dummy proof for installation, that's equal to performance.
So if you have suggestion in that area..



Applying a heatsink is never dummy proof.

But aevm is right about the Artic Cooling product. In fact, he's usually right :o


Reply to Proximon
dagger   07-10-2008 at 03:52:52 AM
- 0 +

Intel's current stock fan is horrible. It's half the size of the stock fan that comes with the old P4, and runs hot even at stock. Pathetic. It's a bad idea to run 65nm quad off that stock fan. Why would anyone pay $15 for it?

 

Besides, retail q6600s are all high VID.

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
spathotan   07-10-2008 at 03:58:05 AM
- 0 +

My OEM Q6600 has a VID of 1.3, which is like...the highest I believe, close enough. Ive managed to sucessfully stress it for 24 hours at 1.275 at stock but never tried anything lower. Its at tthe stock 1.3 right now with my 3.0 OC, im preety positive it wont run at any decreased voltage.

------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/547515.png
Intel Xeon X3370 @3.6ghz Under Enzotech Extreme-X,EVGA GTX 285 SC, 4GB Mushkin Ascent eVCI @ 1066mhz, Gigabyte P45 UD3P
 Reply to spathotan
dagger   07-10-2008 at 04:01:55 AM
- 0 +

1.325 is the highest VID for q6600, 1.2125 is lowest. :p


Message edited by dagger on 07-10-2008 at 04:02:26 AM
------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
warcry   07-10-2008 at 04:02:34 AM
- 0 +

I have to advise you to avoid the Zalman cnps9700 nt.
On my Q9450@3.4ghz it does not even lower my CPU one degree below the stock fans temps.
I was getting really good temps using the intel stock fan and heatsink with a well ducted case.

Reply to warcry
aevm   07-10-2008 at 04:07:17 AM
- 0 +

@OP:
AFAIK the VID is random, you're not guaranteed a better one or a worse one whether you buy OEM or retail. OK, maybe there is a conspiracy and I haven't heard about it yet :) Anyway, it's not that important when you don't overclock.

 

She's right. Since OEM + AC7 Freezer is only $12 more, I'd pay it.
Here's a review:
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3210&p=1

 

Edit:
My VID according to CoreTemp is 1.275, and I got a Q6600 G0 OEM. I guess it's right in the middle of the range.

 

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by aevm on 07-10-2008 at 04:13:49 AM
Reply to aevm
kad   07-10-2008 at 04:27:05 AM
- 0 +

Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme +Scythe S-Flex SFF21F(fan)+OCZ Freeze Extreme(TIM)

------------------------------ LianLi PC-A70 Case/Enermaqx Galaxy 1000W/Asus Rampage Formula/E8500/Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme Lapped/Scythe S-Flex SFF21F/Crucial Ballistic Red Line DDR2800 PC6400(2X2)GB/8800GTS 512MB/WD Raptor2X150GB/ViewSonic VX922(1280X1024Max)
 Reply to kad
dagger   07-10-2008 at 04:33:29 AM
- 0 +

aevm wrote :

@OP:
AFAIK the VID is random, you're not guaranteed a better one or a worse one whether you buy OEM or retail. OK, maybe there is a conspiracy and I haven't heard about it yet :) Anyway, it's not that important when you don't overclock.

 

She's right. Since OEM + AC7 Freezer is only $12 more, I'd pay it.
Here's a review:
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3210&p=1

 

Edit:
My VID according to CoreTemp is 1.275, and I got a Q6600 G0 OEM. I guess it's right in the middle of the range.


Oh, there's a conspiracy! :sol:

 

Intel is putting all their low binned chips into retail package q6600s so better chips can be use for higher models. So if you get retail, you're guaranteed to get high vid. With oem, you have a chance of getting low vid.

Message quoted 1 times
------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
Shadowthor   07-10-2008 at 04:38:59 AM
- 0 +

The lowest VID is 1.25 and I think the highest was 1.325. Last I recall it was the 45nm processors that had the stock heatsink half the size not the 65nm.

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to Shadowthor
dagger   07-10-2008 at 04:42:33 AM
- 0 +

Shadowthor wrote :

The lowest VID is 1.25 and I think the highest was 1.325. Last I recall it was the 45nm processors that had the stock heatsink half the size not the 65nm.


It's the same stock heatsink. :p

------------------------------ Q6600@3.6ghz, GA-EX38-DS4 motherboard, 8gb 800mhz ddr2 4-3-3-12, 8800GTS(g92)@780mhz, 1TB + 1.5TB hdds, 850watt psu
 Reply to dagger
aevm   07-10-2008 at 05:04:00 AM
- 0 +

dagger wrote :

Oh, there's a conspiracy! :sol:

Intel is putting all their low binned chips into retail package q6600s so better chips can be use for higher models. So if you get retail, you're guaranteed to get high vid. With oem, you have a chance of getting low vid.



Damn! Good to know, thanks!

Reply to aevm
Stregachess   07-10-2008 at 06:57:06 AM
- 0 +

aevm wrote :


OK, if you really want an aftermarket cooler, buy the Q6600 OEM and add an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134



Good suggestions on the OEM CPU and Arctic 7, I think I'll run with that.
Really stupid question but does that mean I need to buy paste stuff, or will it come with the Arctic? Figured with the Retail OEM CPU they toss that in?

Also another sort of stupid question.. but is there a good place on these forums to post my build before I run off and buy it? Which I'll hopefully be doing in the next 24 hours..

Reply to Stregachess
Proximon   07-10-2008 at 07:26:00 AM
- 0 +

Yep, under homebuilt computers/new build.

You will probably need paste, Arctic Silver 5 or Ceramique, applied correctly. Do your research... by that I mean there are several good threads describing correct application, or go straight to ACs website and get the info there.


Message edited by Proximon on 07-10-2008 at 07:27:50 AM
Reply to Proximon
ZOldDude   07-10-2008 at 07:54:30 AM
- 0 +

HS: Thermalright (the best bar none)
Fan: Silverstone FM-121 (110 q.f.p.m. airflow and free speed control)


Message edited by ZOldDude on 07-10-2008 at 07:58:11 AM
------------------------------ *While we crash and burn, small, low tech, agrarian societies such as the Hmong in the mountains of Laos will continue on without so much as blinking an eye.*
 Reply to ZOldDude
Stregachess   07-10-2008 at 02:02:55 PM
- 0 +

I'm a bit confused does not the Case Antec P182 already come with fans, seems like the Sliverstone you mentioned means I'd be replacing something that comes with the Antec? Is that correct?

Reply to Stregachess
spathotan   07-10-2008 at 04:02:07 PM
- 0 +

Zolddude was susgesting getting that thermalright heatsink and putting that silverstone fan on there. Just go with your plan, OEM Q6600 and the AC7. Also since you dont plan to overclock you dont need to buy any paste, the AC7 Pro already has a slab of paste on it, you dont need AS5 or OCZ Freeze or anything like that for stock speed application, its overkill and a waste of money. Not to mention Newegg will jack the price of shipping up by a few bucks.

The simplicity and effectiveness of the AC7 cant be beat. There are no add on parts needed as its fully assembled, paste already on it, pushpins for quick application and no need to remove the motherboard, and only $27 bucks.


Message edited by spathotan on 07-10-2008 at 04:07:34 PM
------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/547515.png
Intel Xeon X3370 @3.6ghz Under Enzotech Extreme-X,EVGA GTX 285 SC, 4GB Mushkin Ascent eVCI @ 1066mhz, Gigabyte P45 UD3P
 Reply to spathotan
aevm   07-10-2008 at 04:06:11 PM
- 0 +

I've been told that the paste that comes with the AC7 is quite good, in fact.

Yes the P182 comes with fans. Give them a try first, replace them only if you find them noisy. AFAIK most people find the P182 quiet enough and don't replace the fans - but your ears might be really good, how do I know...

Reply to aevm
RyanS2000   07-10-2008 at 05:16:10 PM
- 0 +

I use the sunbeam core contact freezer and am 100% satisfied with it. Installation was simple and sturdy.

Pics of it installed:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ing-better

------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/467347.png
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L | Intel E8400 @ 4.0GHz w\ Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer | OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB | eVGA 8800 GTS 512 (G92)
 Reply to RyanS2000
Coolio_Alert   07-10-2008 at 08:37:05 PM
- 0 +

You Want The Thermalight Ultra 120 Extreme With A 120mm Fan From Scthye

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to Coolio_Alert
aevm   07-10-2008 at 09:04:35 PM
- 0 +

Coolio_Alert wrote :

You Want The Thermalight Ultra 120 Extreme With A 120mm Fan From Scthye



1. Have you noticed the part about

Quote :

I won't really be overclocking

on line 2 of the original post? Why spend $80 or so on the best ever cooling solution if a $25 solution will do.

2. What's up with capitalizing every word in the message???

Reply to aevm
i sea   07-10-2008 at 09:35:37 PM
- 0 +

Stregachess, i too am a beginner builder with no helpers to ask questions. But, i found something that will make up for that(at least for me). On youtube you can find videos explaining almost anything involving building the machine, from applying thermal paste to mountng the mobo, and probably the software stuff (although i havent seen any). the one youtube vid i saw with the mobo installed the mobo first and added everything else later. But it also said u could do the psu first then mobo, followed by pcu, etc...

hope this helps

Reply to i sea
Stregachess   07-15-2008 at 10:49:57 PM
- 0 +

I've had a little drift in my plans... I'm not looking at Q9450 instead of a Q6600.
Also I'm told that the AC7 might be a bit harder to install for a complete newbie, someone suggested that I try the ZEROtherm ZEN FZ120.

As it would be easier to install does that make sense?
The Zen over the ACT?

Reply to Stregachess
aevm   07-16-2008 at 02:47:46 AM
- 0 +

LOL. The AC 7 Freezer is the easiest thing to install. Here's a quote from Anandtech's review:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3210&p=4

Quote :

The fully assembled Freezer 7 Pro comes packaged in a protective styrene shell. Everything is pre-assembled. Even the thermal compound is pre-applied.



or this:

Quote :

Even the thermal compound comes pre-applied so mounting is incredibly easy. Push the four pins in the holes until they click and the cooler is mounted. The pushpins are not our favorites for secure mounting, but they seem very adequate for this lighter weight heatpipe tower. Installation is the easiest we have ever seen, which should be welcome news for mechanically challenged cooler installers.



I consider myself mechanically challenged all right, so I remembered this review :)

I'm not familiar with the Zerotherm ZEN FZ120. I know their Nirvana model - very good, if a bit noisy.

Edit: whatever you buy, don't buy a Scythe Ninja. It's an excellent cooler, but installing it was definitely a challenge...


Message edited by aevm on 07-16-2008 at 02:56:46 AM
Reply to aevm
Stregachess   07-25-2008 at 02:41:14 PM
- 0 +

[quotemsg=1766443,30,139616]LOL. The AC 7 Freezer is the easiest thing to install. Here's a quote from Anandtech's review:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3210&p=4

Quote :

The fully assembled Freezer 7 Pro comes packaged in a protective styrene shell. Everything is pre-assembled. Even the thermal compound is pre-applied.



quotemsg]

Only problem, is I'm almost finished putting this together and found out that the AC 7 does not fit my board well at all. A big mess...

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/s [...] p=12074597

So for now I went with the stock fan, since I'm not doing overclocking maybe I'll be OK.

Reply to Stregachess
aevm   07-25-2008 at 04:51:56 PM
- 0 +

Ouch! I screwed up with my AC7 idea. Sorry, man. :sweat:

Reply to aevm
Stregachess   07-28-2008 at 09:53:16 PM
- 0 +

No problem, it's all a learning experience, just wanted to double back so someone else can learn from my experience!

I might be OK with the stock fan given that I'm not overclocking, if i move to OC later I can always change the fan...

Reply to Stregachess
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Overclocking > Cooler and Heatsinks > CPU Fan Suggestions Please!
Go to:

There are 1194 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.386 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Related Topics
See all relatives topics
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
How do I win badges?