After a few mobo swap, the E6400 Intel stock heatsink legs don't snap well into the motherboard hole..I think 1 of them is sorta lose..My CPU normal temp is around 60C, but when heavy load can go up yo 78C or more...What is the normal temp for stock speed (no overclock) ? I know my other CPU E2140 using stock heatsink start at 30C..
 
Looking at few CPU coolers from Zalman..which one u guyz recommend for the E6400 and Wolfdale/Yorkfield? (may upgrade to Q9450 later)
Zalman CNPS9700 NT
            CNPS9700 Led
            CNPS9500 AT
            CNPS7700-cu
            CNPS7700-Alcu
 
Also what other models u recommend beside Zalman..ones that at mid-price & quiet.
Thanks!
         

well ive alway (always) been a big fan of the CNPS7700 cu. esp if you get a new intel Mobo, with the larger copper Heatsinks, the 7700 pushes air across them. but to be honest there all good and look badass.
 
My only real advise is go for a Full copper one.
SO, go for:
CNPS7700-cu  
CNPS9700 Led  
 
if you read.
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,1779.html
thats should help.
 
i also recommend the Coolermaster Hyper TX2.

Pete, your CPU temps are definitely way too high, likely because the CPU cooler is not properly fastened as you say.  If you've been trying to install the CPU cooler without taking the MB out of the case, that's probably your problem: see this post http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] y#t1184072

If you want to get a new cooler, be sure to get a "downdraft-style" cooler like the Zalman 7700 or 8700 series, the blue/golden Orb series, etc.  The "upright" coolers (like the Freezer 7 Pro) don't blow air down onto the circuits around the CPU (such as the northbridge and PWM area), which causes problems with some motherboards.

Freezer 7 Pro sounds good here.

 
 
ive been using arctic cooling fans.... Very quiet and very cool, have a look

I would also go with an Arctic if you want a decent cheap cooler

Thanks for the feedback..I read the opinions on NCIX.com & Newegg...There are pros/cons for these recommended models..
 
How about the Thermaltake MaxOrb CL-P0369? It seem to be positive in review.
http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/cooling/maxorb/
 
Will it fit into my system? Case Antec Sonata III, Mobo Asus P5K.

I am also in the same dilemma with cpu coolers.  I have the same cpu (e6400) on a gigabyte ds3 motherboard in an Aspire X-plorer case.  the max orb looks good and so does the  XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003
 
Currently, the stock intel cooler gets to almost 52 degrees celsius on stock clocks and 57 at 2.45ghz.  Seems a bit toasty to me.
 
Any ideas?

What are you measuring the temps with? and have you seated it correctly, seems a little high at stock with stock cooler to me.
 
Try this one
http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/

stock intel works fine for 3.2ghz (copper core not the new and very poor aluminum core)
 
any better cooler is better

I kinda like my Scythe Ninja.
 
I got the all aluminum version passively cooking (no fan), my E6600 @ 3.0GHz in my HTPC. After running two instances of CPUBurn for 1/2 hour (to put a 100% load), the temp maxed out at 58C. With the fan attached, the temp was 51C.
 
Since I want my HTPC to be quiet as possible, I removed the fan.
 
There's an all copper version of the Scythe Ninja which I guess would drop the temp down another 2c or 3c.

I'm using coretemp to measure my temps and it works well.  It sounds to me that my stock cooler isn't as bad as I thought since it doesn't go over 57 degrees celsius.  Is there any good way to tell which version of the intel stock cooler I have without taking it off the cpu?
I have one of the first e 6400's, if that helps.  Bought it in late 2006.
 
thanks