Looking for good CPU coolers that fit in an Antec 900

Hey all,

First time builder. Scoping the forums to see what kind of cooler to throw onto my proc. I've obviously never done it before, so I am looking for something that:
1) fits in my case & mobo
2) is not too difficult to install
3) is relatively quiet
4) <$50, although cheaper is better

I plan on doing mid level or maybe a little higher Oc'ing. Also, does the brand/type of thermal paste make a difference?

Here is my rig:
Antec 900
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
E8500

Here are the two that I am looking at, but don't know if there is anything better out there:

1) Xigmatek HDT s1283

2) Artic Cooler Freezing 7 Pro

Thanks in advance!

most defenatally get the xiggy s1283, much better then the arctic freezer!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=s1283
Make sure to get the retention bracket along with it so you dont have to use the push pins
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233019
For thermal paste i find that arctic silver 5 works very well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835100007

As for applying the thermal paste with the s1283, you can't use the normal method (on arctic silvers website) because the paste will just go into the cracks caused by the direct contact of the heat pipes of this heatsink. Someone on this forum did some testing on this (i don't remember who but i can't take any credit) and found that if you put a very small amount of thermal paste on each of the heat pipes then it spread nicely and gives you ideal temps

Good luck!

Thanks thus far!


I've done some more searching...any thoughts about the OCZ Vendetta? Would it work without a fan?

I too vote for the S1283 + bolt in kit.

See review:
http://www.frostytech.com/top5heat [...] ELHEATSINK

The OCZ Vandatta will give you .5-1C lower than the S1283. Forget the Freezer Pro. It's not in the running any more.

As for thermal paste either MX 2 or Arctic Silver. Both are about the same. Flip a coin to decide.

Ok before you go and get all riled up about the various coolers you should know for an air cooler there is one better of the 2 you have listed.

It is the Xigmatek HDT S1284EE

Cooling ability is measured in Thermal Resistance

The Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 7 is 0.17°C/Watt

The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is 0.16°C/Watt

The Xigmatek HDT-S1284EE is 0.14°C/Watt

The Xigmatek bracket should be used for the Xigmatek cooler.

The freezer pro will be more quiet than either of the Xigmateks.
The HDT-S1284EE does as good as some of the $200 water cooling rigs.
What I like about the Freezer 7 Pro is that it's very cost effective. Great Bang for Buck.

LOL the freezer pro 64 not for a skt 755 lol

Whatever cooler that was it apparently has been deactivated (or its a bad link). Regardless the s1283 offers amazing cooling, so if you get a case and mobo that it fits in i would still have to recommend it.