What is the best way to cool my cpu?

[72ogerrabbit]

Right now I am running an e8400 @ 3.50ghz with stock voltage and cooling. At idle i'm around 40c and at full load around 61c.
I'm not sure what the best way to cool my cpu is. Is there any way to water cool my system for under $100 with all parts. Also, will there be a big difference in cooling between fans and watercooling.

Here are some of my choices. I don't know what to get. My budget is under $100 for a water cooler but for fan around $60 and If there is a better cooler you can find then please post. But is the difference in price worth it for the arctic cooler to the zalman?
If the water cooler is better than what other parts would I need for it?

Oh and this is the case that I have. It is a Smilodon Raidmax. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078 Just to tell if anything is too big.

Arctic cooling freezer 7 pro $36
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

ZALMAN CNPS 9700 $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118020

XIGMATEK AIO-S80DP All-in-one liquid cooling system
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233011

 

[mi1ez]

I'm really happy with my F7Pro. anything will be a big improvement over stock cooler.

 

[B-Unit]

Im running an E8400 under an AF7Pro, nice and cool, definately the way to go unless you want to spring a little extra for a Xigmatech S18something or another. The Xigmatech is big enough you will need a backplate for it tho.

 

[papalarge123]

I agree with mi1ez, the freezer pro is still a very capable cooler for its price range, although there are better coolers, there aint much difference to warrent the extra price range.

if u r looking for a great air cooler to replace the freezer pro 7, then u should consider the Thermalright Ultra 120.

As for the Water cooling, there isnt much of a difference in temps and boost capability compared to some of the best air coolers on the market, unless u know what u r doing, looking for and whether u r willing to spen a small fortune on it.

i would say, to stay with the freezer pro, or buy the ultra 120.

PS: i dont think that u will find a complete water coolin kit for around $100, as this is what u would expect to pay for a good CPU block or slightly more for a good small pump..

 

[RyanS2000]

I bought a sunbeam core contact freezer for $42 at http://www.coolerguys.com shipping was fast and install was a breeze. It comes with a 120mm fan with a separate PCI mounted fan speed control knob.

E8400 @ 4.0ghz, vcore @ 1.39 (bios). The 2 cores max at 59C:61C respectively using a tjmax of 100.

Full review here: http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

 

[geofelt]

Your temps are very good for a stock cooler. You really don't need to do anything. Certainly not liquid cooling.

One of the best coolers is the Xigmatek S1283. It is cheap at $37:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
Get the optional backplate to avoid those pesky push pins.

Your case is not great for airflow. Do you have 3 front bays open for a Kama bay unit?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185020