Zalman CNPS10X Flex for i7-860

Generally, if you are not overclocking, then you dont need anything but the stock cooler, and really, stock coolers are actually pretty good nowadays.

But to answer your question, no. The Zalman CNPS10X Flex was desgined to have a fan attached to it. Without the fan, it will heat up like anything else and not offer any real cooling. On top of it, the heatsink itself costs about $40-50 depending on where you look. Then you have to buy a fan (if you dont already have one) on top of that, making it rather expensive.

If you REALLY wanted an aftermarket cooler, I would suggest something like the ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...) or the COOLER MASTER Hyper TX3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...). These are relatively inexpensive and will outperform the stock cooler.

Once again, though, If you do not plan on overclocking, there really is no need for an aftermarket cooler. But its up to you. Enjoy!

Yes it is better, how much is it for?

Buy a Zalman Performa which is the best value in the whole line-up of Zalman coolers.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/zalman...
Keeps up with Zalman's flagship cooler which costs twice as much.