Which heatsink should I buy?

attacus

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Aug 28, 2011
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I have an Intel Q6600 and want to overclock (preferably to 4GHz)

I need a cooler which:
-fits the Jeantech Unicorn Case with OCZ reaper ram (the one with the sticking out heatpipes)
-has an LED fan to show off the case window
-pushes a lot of air but is not noisy
-is ready for future upgrades either with AMD or Intel
-is easy to install (in particular without removing the motherboard from the case; I can take the motherboard tray out though)
My budget is £20. You can post PSUs up to £30 but I'm unlikely to buy them unless they're something spectacular or on some kind of ridiculous bargain.

Are these any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300592369002?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130593510772?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190588594923?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Also I bought a PVM splitter http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002OFP6QW which has one split end with 2 pins on the left and one on the right ( with the other end having 4 pins). Is this normal and will it affect the fans?
 
I do not like any.

Downdraft coolers are not as efficient as tower type coolers. They should be used when you don't have room(160mm).

The zalman is pretty, but it has a small specialized fan which might be hard to replace.

Look for a Xigmatek gaia or cm hyper 212 which have nice 120mm fans and do a good job of cooling. They will be inexpensive.
No "bling" though. Those who know quality are not impressed.

No cooler can be properly installed without access to the back of the motherboard.
 

attacus

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CoolerMaster and Xigmatek surfaces are not even. If the whole surface isn't in contact with the CPU, wouldn't the cooling be less effective?

And what about the Arctic Cooler Freezer 7 performance wise? I know it doesn't have an LED fan but is it any good?
 


Read the reviews. cm and xig are both very good.
They are direct contact heatpipe designs which are very efficient.

AC7 has only a 92mm fan, it will be noisy.