Last message on previous page:
If you overclock the Q6600 more than just a bit then yes, you should get an aftermarket cooler. Assuming that low noise is the #1 priority and performance #2 and price #3 (like it is for me), I suggest this strategy:

Pick the quietest coolers from this list. i..e those that show 38.3 dbA in the second chart.
http://www.anandtech.com/casecooli [...] i=3068&p=5
Make sure you eliminate those that also appear at the bottom of the chart, i.e. noisy under load, like the Zalmans.

Then check their performance on the other pages of that review. Based on that, you'll probably like the Scythe Ninja or Thermalright Ultima-90. The Tuniq Tower is an exception, i.e. I like it anyway despite the dBA going up under load, but that's because it has incredible performance.

aevm, thanks for that great link. I'll grab a cup of coffee and do some reading. I thought the Scythe Ninja was a Northbridge cooler? Newegg doesn't carry the Thermalright Ultima-90. Is this a new item?

Found the Ultima-90 for $37.80 from Direct Canada. I'm not sure if I can order it since I'm in the lower 48.

There's also the Ultra 120 eXtreme. Less heavy, and more or less the same temps in stock and overclocked CPUs and 10-15 USD cheaper than it's big brother.

You have my word that the Ninja is a CPU cooler. I've got one in my own latest toy, and I would've noticed by now if it wasn't cooling the CPU. This is a $46 solution with medium-high performance, good for most people IMO.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185038
This cooler does not need a separate fan, it comes with a very good one already.

The Ultima-90 is relatively new, yes. I found it at ncixus:
http://www.ncixus.com/products/259 [...] RMALRIGHT/

They also have the granddaddy of all air coolers there:
http://www.ncixus.com/products/235 [...] RMALRIGHT/
http://www.ncixus.com/products/17749/SFF21F/Scythe/

Considering the fan's cost ($12) and shipping costs (I don't know how much) this is at least $68. It is the best air cooling solution ever though, as quiet as the Ninja and reducing temps to record levels.

Between the Ultima and the Ultra, I'd pick the Ultima only if the case is too small to fit the Ultra. Otherwise, the price difference becomes too small to matter (if you include fan and shipping).

You guys are incorrigible, lol. You're going to get me wrapped up into overclocking before this is over. Ok, so let me make sure I have this straight - if I get the Q6600 then I should also get a decent HSF, like the Ultra 120 (there seems to be an Extreme version as well)?

aevm, I was wondering when you would see this thread.

@dcinmich http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/int [...] olers.html is a good place to get coolers. That is the link to the Scythe fan above. It appears that they have the Ultra120 extreme as well. The only reason that I didn't link to it initially is because the ordering is more complicated. The HS comes without the mounting hardware and you need to order the 775 installation hardware separately. It's the best place to get the fan so you can save on shipping as well. It appears that the hardware is included as per this pic http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/the [...] 16580.html. I would call them to confirm.

Yes, you should definitely get the Ultra120 ex. linked above and you should definitely OC to a mild 3G, it's simple and safe.

Edit: I do have a problem with some of the coolers with proprietary fans, because if they die you are screwed.

my question is.... when are the changing from the lga 775 socket.. hate to buy into it if the socket gets discontinued in a year

Ok, thanks. Just looking at this cooler I'm wondering how in the world it can just hang there with all that weight sticking out horizontally from the board. Maybe it's just me.

So will I also need a HSF for the Northbridge?

This article is a little old, but it will give you the key words to Google.

The cooler "hangs" there just fine, I installed three of them with no problems. Don't forget the fan linked above. You don't need any northbridge cooling with the DS3R for the OC that you would be doing.

You mean this fan here? There's an Ultra 120 on Newegg for $60.

Oop, nevermind. It's not an Extreme. What about the Ultima-90 that aevm mentioned? I'm just wondering because it seems to do the job just as well, according to the review on Anandtech.

sure if you want to pay $24.99 instead of the $14.99 at heatsink factory.

The Ultra120 is a nice cooler, but it isn't as nice as the Ultra120 Extreme at heatsink factory. It has less heatpipes but it is still a nice HS. Get the Ultra 120 Extreme and the Scythe fan from heatsink factory linked above. Just call them first and confirm that the 775 mounting hardware comes with it.

Should I get two of those fans or just one? I'm reading the review right now on Anandtech and they mention two fans working in a push-pull configuration.

The one Scythe "F" fan is plenty.

Edit: When you email or call them confirm that there is TIM as well.
This TIM is the hot stuff IC Diamond 7 Carat Thermal Compound. It is kind of sticky so you will need to spread it with a razor blade.
Here is a IC Diamond 7 Carat Thermal Compound Review.

Couldn't I use Arctic Ceramique for that?

Sure. The IC Diamond is a little more esoteric. Did you read the review?

For the Ultra 120? Yes, I did, and the one for the Ultima-90.

I meant this one IC Diamond 7 Carat Thermal Compound Review.

Zorg, thank you for taking the time to help me and for linking me up with this info. I'm going to read the review now. Heh, these are the same guys who had an article on lapping a CPU and HSF. One guy got his CPU to look like polished chrome. It's amazing the patience and skill it takes to do this. Heck, I can't even sharpen my SOG.

PM me for settings on a really easy OC to 3G.

E8400 for gaming