Zalman 9500 or Thermalright SI-128

[PCNOOB]

X2 3800
7600 gt
1 GB RAM

Which one should I get?

[Cricket]

Are you concerned with getting the best cooling solution or more concerned about noise?

Zalman if you're concerned about noise.

Thermalright if you want the best cooling solution.

:) Cricket

[PCNOOB]

Are you concerned with getting the best cooling solution or more concerned about noise?

Zalman if you're concerned about noise.

Thermalright if you want the best cooling solution.

:) Cricket

Might you have that backwards? Isn't the Zalman really loud?

And I want the best cooling solution.

Thanks

[Cricket]

Might you have that backwards? Isn't the Zalman really loud? Zalman's claim to fame is they originally manufactured really quiet cooling solutions for computers. I didn't check out that particular model to see the dBA numbers so I'm not sure if it's quiet or loud. And I don't know if Zalman changed their business model and are now selling high performance heatsinks or what...I was just going with what I knew from years past (I've been building computers for the past 10 years and have seen a lot of different products over the years...hard to keep track of everything especially if you're old like me...I'm gonna be 50 this year).

Found this article (http://www.silentpcreview.com/article284-page1.html)about modding the Zalman 9500 for quiet operation.

I know Thermalright heatsinks have always been favorites with the overclockers so they must be good performers.

:) Cricket

[Windu]

Look at this one. AC freezer pro 64. Great price and keeps my 3400 nice and cool. I plan on useing this cooler if I build a dual core amd.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185125

[PCNOOB]

Awesome.

Thanks guys. Yeah that AC 64 is a good price. I think I'm leaning towards the Zalman just because eveyone and their mom seems to love it.

[Windu]

Don't let the price of the AC64 fool you. It's a good cooler. Built very well. Your choice tho. Here's a review.
http://techgage.com/article/arctic_cooler_freezer_64_pro

[Mr.Ferrari]

I've heard bad things about zalman's new fans. Supposedly have a loud motor noise.

The SI-128 would probably be just as quiet if not quieter (depending on your noise tolerance levels) if paired up with a quiet fan. Can't say about performance. But its a big heatsink.