Heatsinks and thermal compounds?

[Dustmann]

Hello, I will be purchasing an AMD xp2500 soon, and I would like some suggestions on thermal pastes? Are all the same, or is one better than another?

Also, should I buy the retail cpu or would adding my own hs/fan combo help cool it. I plan to overclock it some, but for now I just want my system to be up and running, before I start messing with settings.
Thanks,
Dusty

[FLG]

You can stick with the retail fan, but it wont allow too much oc'ing, also it comes with a thermal pad on it, if you want you can take it off, and put some artic sliver on there that would work, this voids your warantey though.

As for HSF check out thermaltake they make very good fans hsf that would allow more oc'ing cabibilities

Http://thermaltake.com

[Joeberg]

The Speeze FalconRock, and Thermal Take Silent Boost Hs/fans are good; Haven't OC'd my Athlon 2400+, using the Retail HS/f and no heat issues...

[Cricket]

Originally posted by Dustmann
Hello, I will be purchasing an AMD xp2500 soon, and I would like some suggestions on thermal pastes? Are all the same, or is one better than another?Arctic Silver (http://www.arcticsilver.com/) is considered to be one of the better thermal compound brands available.Originally posted by Dustmann
Also, should I buy the retail cpu or would adding my own hs/fan combo help cool it. I plan to overclock it some, but for now I just want my system to be up and running, before I start messing with settings.If you're going to be getting a different heatsink, just get the OEM CPU since it doesn't come with a heatsink. If you want a decent heatsink that will keep a non-overclocked CPU cool, just get the retail CPU as it comes with a AMD approved heatsink.

:) Cricket

[spyder003]

i'm using a zalman 3100+ and it works well for overclocking. $20 at newegg.

[oddjob]

OCZ Ultra Silver 2 (http://www.riva3d.com/mikec/OCZUS2/OCZUS2.htm) is also a good choice for thermal compund. I bought it and I give it a thumbs up!

[edrod13]

Here's another vote for the Speeze FalconRock. I am running an XP2500 and it stays around 43C. IMHO its the best cooler I have ever purchased for under $10.

Edrod13

[Dustmann]

Thanks! Will the Artic Silver perform better than a thermal pad will? I have heard that the paste actually works better than a pad does.

I think I will go ahead with the retail cpu,(since it's only $6 more) then when I want to start oc'ing, I will swap the hs/fan out for some better ones.

Also, what are some good brands for the hs/fan? I have checked out a few of the ones listed, are there any more? Just seeing what I have for options. Thanks again.

[Cricket]

Originally posted by Dustmann
Thanks! Will the Artic Silver perform better than a thermal pad will?Yes.Originally posted by Dustmann
Also, what are some good brands for the hs/fan?Thermalright, Alpha, CoolerMaster, Swiftech and Vantec also make good aftermarket heatsinks.

:) Cricket

[tyoung]

Arctic Silver is the best I have used.

[regans cortina]

this heatsink and fan rocks , my temps are 45/ 40 . and its very quiet.
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=48547