New Build - CPU Cooler question

[maverick097]

Getting ready to do my first computer build, and would like some opinions on what CPU cooler would best work for me. I already have a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS4 mobo, to hold an Intel Q6600 CPU in an Antec 900 case. I'm looking for a good, moderately priced cooling unit (preferably no more than $50 or so). The rig itself will be used for some gaming and some multimedia applications, though am not looking to max out the CPU's performance starting off. One of my main concerns here is the inclusion of the heat pipe feature around the CPU socket on the mobo; given the size of some of the cooling units, I'm a little worried about buying one only to find it won't fit properly. Would welcome any opinions or recommendations, thanks.

[liambl]

If you are not overclocking, the Intel approved stock cooler that comes with a retail CPU will cool the CPU fine. If you do use another heatsink, it will void the 3-year warranty on the CPU.

[not important]

As previously stated....replacing the stock HSF will void your CPU warranty. That said..I have read a lot of good things about the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc... Freezer 7 Pro

[maverick097]

Hmm, wasn't aware that it might void the warranty, or that use of an alternate cooler was clearly discernible should the need to use the warranty arise. Obviously my primary concern is protecting the investment, and after encountering problems with cooling units (in particular the fans) in multiple pre-assembled computers I'm a little leery of stock units' reliability/longevity. But since I won't be overclocking the system starting out, there shouldn't be any problems with cooling using the stock unit even when running a handful of different multimedia applications at a time or a more demanding game? Just want to be sure I'm not risking any long-term issues, given my poor experience with computer cooling in the past. Should have included them in the first post, but the full specs of the build are below just in case, thanks in advance.

Antec 900 case
Intel Q6600 CPU*
Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS4 mobo
XFX 8800 GTS graphics card
OCZ 600W PSU
Patriot PC2-6400 2GB (2 x 1GB) RAM
Seagate SATA/300 7200RPM 320GB HD
HT Omega Striker 7.1 sound card
Asus LightScribe 20x DVD/RW
*will also be using Arctic Cooling thermal compund

[alex530]

You won't need thermal paste if you have a retail CPU.

[Katreat]

The stock heatsink/cooler comes with a thermal pad so there is no need for compound. I have had very good luck with stock coolers, generally have not heard of a lot of failures, but everything can break so maybe you have just been unlucky.

Newer processors and MB also seem to be very good at shutting down systems when heat becomes an issue so generally you dont hurt your cpu even if a failure should occure.

Kat

[liambl]

The stock fan should last as long as any fan. In the past its aftermarket heatsinks that I've had fail rather than stock ones.

[maverick097]

Alright, thought I might want to take extra precautions, but if the experienced opinion is that it's not necessary I'll stick with the stock cooler until whenever I feel the need to try overclocking. Thanks for the advice.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by maverick097 Alright, thought I might want to take extra precautions, but if the experienced opinion is that it's not necessary I'll stick with the stock cooler until whenever I feel the need to try overclocking. Thanks for the advice.

Back in the days of the Prescott Pentium 4 it would have been a very good idea to get aftermarket cooling since the processors ran so hot and the stock heatsink/fan were offering poor cooling for it. Newer processors run cooler, and the quality of the stock heatsink/fan has improved, so as long as you are not overclocking, it should be fine.