Heatsink Choices For 'Barton' Core AMD CPU's

[mjkovis]

Looking for some good information on Socket A heatsinks for AMD 'Barton' processors. I came across this one from Thermaltake below.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...106-035&depa=0

I dont like the way Thermaltake heatsinks connect to the socket. They are kind of a pain in the 'rear,' but the one I am looking at (above link) does have the option of controling the speed of the fan (an option in which I want).

Any links and suggestions would help. I havent been too successful with locating any good reviews or even threads. I am wanting this for an AMD 3200+ or 3000+ XP with a 400 mhz FSB. I dont know if my current Aerocool heatsink will do very well dispersing the heat generated from the processor.

AK

[MaxRat]

This does work very well...my brother has one and it cools well...I have the Thermaltake Volcano 9 that has a smart fan and this also cools well...enjoy

[mjkovis]

Thanks gsrat. I have an old TT Volcano 9 in my basement and it worked very well in my computer. The only reason I dont reuse in with the new CPU is because I want a controller to be located outside of my case or have a heatsink that isnt so loud, but does a good job cooling.

AK

[timbit]

i am using this hsf to cool my athlon 64 3000 (socket 754). it works quite well. in silent mode, you really cannot hear it unless you pop open the case and sit your ear next to it. cools quite well. there is also an all copper version here which would probably cool a little bit better. with the fan running in regular mode, my cpu temps are around 44 celsius (running folding at home 24/7). it's at around 50 celsius in silent mode.

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by timbit i am using this hsf to cool my athlon 64 3000 (socket 754). it works quite well. in silent mode, you really cannot hear it unless you pop open the case and sit your ear next to it. cools quite well. there is also an all copper version here which would probably cool a little bit better. with the fan running in regular mode, my cpu temps are around 44 celsius (running folding at home 24/7). it's at around 50 celsius in silent mode.

Thank you for the suggestion timbit, but I am looking for socket A heatsinks. The one you have linked to would not work.

AK

[m3x1c4nj3w]

I thikn Thermalright XP-120 fits all sockets

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by m3x1c4nj3w I thikn Thermalright XP-120 fits all sockets

Nope. It does not fit a socket A motherboard.

AK

[spyder003]

Here's what I've been using for the past year. I've got this Zalman, and replaced the fan with this Thermaltake 90mm fan. The Thermaltake fan comes with a fan controller. You can crank the fan down if you want to cut down the noise, or crank it up if you're overclocking. It keeps my 2500+@3200+ nice and cool.

[PCBrandon]

I am using that heatsink now and could not be happier (the ThermalTake Volcano 12). It is made of all copper, which is a huge plus. Turned down all the way it cools well and is practically silent, turn up all the way you get excellent cooling, but it is a bit loud, not too much though. I never run it all the way up anyway, I have no need for it.

The connectors to the socket have slide prevention sides to it. Where you put your flat head screwdriver in the clip has sides all around it so you can not slip your screwdriver off it and hit your motherboard.

[Panama Red]

Hey, AK. I've gained a little experience with Socket A heatsinks that may help ya. On my Abit NF7-S with an oc'd 2500+M (2.56GHz) I'm using a Thermalright ALX800 (out of stock right now) with a Thermaltake Smart Fan II. I run this one at full speed and it's quite noisy.

My office machine is an Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe with a 3000+ 400fsb cpu. This chip runs quite hot compared to other socket A processors. Mid 40c temps are normal. I tried a Cool Jag JVC258A hsf at first but the 60mm fan runs about 4500 rpm and makes a ton of noise. Temps were in the mid 40's so I decided to try something else with an 80mm fan so I could reduce the noise while improving the cooling. Switched to a Speeze/Masscool unit but the temps climbed to the upper 40's. Next step was to lap in the base of the Speeze unit and try the Smart Fan off the Abit. I'm back to low to mid 40's again with the Smart Fan at a medium speed controlled by a 3 postition switch that mounts in a rear card opening. That switch came with my Smart Fan but I don't see it listed as part of the unit now.

[mjkovis]

Thanks for the info PR. You always seem to come through with something for me. I believe I may be upgrading my ASUS board listed below and replacing it with the ASUS-E Deluxe like yours. So this really puts things into perspective!

PCBrandon, what type of processor are you using in your system? I am still kind of leaning towards the TT Volcano 12.

Thanks all!

AK

[Panama Red]

You mention the difficulty of installing the hsf units on the socket A mobo's. I think you're going to encounter that problem with just about any unit that uses an 80mm fan or larger. The size of the fan mount creates a wedge shaped heat sink that prevents easy access to the retention strap. I had to remove the power supply from my case in order to gain the right angle to access the strap. Best to mount outside the case before installing the mobo in the case.

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Panama Red You mention the difficulty of installing the hsf units on the socket A mobo's. I think you're going to encounter that problem with just about any unit that uses an 80mm fan or larger. The size of the fan mount creates a wedge shaped heat sink that prevents easy access to the retention strap. I had to remove the power supply from my case in order to gain the right angle to access the strap. Best to mount outside the case before installing the mobo in the case.

Yes, exactly. I didnt want to describe it because I didnt want a long first post. My Aerocool is actually super easy to install on the processor because of the way it is setup. I wish I had a link for it because I certainly cannot describe it.

AK

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Acid-Klutch Thank you for the suggestion timbit, but I am looking for socket A heatsinks. The one you have linked to would not work.

Both Zalman heatsinks that timbit linked to will work with Socket A motherboards...Socket A is also known as Socket 462 and Socket 462 is mentioned in the product description.

" ZALMAN CNPS7000B-Cu Copper CPU Cooler for Socket 478/462/754/939/940 CPUs -RETAIL"

" ZALMAN CNPS7000B-AlCu Aluminum + Copper CPU Cooler for Socket 478/462/754/939/940 CPUs -RETAIL"

Cricket

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Cricket Both Zalman heatsinks that timbit linked to will work with a Socket A motherboards...Socket A is also known as Socket 462 and Socket 462 is mentioned in the product description.

Cricket, I had no idea that Socket A and Socket 462 where the same. Thank you!!! Learn something new everyday!

AK

[PCBrandon]

I am running a AMD Athlon XP 2800+

[MaxRat]

If you can find the connector the Volcano 12 uses it will hook to the same spot on the smartfan....that way you can control it from the back of the case...

Personally I would just find a happy medium and leave it alone....On all 4 pc's I have the fan set to 4200rpm's and all 4 pc's range from 32-36deg celcius and don't get much hotter....not near as noisy as cranked wide open...

[Odysseus]

I have an Athlon 3200+ Barton and use the Thermalright SI-97. This is by far the best heatsink that I have ever owned. I have it topped with a Vantec Tornado 92mm fan (fairly loud, but pushes massive amounts of air). My CPU is OC'd to 2.51 GHz, with this Heatsink and fan my idle temps are 32C and under heavy gameing (5 + hours) the temps have never reached above 42C.