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]

Originally Posted by 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

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

And I want the best cooling solution.

Thanks

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by PCNOOB 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 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/Produc...82E16835185125

[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_c...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.