HELP ME, understand what is the best Heatsink for a CPU?

[AMDLogical]

Greetings,

Whats the best company to buy from for Heatsinks for CPUs?

Would it be wise to buy a buy Heatsink instead of using the included Heatsink for most AMD CPUs?

Any first hand experiences with Heatsinks welcome in responses, or tips to live by!

[Alaron]

The included heatsink and fan that comes with Retail AMD or Intel CPUs is plenty of cooling for stock speeds. If you plan on overclocking, look into a third party unit. I'd check out Zalman products; they offer a good balance of cooling and quiet.

[AMDLogical]

I'm definitely not going to be overclocking... but it wouldn't be too expensive to add a better heatsink a better one like Zalman as you recomend...

If a person wanted to have a computer last longer like for overall purposes would it be a wise choice then to pick up one rather then the one that comes with the box?

Cause altho I'm sure its a good heatsink I just wanna be sure I'm getting the best... I want this computer to last a long time for me lol

Or would it or could it some times be even dangerous to get a third party Heatsink?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by AMDLogical I'm definitely not going to be overclocking... but it wouldn't be too expensive to add a better heatsink a better one like Zalman as you recomend...

One thing to consider...if you buy a retail CPU it comes with a approved heatsink/fan unit and you get a 3 year warranty with it. If you use another heatsink (like a Zalman) you'll void the warranty. So if you do want to use a "better" heatsink you should look into getting a OEM CPU.

Originally Posted by AMDLogical If a person wanted to have a computer last longer like for overall purposes would it be a wise choice then to pick up one rather then the one that comes with the box?

I have a computer here that uses a Pentium III 800MHz CPU with the stock Intel heatsink...it's been running fine for almost 8 years. The stock heatsinks are designed specifically for the CPU it's used with and will work fine to keep temps under control. Besides most people replace their computers long before a CPU or heatsink/fan unit is ready to die.

Originally Posted by AMDLogical Cause altho I'm sure its a good heatsink I just wanna be sure I'm getting the best... I want this computer to last a long time for me lol

Just how long do you want the computer to last? My PIII 800MHz is almost 8 years old and my P4 2.8GHz is 3 years old now and runs fine.

Originally Posted by AMDLogical Or would it or could it some times be even dangerous to get a third party Heatsink?

There is always the risk that the 3rd party heatsink won't fit properly or may not cool as well...and you will void the warranty if you've got a retail CPU.

Cricket

[AMDLogical]

Thank you again Cricket.

I would say 5-8 years of a computers life is really about as much as I'd ask for.