Core 2 Duo Cooler Recommendation?
tripolitrx
UK
Hi Guys, im about to embark on my first ever overclocking experience, I have been reading a bunch of forums regarding the matter, and found a pretty helpful guide to babystep me though the process, but I am having issues with a cooler. I have a core 2 duo 6320 on a stock cooler at the moment, curently stress testing with prime 95 and core temps are hovering around 70 degrees on full load, so i think an upgrade is in order. I have seen a fair few coolers out there, but was wondering if anyone could suggest one? I am intending to take it as fast as i can 2.8 to 3ish hovering around a 400mhz fsb, as i said this is new to me, so im not really sure what to expect speed wise, but would like a cooler that could handle all i dare throw at it.
I have a fairly generous case proportion wise, an Antec 1200, so air flow shouldnt be a problem and a pretty good psu, a hyper 550W.
I have heard the Thermaltake Big Thphoon is very good, but the size of the thing is staggering!
Anyway, any recomendations are welcome
Cheers
Trip
I have a fairly generous case proportion wise, an Antec 1200, so air flow shouldnt be a problem and a pretty good psu, a hyper 550W.
I have heard the Thermaltake Big Thphoon is very good, but the size of the thing is staggering!
Anyway, any recomendations are welcome
Cheers
Trip
0
Comments
The Prolimatech Megahalems fits in nicely as a step up.
Alternatively, if you want top-of-the-line, the Noctua ND-D14 is where it's at. It performs well, has exceptional build quality, and isn't very loud.
I'd void the Big Typhoon. There are better coolers on the market. The ones I've listed will serve you well as you upgrade systems in the future. All four are compatible with today's newer sockets and will be supported when future sockets come around.
Be sure to get a nice thermal paste when you upgrade. It makes a difference. I prefer OCZ Freeze due to its ease-of-use.
The Baram is an excellent choice. You'll be pleased with it. It's not overkill at all.
I have a Thermaltake Big Typhoon in my gaming rig (in my sig) and the performance on it has been stellar. It's big, and it's heavy, but it works, and it works a LOT better than the stock intel cooler.
That said, I wouldn't recommend it unless you can get it on sale for a good bit off. At this point, it's an older design, and you can't take it with you to a Core i5 or i7 platform.
I am not 100% sure if it will work with C2D chips so kill my response if need be. I needed to look at its specs again.
So now its just a case of ramping up the speed and see what happens. All in all Im a happy camper:)
Instalation was a bit of a chore though having to remove the mother board, but worth the work i think, and i must the say the quality and finish of the Baram is supurb, really a beautifully machined piece of hardware, and excellent instalation instructions also. Certainly a big fella though:)
It may have been a little more money then other coolers, but I dont mind paying that bit more for products that are finished well and work better.
Anyway, again thanks for the input, and all the best for the holidays!
Trip
The fan you picked is great for quiet systems but you might find it's a little underpowered when you get to overclocking. It's quiet for a reason - it only blows 37cfm of air. A stronger fan would unlock a bit more cooling power.
Later on, consider using it as a case fan and adding a 120mm fan like the Gelid Wing12 (64cfm @ 25dB). Noctua's 120mm fans are a good medium between noise and airflow too (54cfm @ 19dB).
Cheeeers
Trip