Cheap and relatively quiet HS/F?

[firestorm225]

I'm looking to buy a new heatsink/fan for my XP Thoroughbred 1800+. I will overclock it but I won't be pushing it to the limits. I want to spend around $20-$30 (or less if there is something good) for the heatsink and fan, and I want something that isn't going to make a lot of noise. Any suggestions? I am considering the SK-7 because you can pick it up for about $20, but I have no idea about what fan to get.

 

[mechBgon]

A YS Tech adjustable-RPM 80mm fan would give you a wide range of output from very quiet to medium-fast, if you don't mind having the extra wire with the adjuster knob. The SK-7 looks like an all-around good pick because it's a lot less than the SLK-800, cools almost as well in the test I saw at overclockers.com, and has the 3-lug clip for security.

(plus it's got a copper base, recommended for the Thoroughbreds with their small contact area)

 

[firestorm225]

I've seen a number of people reccomend the YS Tech Adjustable. Do you know a good place to buy one?

 

[mechBgon]

These guys have good prices on both the heatsink and the fan. Another good source is 2Cooltek: link, the "YS Tech rheo" is the adjustable-RPM 80mm fan

 

[firestorm225]

Thanks What's a good place to keep that adjusting knob, just around the fan or what?

 

[mechBgon]

I am sort of anti-clutter, so I would probably try to discretely wrap it around the frame of the fan and secure it with a zip-tie or something. Another option would be to drill a hole in a PCI plate and mount the knob there for external access, or maybe even on the front of the case if its wires will reach.

 

[SWScorch]

I punched out a serial port on the back of my case, removed the knob and washer/nut assembly, and then pushed the center part of the knob through the open port, then secured it with the washer/nut assembly and replaced the outer knob. This way, the adjuster is located in the back of my case, out of sight, but not out of reach, and is secured quite well.

 

[Jhhnn]

While you're looking around at SVC, check out the gc68 and gc69 hsf units. The gc68 has performance very simillar to stock, at a much lower noise level. Although I haven't tried a gc69, I strongly suspect that it will do the job you want, being a little beefier than its older sibling.

These aren't cheap junk, not at all, they're just a good buy....