Heatsink Recommendations for an AMD X2 Proc?

[Diss]

Thanks to everyone for their answers on previous posts as I prepare to build my first system. Much appreciated! I have but one more question for ya...

I'm going to be installing an AMD X2 4800+ processor and I'm wondering if those with AMD experience can offer any insight as to whether or not I should invest in another heatsink instead of the stock and if I should use thermal grease instead of the thermal pad that comes with the CPU. If so on either count, any brand recommendations would be appreciated.

I'd say I will be "moderately" overclocking at most - not going to try to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the CPU, but will probably experiment at faster speeds a little bit.

I've read that AMD claims that any use of thermal paste (except something called Shin-Etsu) renders the warranty void, yet many people still seem to use the paste on their AMDs without issue.

Thanks for any suggestions, as always...

 

[govtcheez75]

if you only Moderately overclock, you can use the stock heatsink. If you want something quieter, go with something larger, and use a slow quiet fan. This option will also aid you if you plan a more aggressive overclock later by allowing you to use a faster/louder/cooler fan.

 

[Bona Fide]

1. Heatsink - Get a Tt K8 Silent Boost. If you're not gonna be OC'ing, it'll do the job nice and quietly. Get the XP-90 if you plan to go hardcore.
2. Paste - Is a must. Get Arctic Silver 5 and you won't regret it. Shin-Etsu is some cheaper brand, from what I hear.

 

[Operandi]

I don't use stock heatsinks mainly to cut down on noise, but they will help your overclock just the same.

A good and fairly economical upgrade would be the Zalman 7000 or 7700ALCu. If you want to get into the high end check out the Thermalright XP-90 or 120 with a Panaflo or similarly good fan.

The thermal paste that comes with Zalman and Thermalright heatsinks will do just fine. AC5 will net you 1-3C at best, probably not worth it. Lastly avoid the Silent Boost and Thermaltake in general.

 

[AtomSmasher]

My vote is for an XP-90 with a Panaflo. That's what I'm running on an X2 4400+. Idle temps are 39 deg C.

 

[Diss]

Thanks so much for the tips. It looks like I'm going with the Thermalright XL-90C.

As for paste, if I decide to go with an Arctic Silver brand, is there much difference between the "Silver 5" and "Ceramique" versions? From what I've gathered, "Ceramique" might be more conducive to AMD processors, but I couldn't be totally sure about that.

 

[Varun]

Artic Silver 5 is the best for heat transfer, and most people recommend it for CPUs. The Ceramique is easier to apply and clean off, and as a bonus is cheaper.

If you want the best - use AS5
If you want good or you remove your HSF often - AS Ceramique