I don't know what heatsink to buy.

[Boshen]

I'm thinking of going w/ a t-bird 850, hopefully getting it up to a gig? (i'll settle for less).

The problem is this whole heatsink thing. I've been reading reviews. Then i read not to go by the reviews. Now i'm completely confused. I mean, some seem to say the ORBS aren't bad. Others are saying ORBS aren't good. Yet there are others that say this heatsink is great, then say it doesn't fit too well onto the motherboard they were using. I just want opinions on exactly what type of heatsink i should get.

What exactly should i get to make sure i can keep this thing from exploding.

Also, anyone care to explain exactly why i should/need to get this arctic silver stuff?

The other stuff i'm getting for this computer which may affect it.
MSI K7T Pro2a
Enlight 7237 w/ 300 W PS

I'm sorta new into all this stuff.
Thanks.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

If you're gonna buy an orb, then dont' bother with AS.

Orb and Other Heatsinks: Internal Diode versus Socket-Thermistor Tests.

There are some orb results comparing internal diode temps versus socket-thermistor temps. Something hte orbs do "disrupts" socket-thermsitor readings more so than other heatsinks. Needless to say, the c-orb isn't exactly a great performer, and the s-orb is a adequate performer(but the $11 taisol cek733092 outperforms it).

The c-orb will handle a 1ghz chip, but at almost chip temp limits. The s-orb is better, but you can get better heatsinks than either of the orbs.


Mike

 

[Boshen]

which particular one do you think i shoudl get?

The taisol one?

or like FOP32?
Read that this one was loud. Don't know exactly what that means though, is it unbearable loud or just normal sounding.

 

[Tonec]

You basically have two choices, the fop32 or alpha6035. Depending on where you purchase it, the 60mm fans will be ystech/sunon/adda averaging 25cfm/35. Both will provide more than adequate cooling and are average sounding hsfs that are nowhere near quiet. 2coolteks alpha/34dBa sunon combo is only slightly quieter than their fop/36dBa ystech option. If you really need a quiet setup, look into phams alpha/16dba adda combo - the alpha still has enough mass to compensate for the much lower cfm output on this setup if you're not obsessed with core temps. If you get adda, it runs cooler blowing rather than sucking since its a weak fan.
Cost will also be a factor. Its possible to spend over $60 on a hedgehog/delta/arctic silver combo that probably will have no impact on your final overclocked speed.

Your best bet would be an alpha 6035 23cfm/34dba sunon combo- should come with a tube of alpha brand thermal compound that is not the greatest but it will be fine for your needs. A typical 80mm case or power supply fan will drown out the hsf noise. Also the alpha clip is easy to work with and poses very little threat of cracking the core for someone who is inexperienced. The fop will be about $7 cheaper but the clip requires some care when mounting.

I run a 1.85 volt duron 1000 with the alpha/adda combo. Probably runs signifantly hotter than the 40idle/50max temps reported but its stable running rc5 all day.

 

[Poof]

But will that alpha fit in that MSI K7T Pro2a mobo without modification? As I understand it, the alphas are pretty huge and may hit up against a few capacitors, let alone the good-sized toroid that sits right next to the socket....

 

[Tepin]

I've got the taisol CGK742 (the forged one) and find it to be a great heatsink. I've seen quite a few posts from people who have busted off one of the tabs on the socket from mounting/unmounting HSF's - the taisol latches to all 3 tabs on both sides of the socket. It's a little harder to put on, but it gives a nice even pressure to the CPU without stressing the tabs. (easiest way I've found to mount it is to hook one side and then push the other side down with a diskette so I can latch all 3 tabs at once.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

The CGK is a good heatsink, but it has problems beign mounted on a MSI k7Tpro 2a board.

The taisol cek733092 is good if you want good price-performance cooling, but it won't be top of the line.

As said above, the Alpha's are the easiest to work with.

It all depends on how much you want to spend.


Mike

 

[loosbrew]

i use the fop32 with great success. i get 25 c idle and 40 c stressed sometimes 41 but never saw 42. im using the same fan that it cae with and some no name thermal grease on a tbird 900@1050.

hth

loooo

 

[bigedp51]

I just got an abit kt7 and a duron 700 with the Enlight 7237 case,
and I have been playing with it for two weeks.
The most important thing you need to do is have good case airflow, I
placed a 2nd fan at the rear of the case blowing "out" my case temps are
now around 1/2 degree over outside air temp.

I have used 3 cpu heatsinks
one generic heatsink rated for 1.2 gig
one crome orb heatsink
one cooler master dp5-6h51 rated 1.2 gig

The crome orb never cooled as well as the other two, the orb would never
fit flat on top the cpu, its clamp system I feel does not self level very well. The other two have a V spring pushing down dead center on the heat sink and fit flat and are AMD aproved.

I'm overclocking my duron 700 to 850, at 1.7 v with case temp at 21c and cpu temp at 42c under load. The master cooler dp5-6h51 is very quite and works very well. But before adding 2nd rear fan the cpu temps were over 49c, so remember the heatsink wants cool air.