Is Q6600 stock fan good enough for light overclock or should I get a new one?

[bigshooter]

I'm guessing Intel wouldn't warranty a chip against burning up and include their own cooling fan if it was completely horrible, but I need some advice. Will stock cooling suffice for small overclocks? I've seen some people even get to 3ghz with theirs. I don't plan on going above 3ghz, and may just leave it at 2.4ghz for now. I have a g0 slacr chip if that matters (Fry's deal).

If I keep stock cooling I also was curious about the TIM. I just noticed that the stock fan has some sort of thermal goop on it already, but I have some 2 year old AS5 sitting around from my Shuttle SN27P2. Should I get some alcohol and clean off the stock stuff and use AS5 or just plop the fan on and see how well it works? I would buy some AC MX-2, but I'll wait and see if I get an aftermarket cooler.

That leads to the last question...I've seen lots of people recommend the AC7 Freezer Pro and the Xigmatec (sp.) 1283 as budget coolers. Should I just forget about the Intel stock cooler and get one of these? I would prefer not to get into the huge aftermarket coolers that need bolt through adapters though... I'm really lazy and just want to get on a real desktop again instead of this damn laptop.

 

[DaQuteness]

Almost any good aftermarket cooler is better than the stock intel HSF.

There are many good coolers that will get you to as high as 3.6-3.7, I have a Tuniq Tower 120 (the traditional bigger = better)... G6600 G0 @ 3.4GHz/1.28V, temps: 33/33/28/28 with AS5. I've seen the OCZ Vendetta II and it has great performance but... i don't know, that multi-piece base just doesn't seem to me to be able to be as flat as a single-pieced base IMO. As long as you don't move it around much, it would be the best choice, i've heard it go to as low as 35$-40$.

 

[Jakeisbest]

I think the stock cooler is fine for a good size overclock. However I like after market cooling just for the look.

Anandtech Tuniq review vs Stock Cooler

Basically you can OC C2D on stock no problem but if you want to run a bit cooler or just have the money to spend I don't think any would shy away from recommending a good after market cooler.

That leads to the last question...I've seen lots of people recommend the AC7 Freezer Pro and the Xigmatec (sp.) 1283 as budget coolers. Should I just forget about the Intel stock cooler and get one of these? I would prefer not to get into the huge aftermarket coolers that need bolt through adapters though... I'm really lazy and just want to get on a real desktop again instead of this damn laptop.

The AC7 Freezer Pro looks to be about the same as the stock cooler imho. I doubt you would see much difference going from stock to the AC7 or the Xigmatec. If you are going to upgrade go big get a Tuniq or a big Scythe with a 120mm fan. Otherwise stick w/ the stock cooler.

EDIT:

Also I tend to think that grease is grease, I wouldn't bother changing out your thermal grease. I am highly suspicious of paying for boutique thermal grease.

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: Jakeisbest
Also I tend to think that grease is grease, I wouldn't bother changing out your thermal grease. I am highly suspicious of paying for boutique thermal grease.

I'm going to have to disagree with this one. There are plenty of comparison testings of different thermal interface materials that show there are clear differences between the cheap-o and the not so cheap-o. Google, because I'm too lazy to link or support my argument any further.

 

[Jakeisbest]

Originally posted by: theplaidfad

Originally posted by: Jakeisbest
Also I tend to think that grease is grease, I wouldn't bother changing out your thermal grease. I am highly suspicious of paying for boutique thermal grease.

I'm going to have to disagree with this one. There are plenty of comparison testings of different thermal interface materials that show there are clear differences between the cheap-o and the not so cheap-o. Google, because I'm too lazy to link or support my argument any further.

There is not much difference

Based on this and other reviews I have seen I can not see a great deal of difference between the cheap-o and non cheap-o (well excluding the one outlying FrozenCPU copper compound). The difference is like 3 or 4 degrees, while significant, I don't see that as difference between a stable overclock and something that won't post.

I am not suggesting he just rub axle grease on his CPU. But if I ordered a Zalman or other heat sink that comes with grease I wouldn't bother ordering Arctic Silver 5. Also I am sure that he would not see a significant change from switching the grease from the Intel HSF to something higher end.

Edit: Nice rig btw theplaidfad! I am drooling looking at it.

 

[bdubyah]

umm, i saw a big difference going from stock HSF to the 1283. got my Q6600 OC'd to 3.4 with it. if i had a better chip, i could prolly easily hit 3.6 with this thing. too many volts for this chip though, as the VID is 1.3.

but yeah, i would definitely say the 1283 is way better than stock based on my own experiences, and MANY people say the AC7 is great for its price.

 

[Gillbot]

I like my ACF7Pro, it took my E6550 to 3.5G easily.

 

[Rubycon]

If you like it hot and your chip does it will work but I don't recommend you torture your CPU like that especially if you have a good one! Here's what you can expect with a stock cooler at 400x9 with 1.4 volts!

ouch - that's running a little hot Captain!

That was running Prime95 small FFT for hours like that with no error. CPU was smoking hot! :Q

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Originally posted by: Jakeisbest
I think the stock cooler is fine for a good size overclock. However I like after market cooling just for the look.

Anandtech Tuniq review vs Stock Cooler

Basically you can OC C2D on stock no problem but if you want to run a bit cooler or just have the money to spend I don't think any would shy away from recommending a good after market cooler.

That leads to the last question...I've seen lots of people recommend the AC7 Freezer Pro and the Xigmatec (sp.) 1283 as budget coolers. Should I just forget about the Intel stock cooler and get one of these? I would prefer not to get into the huge aftermarket coolers that need bolt through adapters though... I'm really lazy and just want to get on a real desktop again instead of this damn laptop.

The AC7 Freezer Pro looks to be about the same as the stock cooler imho. I doubt you would see much difference going from stock to the AC7 or the Xigmatec. If you are going to upgrade go big get a Tuniq or a big Scythe with a 120mm fan. Otherwise stick w/ the stock cooler.

Not sure what reviews and comparisons you are basing your comments off of, but the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro is a huge improvement over the stock HSF.

And the Xigmatek 1283 is one of the best performing HSFs currently on the market, including performing on a par with or even better than the Tuniq 120 and Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme.



And yes you can o/c with the stock HSF, in fact my E6300 (7x266 stock) is running at 2.4 GHz (7x343) with the stock HSF. It runs a bit warm though, and I cannot increase the speed anymore without increasing vcore a bit, which sends temps sky high.
With an ACF7 Pro I'd expect to be able to push my FSB above 425+ while maintaining decent temps, and with the Xigmatek 1283 I just ordered, (or Tuniq, TRUE, etc) I'd expect to 475+ to be attainable (assuming compatible RAM, etc).

 

[bigshooter]

I think I might look at the Xigmatek or ACF7 once I get everything together. That Tuniq looks nices, but it's freakin huge.

Anyways, thanks for the advice. One question thouhg, if I apply the stock HSF with the Intel thermal grease, do I need to clean this off more than just wiping it off the processor before applying as5 of mx-2 for the new cooler? Does alcohol work good enough?

Thanks again

 

[bdubyah]

90% alcohol or buy the arctic cleaning kit for like $5 or so. either will work. coffee filters make great wipes as well.

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: Jakeisbest

The AC7 Freezer Pro looks to be about the same as the stock cooler imho. I doubt you would see much difference going from stock to the AC7 or the Xigmatec. If you are going to upgrade go big get a Tuniq or a big Scythe with a 120mm fan. Otherwise stick w/ the stock cooler.

EDIT:

Also I tend to think that grease is grease, I wouldn't bother changing out your thermal grease. I am highly suspicious of paying for boutique thermal grease.

Having owned a Big Typhoon, a Tuniq Tower (using various other fans besides the stock fan) and the S1283, I can vouch for the fact that the S1283 does indeed perform on par (& sometimes surpassing) the Tuniq Tower. I just got the backplate for my S1283 a few days ago & will be re-installing using it & see if it does even better.
I recommend the S1283 for its' cost vs. performance. If you get one, go ahead & pick up a tube of TX-2 or MX-2 while you're at it & save on shipping. The stuff is easy to apply & works great.
Good luck.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Originally posted by: Tullphan
I just got the backplate for my S1283 a few days ago & will be re-installing using it & see if it does even better.

Did you get the Thermalright bolt-thru kit or did you get a free bolt kit from Xigmatek? there was a comment on newegg claiming that xigmatek would ship 1283 buyers a free bolt kit if requested.

 

[Tullphan]

I got the free kit through Xigmatek.
They were giving these away by providing proof of purchase, but I believe the promotion has ended.
You may wish to contact Xigmatek & see, however. They're very good about replying to e-mails.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Originally posted by: bigshooter

I'm guessing Intel wouldn't warranty a chip against burning up and include their own cooling fan if it was completely horrible, but I need some advice. Will stock cooling suffice for small overclocks? I've seen some people even get to 3ghz with theirs. I don't plan on going above 3ghz, and may just leave it at 2.4ghz for now. I have a g0 slacr chip if that matters (Fry's deal).

If I keep stock cooling I also was curious about the TIM. I just noticed that the stock fan has some sort of thermal goop on it already, but I have some 2 year old AS5 sitting around from my Shuttle SN27P2. Should I get some alcohol and clean off the stock stuff and use AS5 or just plop the fan on and see how well it works? I would buy some AC MX-2, but I'll wait and see if I get an aftermarket cooler.

That leads to the last question...I've seen lots of people recommend the AC7 Freezer Pro and the Xigmatec (sp.) 1283 as budget coolers. Should I just forget about the Intel stock cooler and get one of these? I would prefer not to get into the huge aftermarket coolers that need bolt through adapters though... I'm really lazy and just want to get on a real desktop again instead of this damn laptop.

I'm still using the B3 Q6600. Similar results were reported by others: you can easily get to 3.0 Ghz (9 x 333) with VCORE 1.32V. This is well within the range of the Intel retail-box maximum, and only a few hundredths of a volt above what seems to be a common default value.

The G0 stepping is supposed to run at lower voltages, and run cooler. So here I'm only guessing that you could OC your Q6600 with the stock cooler to 3 Ghz. The proof of the pudding would be whether you can keep CoreTemp core values below 70C at full load with room-ambient above 75F.

I can also tell you that you can lap the IHS -- and maybe the stock cooler if it uses a nickel-plated HS base with copper core -- down to bare copper. If I recall, this is worth about 5C improvement or more. Using diamond thermal paste buys another 3C degrees improvement.

I've got two E21x0 processors -- a "40" and an"80" -- running at about 1.32V and overclocked between 50 and 65% above stock (to 2.67 Ghz). We've got them using the the stock cooler and fan, lapped IHS and diamond paste. The cores hardly break 50C under load. But the Q6600 would have a higher over-clocked thermal power than these.

Even so, for the price, since you DO want a mild over-clock and you spent the money for the G0 Q6600, I don't see why you don't get a TR U-120 Extreme, a TR Ultima 90 or an OCZ Vendetta 2 cooler, $5 worth of diamond paste, lap the IHS and cooler base (except for the Vendetta, which may not need it.)

My B3 is pumped up to 1.42V and 3.2 Ghz. With digitally measured, calibrated room-ambient of 82F, my core temperatures just break 67C with PRIME95 "small-FFTs". I'm using a lapped U120-Extreme and diamond paste; the IHS and cooler base are lapped down to bare copper.

 

[najames]

Facts, we need facts here.

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3210&p=6

I was looking for something for a new Q6600 I just got and looked up stuff on Frostytech. Try putting this into a spreadsheet and see if it looks any better. Mini Ninja is there in case I want to put it into a HTPC case. They didn't have the Freezer 7 listed, but you can get an idea from the AT article. Poop, it doesn't work, oh well.

Manufacturer: Model No.: Fan Speed: 150W Thermal Test* (°C) 85W Thermal Test (°C) Noise Level (dBA) Height Weight
Intel Stock Core 2 Duo 49.2 29 36.7 61 380
Scythe Ninja Mini 33.7 19.9 41.7 110 580
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro 126 520
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 low 19.8 12.7 35 160 600
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 high 16.8 10.7 50.7 160 600
Scythe Mine Rev. B 23.6 15 36.8 150 560
Noctua NH-U12P high 21.3 13.4 40.7 149 770
Asus Silent Square EVO high 25.8 15.6 42.8 146 745
Thermalright Ultra 120 Ex. 18.4 11.4 44.5 160 790
Asus Arctic Square high 24.9 14.9 44.9 135 666
Coolermaster Hyper 212 19 11.8 45.9 122 710
Scythe Mugen 19.5 11.4 46 160 930
Apack Zerotherm Nirv. 120 high 19.8 12.3 49.2 150 628
Xigmatek HDT-S963 high 21.9 13.7 50.2 134 410
Xigmatek HDT-S983 high 19.5 11.8 52.7 136 410
Tuniq Tower 120 high 19.6 12.2 51.6 153 798
Apack Zerotherm BTF80 22.8 13.9 51.9 128 458
Apack Zerotherm BTF90 21.8 12.7 52.1 128 678
Zalman CNPS9700NT high 20.3 12.4 52.2 110 764
OCZ Vendetta high 21.3 13.5 52.8 134 410
Cooljag Falcon 92-Cu high 23.6 14.8 52.8 111 382
Thermalright Ultra 120 17.8 10.6 53.7 160 790
Thermalright Ultra-90 high 19.6 13 56.2 147 435
Zalman CNPS9700 LED high 19 10.4 56.5 110 764
Rosewill RCX-Z3 high 23.3 14 58.6 138 850
Enzotech Ultra-X high 20 8.5 59.1 118 835

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Again-- it's important to distinguish between TCASE and TJunction (core) temperatures. Core-2-Duo models just don't pump out the heat like the quads. For the Conroes, the G0 quad should run cooler, overclock better at lower voltages -- than the B3 (like mine). Some of the data najames is showing . . . seems . . . . out of whack.

I can see that we're revisiting Anandtech comparison reviews, which have been consistent in presentation, method and other factors over the last year or more. What is clear to me now that I refresh myself on these reviews -- they report TCASE values.

And that's fine. For Q6600 units, you can expect TCASE to fall below the average core values by between 10 and 18C. TCASE is as good a reference temperature as any, since the throttling threshold on these processors is spec'd to the TCASE value.

Important to note -- given other threads -- that the OCZ Vendetta model is not the "Vendetta 2." And with this comparison review, ThermalRight reigns supreme without the newer "direct-touch"coolers like the Vendetta 2.