What's the smart choice here?

[Sam334]

I'm trying to decide on a cpu/hsf combo, and I need some advice. I already have the following in my hands:

MSI Neo2 Platinum mobo
Corsair Value Select ddr400 ram (512mb)
Antec Sonata case with the 380W psu it comes with

Now, should I get an oem 3200+ winchester A64 with either the Thermalright XP120 or this Zalman ( http://www.systemcooling.com/zalman_7700-01.html ), or should I go with a retail 3500+? I plan on overclocking the cpu I get.

Another thing I'm wondering is whether those two heatsinks that have a 120mm fan will fit on my mobo and the Antec case I have (since it has a rear 120mm exhaust). A review I found says the following:

"Finally, a shot with the clear 120mm fan installed. It didn't provide enough clearance to install our other 120mm rear case exhaust fan. All system builds are obviously different so if your case doesn't have a rear 120mm fan, you should have just enough room to have both. For those with 120mm exhaust fans, you still might be able to get enough clearance, but both fans will definitely be touching each other."

Would this make a lot of noise? Anyone here, by any chance, have an Antec Sonata case and the Neo2 Platinum mobo with any of those heatsinks (the chances of that might be slim)?

Thanks,

Stephen

 

[Sam334]

Also, what type of thermal paste should I get?

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

 

[CheesePoofs]

If you're going to overclock i'd go with the XP-90 if you want an aftermarket cooler, the xp-120 doesn't fit on the MSI Neo2 Platinum. That will cool very well for overclocking, its the best heatsink out for the A64 next to the xp-120. Im not really sure about how good the stock cooler is for overclocking, so i can't really make any recomendation as to if you should get the 3200 OEM with after market cooler or retail 3500.
For thermal paste you should definately go with arctic silver 5. Its the best stuff there is, and it doesnt really cost much, i think its under 10 dollars.

 

[Sam334]

XP90 is better than that Zalman cooler? If so, what fan do you recommend to go with the xp90? Thanks

 

[Sam334]

*shameless bump*

Anyone? Thermalright xp90 fan recommendation? 3200+ winchester and thermalright xp90 > retail 3500+ ? Thanks

 

[Thermalrock]

zalman 7700 > xp90 im pretty sure. the 7000 already very close to the 90.

 

[w00t]

zalman 7700 < xp-90 < xp-120.

 

[MIDIman]

I just bought the 7700, and its going in the place of a Thermalright SLK-947u with a silent 92mm panaflo l1a.

Will post results shortly. This sucker is massive!

 

[Algere]

Amen

 

[Mrvile]

I use the XP90 on my 3500 Winchester, it cools really well (on a good day I get 35C idle, 42 load) but I use a beastly loud Panaflo fan. I still like it though, not too big, mobo compatible, and cools nicely.

I do also use a Lian Li V1000 with fans everywhere if that makes any difference...