Aftermarket Fan/Cooler

[Paul]

This isn't really a "problem" but I need advice.

I upgraded my PC when BC2 came out, I opted for the AMD Phenom II 965 that Jarrod suggested. First off I am very happy with the system so I am not looking to upgrade or OC.

The only problem is (and after searching the net it seems like it is a general problem) is that the stock fan is flippen load. It didn't used to be a problem when I lived alone but when you share a study with the Wife who is trying to work, it can become a problem.

It doesn't matter if my PC is idling or if I am in the middle of a fire fight on BC2, the fan is running full blast.

I have totally opened the case to make sure it wasn't and airflow problem but it made no difference.

I downloaded AMD overdrive to see if I could manually lower the FAN speed but it also didn't help. It seems like the AMD has a heat sensor and automatically adjust and overrides an software settings.

So the long and short of it is that I need a new aftermarket fan or cooler for my CPU. Budget is a big thing and I am not looking to OC so just an average one would do, as long as it is quiet and keeps my CPU temperature down

[Hubris]

Hey Paul,

Have you tried going into your BIOS?

I had a similar problem, but wanted more performance. I could tune the profile speed control to be more/less aggressive and then overall increase/decrease the speed of the fan in the profiles. Maybe you just need to make the profile speed control more aggressive? i.e. retain speed when you need it but ensure it changes over to run slower quicker when you don't? You'll probably have to edit the profile a bit too and try a slightly slower general fan speed option. Would have to test with BC2, but if you havn't had overheating problems then it should be ok.

Might be worth a try to avoid some buckage damage, but keep in mind the AMD application might try to over-ride the BIOS settings (uninstall if nessecary to test).

[Paul]

Thanks I will give that a go

[Stu]

you might want to make sure the bearing in your fan are well oiled... you could look at a cooler master fan/heat sink. I have one and it runs relatively quietly. I know what you mean though,

My PC is under the stairs at my house and I have the Xbox and my Media PC running it can get rather loud at times...

[Paul]

Ok I think I have found some CPU cooler/fans that will do the trick I am just not sure.

SO I have an Asus Crosshair IV (or III ) Republic of Gamers edition with an AMD Phenom II 965.

I am thinking about these coolers,

http://www.nivo.co.za/buy~cooler.master.processor.cooler.cm.htx3.~p18384

http://www.nivo.co.za/buy~cooler.master.hyper.212.plus.processor.cooler. rr.b10.212p.gp.~p19540

http://www.nivo.co.za/buy~zalman.2.800rpm.processor.cooler.cnps9700.nt.~ p8073



Firstly I don't know jack shit about coolers, so my first question is will these fit. It says AM3 compatible but I need to make 100% sure
Secondly, is this a good price or am I wasting my money and should go form something else? It seems that they jump in price from round about R200 to R500, there doesn't seem to be a middle ground and I would like to spend under R500.


This is purely for a reduction in noise and not to overclock

[J_Th4ng]

Firstly, if it says AM3 compatible, then it should fit just fine. The only issues would be if you had a really small case that didn't have the headroom for the cooler, or if your motherboard had an overcomplicated heat sink arrangement around the CPU socket. Your ASUS board will be fine, can't speak for your case but any normal sized case would be fine.

I don't particularly like the two Coolermaster options that you've got. If you look at the picture from the underside, you can see that the heat pipes touch the bottom of the cooler block, and create that stripey effect of copper and nickel. Because of this, I worry that the base of those coolers wouldn't be perfectly smooth. Also, my experience of Coolermaster CPU coolers is that they, despite being better than stock, aren't as good as some other brands (particularly from a noise perspective).

The prices on that website aren't the best either. I can get all of the listed coolers for cheaper from Frontosa. For example, that Zalman model is listed at R442 from Frontosa, rather than R512.

In fact, I could get you the next model up, http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?Idx=354 for R492 inclusive.

Zalman coolers will probably meet your low noise requirements. They were originally built around noise management, rather than pure cooling power.

[Paul]

See I don't know anything about coolers.

There reason I was going with this site as well is that I was also going to order

http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~seagate.freeagent.goflex.1tb.portable.externa l.hard.drive.black~p21096

How much would this or something similar cost from Frontosa? (1TB USB power external)

[J_Th4ng]

interestingly, the Frontosa price is actually more expensive (R999 + VAT).

However, my price list is from January, it's quite likely that prices have dropped since then. I can find out for you if you're keen.

[Paul]

Cool if you could get me prices for the cooler and the HDD, that would be awesome

[J_Th4ng]

Okay, got the February pricelist, so things are a little clearer (can't get the March one right now, FTP links aren't working for some reason).

Anyway, on the drive front, I can get you a Western Digital 1TB drive, also USB powered, and also USB 3.0 compatible, for R966 Inclusive. http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=430

The Zalman cooler is listed at the same price (R492 Incl.) in the February price list. I reckon that it's your best bet for a sub R500 cooler that will be quiet. Despite discussions on the shout box, I'm not a fan of Coolermaster CPU coolers for a noise perspective. There are cheaper Zalman coolers too, we can look at those if you're not happy with the price of this one.

[Paul]

Thanks will let you know what I decide

[Thor_23]

what about this cooler?

http://www.prophecy.co.za/coolermaster-cooler-lga77511561366am3am2am2-p-73066.html

[J_Th4ng]

This is why not:

Performance: http://www.guru3d.com/article/zalman-cnps-9900-max-review/7

Noise: http://www.guru3d.com/article/zalman-cnps-9900-max-review/8

The Zalman cooler performs better and is quieter.

However, Paul, I'd look at the Corsair H60. It'll stretch your budget to about R700, but it's the best solution in terms of performance and sound.