tigs

I'm kind clueless about what to look for here.

The CPU in question will be an Athlon 64 X2 6400+ on an ASUS M2R32-MVP.

I'm just looking for quality at a reasonable price. I want this system to last for 3-4 years.

Thanks a bunch.

blupupher

Do you plan on overclocking much? What kind of case is it going to be in?

tigs

I won't overclock much, if at all, but I don't mind paying a little extra to have that option for the future.

The case is a COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP. Though thats open to change. I'm not really sure what makes a good case. I just went for something cheap with good reviews.

AmericanNightmare

The reason the question was posed is because case size,configuration and airflow will all need to be considered in the equation as well as if your going to be doing any overclocking.

stiffy725

your best bet would be water cooling for allllllll around purpose. but that will run more expensive. it will deff be worth it.

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ohhhhh yaaa.... i think thats a tad bit to hot...!

*HOW TO ATTACH 8800 STOCK GPU FAN TO NEW HEATSINK FOR SPEED HACKING THE FAN STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE!!! click link below!


www.overclock.net/amd-air-cooling/268426-heatsink-gpu-fan-mod-step-step.html#post3089218

blupupher

Also, what do you consider "reasonable price"?
You have decent HSF from ~$25 (AC 64) to $70+ (Thermalright Ultra-120 + the cost of the fan(s)).

txtmstrjoe

That's a good case. I like mine very much.

As far as cooling is concerned, if you don't intend to overclock right now, I don't see the point of buying an aftermarket cooling solution. The stock cooler should do you fine (I'm assuming, of course, that you bought a retail version of the CPU, which comes with its own HSF).

If, however, you do decide to plunge into the world of overclocking, then I'd research to see which cooling solutions would be most appropriate. It's likely that, even in the world of air cooling, there will be better-engineered and better-performing products in the future. In other words, buy only when you already absolutely need to, and never before.

Hope this helps!

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thlnk3r

Tigs, I don't think temps will be that big of an issue at stock...all though the 6400+ does have a TDP of 125w. If you decide to OC, just make sure the temps are fine. If your on a budget you could also lap the stock heatsink. I lapped my Opteron 170 heatsink and it turned out great, unfortunately though I haven't had a chance to test the new lap. I prefer to keep my full load temps below 55C. Try OCing on the stock cooler and see how it goes.

Good luck

EDIT: You could also lap your IHS (integrated heat spreader) but that will void your warranty but heck, this forum isn't called overclock.net for nothing

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Originally Posted by txtmstrjoe:
"Steppings merely indicate possible outcomes due to the law of averages being in your favor."

tigs

the specifications on newegg say that no cooling system is included.

what would be comparable to a stock cooling system?

txtmstrjoe

If it's an OEM CPU (i.e., no HSF is included), then your budget and personal preferences/priorities then determine which HSF to get.

If, however, you just want a very good one or today's best, then there are several possibilities (please check compatibility with your motherboard):

1) Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
2) Thermaltake Big Typhoon (non-VX version)
3) Thermalright SI-128 SE/non-SE
4) Enzotech Ultra-X
5) Tuniq Tower 120
6) CoolerMaster GeminII

Of these, I have experience with the Thermalrights, the CoolerMaster GeminII, and the Big Typhoon; the Ultra-X and Tuniq Tower 120 are perennial favorites and have excellent reputations. All perform quite similarly to each other. The Thermalrights, the Enzotech, and the Tuniq are more expensive, but do the job very well. In terms of price for performance, I like the Big Typhoon best. The CoolerMaster GeminII is potentially the least expensive if you buy it on sale.

Hope this helps you!

__________________

"What time is it? It's 9:39!" (The Official S939 Appreciation Club and Knowledgebase)My OCN Blog: Joe-Pinions (Have a Daily Nibble)

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.”—Lao Tzu (thanks to Blitz6804)

Today's "thlnk3r's thoughts": "You may fire when ready."