Which CPU fan/heatsink is best?

[ArcticFox]

Some of you may have read my post and that I mentioned that I wouldn't mind spending $45 or whatever bucks on a CPU cooler. That said, which one is tops right now in terms of regular fan/heatsinks, not liquid cooling?

[JPMiller]

My choice due to personal experience and research is the SLK line of heatsink...ultimately the 900 model!
http://store6.yimg.com/I/svcompucycle_1741_9447684
http://www.overclockers.com/articles698/
you choose fan seperatly for noise/airflow.

[ArcticFox]

I was thinking of those, but how about the Volcano 11+? Any good?

[daveleau]

The reviews I have seen show that the SLK800A is still the best. The 900 is next and then the Volcano 11+. I know they came out with an improved Volcano 11+ recently, but don't know how much better it is. One thing that is nice about the 11+, is the external fan speed switch. It is nice, but not necessary, especially if you get a fan for your SLK-800A/900 that has speed controls.
Dave

[Vyx]

I would go with the Volcano 11. It has a very low decible rating even at fairly high speeds and it cools like a mofo. My friend has the volcano 9 wich has basically the same specs as the volcano 11 and has a 2800+. His processor is always cool to the touch even when running multiple applications like adobe photoshop and adobe premiere

[prexaspes]

Jeepers... I'm still using Volcano 7s in my builds...

[EndobioticChaos]

The heatsink I really like is the ThermalRight AX-7. It doesn't cool quite as well as their SLK coolers, but it doesn't clog up with dust nearly as quickly, and it's a bit easier to install as it's a more traditional style. It's also less expensive.

They were unavailable for a while, but www.SVC.com started carrying them again just a couple weeks ago.

[Buzioid]

I use a volcano 7+, it suits me well, I have never tried SLK brands, but heard what others have already said, they are very good.

[spectrumbx]

coolermaster aero 7+ without any question!



http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/2003...cooler-05.html

[Linck]

...well, I've got the Thermalright SLK-900 on a P4 3.06G. 29C idle, 37C full load. I have a 92 mm Enermax adjustable fan on it. It's quiet and it cools better than anything else on the market using air at the moment. The advantage of the 900 over the 800 is that you can smack a 92 mm fan on it which cools the whole CPU neighborhood as well.

You didn't say whether you want to cool AMD or Intel, which is often two different routes...

[AlexanderAkulick]

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[EndobioticChaos]

The Zalman will do best for $45 if you have a well cooled case and the addition of a fan directed at it will cool it even better.

I disagree. The SLK-800 and 900 are still easily the best air-cooled heatsinks on the market. The 900 sells for $45, and the 800 sells for $34 for AMD & $38 for P4. ThermalRight beats the competition at all levels.

[JPMiller]

Im personally with EndobioticChaos...SLK do seem to be the best.

[AlexanderAkulick]

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[JPMiller]

ArcticFox has or is getting an AMD 2500+ according to this post...
OEM CPU's vs Retail

[AlexanderAkulick]

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[ArcticFox]

Well, I DO plan on moving this PC around a lot, to freinds and LAN parties. The SLK's are heavy suckers, even though they freeze your proc. I don't think I'd need an adjustable fan, as I'd always have it on high anyways. But thanks for the help, I think the Volcano 11+ is aiming my way.

[AlexanderAkulick]

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