Best Cooling Method for CPU and how easy is it to maintain

[TechWizIBC]

I am looking for the best way to keep the CPU cool. I have heard of Refrigeration, Water Cooling, Peltier, and finally CPU fans. Also, what cooling method is the most easy to maintain and will have a longer life span altogether? Any help in where to go would be most appreciated.

08/12/06 I had a response asking for budget on the cpu cooling method. Currently, I am limited to $400-358 for this solution. Also, I plan on buying a new Intel Core2 Extreme cpu with chipset. Currently, it would be nice to buy a new motherboard with the new 2.93Ghz cpu. However, I have heard that the cpu is burning up on many desktops currently. Because of this, I was wandering if CPU fans are the way to go or should I go with another solution. My main goal is always keeping the cpu cool and providing a long life that will not mean replacing the cooling solution in the near future.

 

[waylander]

You really need to give us a budget, there are even liquid nitrogen cooled computers which can cost thousands just for the cooling.

As to maintenance, air cooling is always the easiest, just a can of compressed air and a vacuum. Water cooling is next, you need water cooling for peltier to work and I think that phase change cooling is above that.

Once you get into the areas where the temperature of the cpu is below 0C (freezing temp of water) you have to start worrying about condensation, this can fry your motherboard if not done correctly.

 

[waylander]

Ok, like the other poster said, see how you like the air cooling first. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

If you go water cooling then get something like the Swiftech kit.

http://www.swiftnets.com/products/H20-220-APEX-plus.asp

the kit has everything you need to cool the cpu, video card and chipset.

 

[chuckshissle]

Yeah that a good liquid cooling kit.