Cooling my Phenom 9850

[Frozeninreality]

Hello. I have a phenom 9850 and this thing runs like the sun. averages of 40c idle and easily up to 58-61c HALF load (I.E playing World at War.) Now Im considering water cooling the monster, however I have limited knowledge on its applications. So Im wondering if someone could point me over to the best options for the money. if it helps I want to see this thing running around 25c idle at all times even in my warm room. I have the thing in the next room, which is blocked off from all heat sources with a window open (its literally freezing in there) with the cords running through the wall so I can use it in my room but I cant do it for long because my room is taking the hit from the cold lol.

 

[Conumdrum]

25C idle? Think 3-5 C above room temp with water. Anyway, here is some links to get you started in the WC world.

Take your time to learn while you wait. I wrote this a while back, it will help get you on the right track.
............................................

For your benefit please spend a few days reading a LOT. Here and at the busiest places for WC masters. Guys who have done it for YEARS at OC forums and xtreme forums. It took me a while (I was OCing on air, aftermarket stuff, bios settings, best chipsets etc etc) to learn the language and the tricks to a easy install.

Don't expect miracles, or SUPER DOOPER over clocks. What you will get is a quiet system that can handle OC to the max of your hardware IF you buy quality and buy smart. And minor maintenance too, a bonus for the water cooler.

Also while there please read on case mods etc. The radiators are not for small cases, pumps and hose routing, wire management and other things are important. Google your planned case and the word water-cooled in one line. You might get lucky.

IF you just cool your CPU and your NB if you want, you can get by with a 120.2 sized radiator (RAD). And MAYBE fit in inside depending on your mod skillz. You want to cool your GPU too, you'll need a 120.3 sized rad, and it probably won't fit inside. The rear external rad really works great. No matter what your adding 15lbs to your PC, maybe 20lbs.

Once you got an idea of what is good/bad then start getting your system for WC put together and we'll be glad to help.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/index.php? Not a noob site, but great stickies
http://www.ocforums.com/ My fav, good peeps, know their stuff, less hardcore
http://www.skinneelabs.com/MartinsLiquidLab/
http://www.over-clock.com/ivb/index.php?showtopic=20277 A GREAT Europe site
http://www.overclock.net/water-cooling/
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fmain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dview_spec_article%26article_id%3D222&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 Info on rad testing
http://skinneelabs.com/
http://www.dangerden.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.petrastechshop.com/
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/
http://www.jab-tech.com/

 

[Frozeninreality]

I just reviewed my post and realized I didnt really ask my question...is there an air cooler on the market for $80-100 that would sufficiently cool my phenom? If it helps I have a Z4 cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200015&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-CPU+Cooling-_-Rosewill-_-35200015 but I dont know if theres better. Could anyone tell me? I was thinking of getting http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118004 but I dont know if thats the style I need...maybe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106123&Tpk=spinq. Let me know. thanks!!

 

[MayDay94]

a couple of questions first: where are you getting those temps from? the cpu or the core temp? there is a difference and it's big in my case with phenom ii 940. cpu temps (bios and temp0 in hwmonitor) well within range, but core temps (core0-4 in hwmonitor and core temp) at upper end.

2nd, the zalman 9500 cooler is pretty good, in fact i use it i have the copper colored one which is about $10 cheaper. you could also get the zalman 9700. however, look at the ximatech or thermalright coolers as well.

with the 9500, my cpu is 34 idle, 43 load. my core temps are 42 idle, 58 load. these temps are based on using variable rpm fans controlled by mobo.

 

[marco324]

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283
Pros: Drops temps on my Phenom 9950 BE from:
Idle lowest 38c before
now idles @ 27c
Playing World of Warcraft for an hour temp has not hit 30c yet!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

$36.99
($26.99 after $10.00 Mail-In

http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm
great cooler

 

[Frozeninreality]

I love this phenom but I hate it at the same time...darn thermals...anyways I looked at the said cooler. I have the Z4...is that design really that much better? Like I said Im really hoping for the best possible choice because I dont have the money to buy another cooler that doesnt work.

 

[marco324]

works great for me again when under heavy load especially
keeps temps down in low 40's it's in the top 10 cpu coolers at frostytech
and they specialize in testing coolers i love mine heard read only good things
about it for the money you can't beat it

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=Xigmatek+120mm+HDT-S1283+reviews&btnG=Google+Search
if you do get it heres an article that tells you the right way to put on thermal
paste and they have some kind of liquid in the copper heat pipes that really
takes the heat off cpu good luck
got mine on sale at micro center over now for 30.00 bucks
i was in the same boat as you bought a cooler for 20 and had 1
from another build both where lousy cpu reaching 70c under load
got this baby hasn't gone over 44c under full load oc'ed
and a great clip to secure the cpu best ive seen can put the cooler straight on then just use thumb on lever to clip on nice

 

[Frozeninreality]

Well now Im just downright confused...I had the opportunity to swap the 9850 for a 9600, having seen it run on a STOCK am2+ cooler at 32c idle and around 44 100% primed stable...I get it home, drop it in and its running in my machine at 44c idle with 80c load...what the heck!? Is it possible my board is to blame? What else would be causeing this...I mean I have a pretty beefy cooler.

 

[Frozeninreality]

Consider this post closed...Im reporting temps at 25c idle and no more than 40c full load with prime 95. I had a broken mounting point on my Z4 cooler...made all the difference in the world when I replaced the mounting bracket. Thank you all for your help, and to Conumdrum I have read through all the sites you posted and after careful consideration decided that water cooling isnt for me given that my case isnt right for it. Again, thanks for all the help guys!

 

[Conumdrum]

Congrats! Good fix.