Question Cpu coolers?

[pc dopey]

When shopping for a new cooler, do I match it to the MOBO or the CPU being cooled? Just replaced my PSU and everything seems fine except I can see the fins on my current cooler are all clogged up. So much so that compressed air ain't cutting it. I think this is what's causing the fan to speed up intermittently.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

I can see the fins on my current cooler are all clogged up. So much so that compressed air ain't cutting it.

you should definitely be getting a new case then that can filter the dust out of the air being drawn in.

and start cleaning/vacuuming the area around the system, at least every year or so.

do I match it to the MOBO or the CPU being cooled?

unless this is some archaic system from before the 2000s any new cooler should be able to be installed onto the board & CPU.

what you would need to look out for is clearance inside the case and if any model you choose will have the space to fit inside.
some boards may have the RAM's DIMM slots placed too close to the CPU for certain cooler models.

 

[Paperdoc]

You MAY want to try this for your dust-filled heatsink. I can understand that dust may be so hard packed that a blast of air does not remove it. Real mechanical force may be needed. By that I mean using a thin tool - knife or small screwdriver or nail file maybe - to reach into the spaces between heatsink fins and push / scrape that dust out. Collect the dust blobs as they are removed so they don't get into other things. Often to achieve this you have to get the fan out of the way for access to the fins. Examine your cooler system closely. On many the fan is fastened to the fins by some screws or springy metal wires and you can remove it WITHOUT removing the entire system from the top of your CPU. When the fins are cleaned out you replace the fan. Whether you want to do this depends on your confidence in doing these careful actions.

 

[geofelt]

Can you specify the make/model of your cpu, motherboard and case?
A cooler replacement needs to be cognizant of all three factors.

If your cooler is otherwise ok, you can loosen grime with a thin knife and perhaps daub some alcohol on it.
Worst case, remove the cooler to clean it and remount it.

 

[pc dopey]

You MAY want to try this for your dust-filled heatsink. I can understand that dust may be so hard packed that a blast of air does not remove it. Real mechanical force may be needed. By that I mean using a thin tool - knife or small screwdriver or nail file maybe - to reach into the spaces between heatsink fins and push / scrape that dust out. Collect the dust blobs as they are removed so they don't get into other things. Often to achieve this you have to get the fan out of the way for access to the fins. Examine your cooler system closely. On many the fan is fastened to the fins by some screws or springy metal wires and you can remove it WITHOUT removing the entire system from the top of your CPU. When the fins are cleaned out you replace the fan. Whether you want to do this depends on your confidence in doing these careful actions.

I actually removed the cooler and scrubbed it with a dry toothbrush! did the trick quite well

 

[Paperdoc]

Glad to hear you found a solution.