Phenom II 965 CPU fan question.

[mrblazito]

I'm using the factory fan and Jesus!! is it loud. Can I replace the fan without replacing the heat-sink? If so, can anyone recommend a silent fan that I can snap onto the factory heat-sink?

Thanks all.

 

[Lmeow]

Well, I'm pretty sure you could replace the fan as the fan is just screwed onto the heatsink. However, you will need to find the right size which fits just right onto the stock cooler, I'm not sure if the AMD stock cooler fan is a custom size. However, I'd just buy a new CPU cooler if it really is too loud. I would recommend some, but I'm not very familiar with AM2/AM2+/AM3 coolers.

 

[mrblazito]

I think it's a regular sized CPU fan. I just need to know which one is good enough to keep a Phenom II 965 125w CPU cool and is silent.

 

[capt_taco]

Replacing just the CPU fan itself can be a real pain in the ass, since it's powered and controlled by the motherboard through a 4-pin connection, whereas regular case fans use 3-pin connections. There are a few options to get it so that it technically works, but most of them are going to be jury-rigged. Also, if you get the same size fan (which you'd almost have to) there's no guarantee it'll provide any more cooling per RPM than the old one when attached to the same heatsink.

Best bet is just to get this and be done with it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[mrblazito]

Hey capt_taco thanks for the reply. does that fan requires me to take out the motherboard in order to mount the brackets?

 

[Lmeow]

Well, if your case has a hole in the back of the motherboard tray right underneath the CPU cooler which allows the bracket to be mounted, then no. Otherwise you will need to remove the motherboard to mount the brackets.

 

[FALC0N]

An option that doesn't require you to pull the board is the Arctic Cooling "Alpine 64" or "Alpine 64 Pro". The two are almost identical. The "pro" just has a white fan and added support for daisy chained PWM control.

Its not a high end cooler, but its better than stock and its under $20 out the door. Its also quiet, even at full speed. It is harder to put on than the stock unit though.

Here is a link to a hardware secrets review of the unit dated January of this year and a couple of retailers currently offering it.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/894

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=FAN-ACALP6&c=fr&pid=b5602a1e0eae98bf3db3719d6879efd1410a77509560a93e1efa5a86ee08ea7b

http://www.directron.com/coolacalp64pro.html?gsear=1

 

[loneninja]

Reason the fan is loud is it spins at nearly 5,000 rpm, without the increadibly high rpm the cooler AMD uses is junk. Get a new heatsink with a larger fan if you want quiet.

 

[mrblazito]

Hey FALCON appreciate the links. I was actually checking that cooler out earlier. So you think that CPU Fan is good enough to keep Phenom II 965 cool? I don't plan on OC'ing it...but it does get pretty hot out here in So Cal. Triple digits weather is near.

An option that doesn't require you to pull the board is the Arctic Cooling "Alpine 64" or "Alpine 64 Pro". The two are almost identical. The "pro" just has a white fan and added support for daisy chained PWM control.

Its not a high end cooler, but its better than stock and its under $20 out the door. Its also quiet, even at full speed. It is harder to put on than the stock unit though.

Here is a link to a hardware secrets review of the unit dated January of this year and a couple of retailers currently offering it.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/894

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=FAN-ACALP6&c=fr&pid=b5602a1e0eae98bf3db3719d6879efd1410a77509560a93e1efa5a86ee08ea7b

http://www.directron.com/coolacalp64pro.html?gsear=1

 

[Lmeow]

Well, it should definitely keep it cooler and quieter compared to the AMD stock cooler, which apparently maxes out at 8000 RPM.

 

[ram1009]

I'm using the factory fan and Jesus!! is it loud. Can I replace the fan without replacing the heat-sink? If so, can anyone recommend a silent fan that I can snap onto the factory heat-sink?

Thanks all.

I own two of the CPU/HSFs in question and don't even notice the fan noise let alone object to it therefore I believe you won't be able to simply replace the fan. Here's why: In order to maintain airflow you will need a larger fan that turns slower to reduce noise. Trying to "rig" a large fan to a (relatively) small HS will be a messy trial & error process. By the time you find something to your liking you will have spent enough time & money to have replaces the OEM HSF with one you were able to research on manufacturer's websites. Just my opinion.