Plz help me choose an air cooler

[EricT]

I'd like to get an air cooler to improve my setup in preparation for some overclocking. I'm going to be shooting for around 3.2 GHz on this system, possibly higher. I'm looking at big fans to hopefully minimize noise.

I think I've narrowed my choices down to the following:
Scythe Ninja Plus
Zalman 9700 LED
Thermalright Ultra 120
Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX

So far I'm leaning towards the Typhoon, simply because it doesn't require a backplate, which means I won't have to remove my mobo in order to install it. I have an Apevia X-CRUISER case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151)

I'd appreciate any recommendations (even one not listed if you think it would be better).

 

[Talon]

I couldn't find a review comparing the Ninja with the Thermalright but I've seen the Thermalright take down the Scythe Infinity in a review before. I was thinking the Infinity was superior to the Ninja. If that is correct then the Thermalright should beat the Ninja as well.

I did find one review where it was neck and neck, with a Delta Fan ( a bit noisy but high CFM), with the much praised Tuniq Tower. Assuming you put a good fan on the TR Ultra 120 then I'd say its comparable with the best coolers out there. That would be my pick from what I've read.

 

[eckre]

The comparison you see is here:

http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2045&page=4

it comepares all you seek. for my money the 9700 wins all hands down best cooling.

 

[avarice]

That is a really nice find for a link. It seems that it is all done on AMD compatible HS/Fans, but many of these have multiple mounting options such as the Zalmans - so they will work with the C2D, and others.

I was a bit surprised to see the CNPS9700 LED was that much better than the CNPS9500 LED.

Regardless - good solid comparison info.

 

[Featherstone]

I am currently running a E6400 @ 3.2 GHz with an Arctic Freezer 7 Pro. My idle temps are like 33C and load is like 45C. I personally think it is a great cheap HSF that comes with pre applied paste, and is super easy to install without removing the Mobo.

Theres both of my cents

 

[EricT]

Yes excellent link. Actually the next page does a socket 775 comparison, which is what I was more interested in.

It's surprising to see the 9700 ranks 5th on the list at LOW fan speed. Definitely makes it attractive for quiet operation. It should run about 8C cooler on LOW speed than the stock cooler can hit on HI speed.

I guess I have a new first choice now, even though it's going to involve a lot more work.

BTW - my idle temps are currently around 42C with the stock cooler, and after a gaming session they go up to around 53C. This is according to SpeedFan. BIOS reads around 41C-42C as well. After I installed my Asus mobo, CoreTemp is giving me very high readings, around 60C idle. Not sure what the problem is there.

 

[theaxemaster]

I assume the airflow in your case is good? That can make as big a difference as some upgraded CPU coolers can.

 

[EricT]

I assume the airflow in your case is good? That can make as big a difference as some upgraded CPU coolers can.

I'm not an expert, but I believe it's pretty good. I have a link to my case above, it's an Apevia X-CRUISER.

The case has a rear fan and a top fan (both 80mm), side vents over the CPU and another one lower on the case, front vent and another vent on the rear, both of which can take another fan if required. PSU has a fan of course. The inside of the case always seems cool when I've opened it up. My case has a temp guage and sensor, usually shows around 20-25C, and I keep the house at 72F (~22C).