Replacing stock fan/sink on Wolfdale

[cydewaze]

I just ordered an E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz processor along with an Asus P5Q Pro board. Since I've been out of the hardware loop for a while, I'm not sure how good the stock heat sink/fan combo is. Should I immediately replace it with something better, or is it sufficient. I haven't decided whether or not to try overclocking it, but at some point I might.

I've had my eye on a Noctua NH-U9B 92mm cooler. I think it'll fit in my case. Any other recommendations?

 

[Oakley707]

The Xigmatek Dark Knight version is an excellent cooler with a very quiet fan. It is however VERY tall so make sure it can fit in your case. 92MM tall, just for reference. It comes with a bracket for the 775 socket which makes installation a breeze.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029&Tpk=s1283v

Make sure to snag some thermal paste. A "lifetime" supply is only $8.99. I say lifetime, because a VERY little bit of this stuff goes a VERY long way.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

[cydewaze]

Wow that thing's massive!

I have some thermal paste, but I'm going to order a new tube of it, since the tube I have has been sitting in my tool kit since 1995. Knowing my luck, it'll have a shelf life, and I'll toast my new CPU. The newer stuff is probably better anyway.

 

[Oakley707]

Yea it is definitely HUGE. I still can't believe how large it is, but it really does get the job done. My E8400 @ 3.6 Ghz (Stock Voltages) idles 35C, load 46C. This is from the Intel Heatsink Fan which idled 43C, load 60C. Also, it is MUCH more quiet. Hopefully you have enough room.

 

[cydewaze]

Well, this is my exact case, but I guess I won't know until I test-fit the parts and measure.

It's got a funky tube that I might have to pull off the side panel.

 

[Oakley707]

That should fit no problem, I have a CoolerMaster Centurion 5 and this looks like an upgraded model.

You will have to take that tube off. I did as well. Otherwise I have just under an inch of clearance.

 

[cydewaze]

Thanks!

 

[Oakley707]

No problem, let us know if you need help installing. It is very straightforward, especially with the mounting bracket that comes standard with the Dark Knight edition.

 

[cydewaze]

Ok, stupid question. The fan mounts to the heat sink, correct? I don't see any pictures of the fan mounted, so I'm assuming it blows air parallel to the mother board, rather than blowing it into the side of the case. I guess I'd point the fan toward the back so the 120mm rear case fan could escort the heat out the back.

 

[Oakley707]

That is exactly correct.

 

[cydewaze]

Cool.

I just cracked the case open, and I think I have more than enough room for whatever cooler I want.

This is the old setup, but pics of the new motherboard suggest the CPU to be in about the same position, or even a bit farther south of the PSU.