Replacing fx 6300 stock cooler with Athlon x2 6000+

RicRude · 3 Jun 2016 at 07:53

Hi all,

I performed a search but didn't see anything specific to my query. I've just ordered a 6300 and was wondering if I could use the stock cooler from my old Athlon x2 6000+. It's getting on for 9 years old but runs well and has a decent copper base and heat-sink. Also, is it possible to replace the fan on the old x2 with the new fan from the 6300?

I ask because AMD runs hot in my experience, and because of this video which features the x2's heat-sink and fan and does well with the rig used. I'm not sure about his methodology though... looks a bit Heath-Robinson: Thanks in advance!

RicRude · 6 Jun 2016 at 14:47

The word from AMD

So AMD just got back to me. They stated that technically the x2 6000+ cooler isn't supported for the FX-6300 CPU. BUT, and I myself read between the lines here, I can certainly try fitting it. I think it will work and provide better cooling than the stock cooler. If all else fails I'll put down £20 odd on an aftermarket. The unit arrives within the hour, so time will tell.

RicRude · 6 Jul 2016 at 13:22

I figured that I'd provide an update on this as it might be of use to someone.

I've completed the build now and the answer to all the original questions is yes. The stock heat-sink and fan assembly that ships with the Athlon x2 6000+ can be used on a socket AM3+ mobo with an FX-6300 cpu. As It's the same heat-sink and fan assembly that ships with the FX-8320 AND 8350 there's no issues. The fan assembly can also be removed from the stock heat-sink and fan assembly that ships with the FX-6300 cpu and replaced with the fan assembly from the x2's heat-sink -- you need to unscrew the fan from the heat-sink but it clips into the x2's chassis well enough.

With all that said, there really was no need as the stock heat-sink and fan from the FX-6300 is doing a fine job with idle temps of 27 degrees C and load temps during gaming (Fallout 4 and Witcher 3) of 47 degrees C, and noise no louder than the Antec 900 with all fans set to low. But it's good to know... I suppose.

ak22 · 6 Jul 2016 at 14:06

Good to know seems like a nice cooler for stock one.

adam98150 · 6 Jul 2016 at 14:12

I have the same processor and the stock fan does a fine job. No need to replace it unless you're overclocking.

RicRude · 6 Jul 2016 at 15:02

adam98150 said:
I have the same processor and the stock fan does a fine job. No need to replace it unless you're overclocking.

I'd read several forum posts to the contrary and many that agreed with your assessment. The doubt created by that led me to prepare a plan that would hopefully offset any heat issues without an additional purchase of an aftermarket cooling solution. I can now do so even when oc'ing. But, given that the bios and functionality of the M5a97 r2.0 also does a great job, regularly oc'ing all core/threads to 4.1, I don't see a need for that either!

Now, my dog of an r7770 is a different beast with whome I can barely get 25mhz on the core and 75mgz on the memory.

I'm not Jesus; I'm Ric.