Athlon X2s: stock cooling and power?

PARUK · 7 Feb 2006 at 12:38

I'm looking at getting an Athlon 64 X2 (probably the 3800+) in the near future - so I'm hoping someone can help me out with a couple of questions.

First off, does the stock cooler cut it for an X2, assuming moderate overclocking (hopefully with a chip that doesn't need much vcore)? The stock cooler for my existing 3000+ is more than adequate, but I assume that the dual cores put the heat up.

Secondly: power. I've currently got a Tagan 420W and it's doing a great job of running my 2 opticals, 2 SATA HDs, my Winnie 3000+, a Radeon 9700 Pro, and assorted fans. I'd be looking to upgrade to the 3800+ and maybe go the NVidia gfx route with a 6600 or 6800. Do you reckon the Tagan will take it, or would I need something meatier?

Admiral Huddy · 7 Feb 2006 at 15:24

firstly, the dual core processors don't generate as much heat as you may think thanks to the 90nm process. The stock cooler if fairly ok with some moderate overclocking thanks to it's copper heatpipes. However, if you are thinking of some serious overclocking, then it's best to get the best cooler you can buy. The Artic freezer 64 pro is good choice as it offers great cooling for under £20.

Secondly, i would recommend you buy a larger PSU to give you a little headroom. May i suggest the Seasonic 600W. Very stable and fairly future proof.

BigDom · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:24

Stock cooler is fine as is a 430W, 600W is WAY overkill.

I'm running a X1800XT plus 2.2Ghx Oc'd 3800+ on a 430W Tagan without a problem.

Monstermunch · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:05

BigDom said:
Stock cooler is fine as is a 430W, 600W is WAY overkill.

I'm running a X1800XT plus 2.2Ghx Oc'd 3800+ on a 430W Tagan without a problem.

I agree that 600w is overkill especially the price of the seasonic but still I think that 430w these days is pushing it a little!

The BFG 7800gt (among others) states that 400w minimum in it's spec and for 2 cards sli'd they state 500w minimum.

BigDom · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:16

X1800XT states 350W minimum

I used to run a X850XT on the 3800+. 430W is plenty.

PARUK · 7 Feb 2006 at 23:42

Thanks everyone.

I'll just go with the stock cooling, and I'll give my Tagan a try - it sounds like there's a good chance it'll make the grade. I'm really just looking to get the bare minimum upgrade to see Vista in its fully glory, and - the business justification

- to test my multi-threaded software in a true multi-processor environment.