Best Performance/Noise Ratio for 80mm Fans? (Skt 604 Xeon)

[BillytheImpaler]

After listening to my stock Intel 40mm fans whine away for almost two years now, I've decided it's finally time to upgrade away from Intel's stock copper heatsinks for my dual Prestonia Xeon rig. While he cooling performance of the stockers is excellent, even at twice the CPUs' rated speed the noise level is unacceptable for all but the most deaf.

I've think I shall order a pair of these (unless you can suggest a better cooler):

The Swiftech MCX-VPro.

These heatsinks do not come with fans as such I shall be looking to purchase a pair of excellent performing, mostly quiet 80mm fans. What's the best out there, kind gentlemen? I'd be quite fond on an 80mm x 35mm solution.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Thanks for that, WJA. I was looking at that one on AC's web site. Looking at the big US retailer I can only find the 3-pin version which is fine by me because my mobo only has 3-pin headers anyway.

What's the difference between the AF8 (38.5 mm, 28 CFM, 20 dB) and the 3TC (45 mm, 28 CFM, 20 dB)? Conventional wisdom would suggest that a deeper fan like the 3TC would offer better performance but it seems to be the same. Mysteriously the AF8 is heavier as well despite being shorter.

Should I jump on a pair of AF8s or should I shop around a bit more and hold out for the recommended AC Fan 8 PWM?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

So you'd take the AF8s over the 3TCs then? Cool.

Look for a "Which case should I get" thread from me in the near future.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

I've now purchased both the Swiftechs and the AC fans. Thanks for your advice, Mr. Anderson.