Cooling a Intel Core2Duo E8400 3.0Ghz

[XShido]

hi, im doing some Cooling on my Intel Core2Duo E8400 3.0Ghz.
i want to change the cooling fan taht comes with the processor.
im thinking about this 2 choices/
No.1 contender
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm
Brand ARCTIC COOLING
Model Freezer 7 Pro
Spec
Type Fan&Heatsinks
Fan Size 92mm
Compatibility All Intel Celeron (Socket 775)
All Intel Pentium 4 (Socket 775)
All Intel Pentium D
All Intel Core 2 Duo
Core 2 Extreme Quad

RPM 900 - 2500 RPM(PWM)
Air Flow 45 CFM
Noise Level 0.9 Sone
Power Connector 4 Pin
Color Black
Physical Spec
Fan Dimensions 107.0 x 43.5 x 96.0mm
Heatsink Dimensions 104.0 x 58.0 x 126.5mm
Features
Features Extremely Quiet
Powerful cooling
Integrated Cooling of Voltage Converters
Patented Vibration Absorption
Easy Installation
Manufacturer Warranty

No.2 Contender
ZALMAN CNPS 9500 Intel 2 Ball
Brand ZALMAN
Model CNPS 9500 AM2
Spec
Type Fan&Heatsinks
Compatibility Sempron


Compatibility: Intel: LGA775,Pentium 4 Prescott,Celeron D,Pentium D,Pentium EE,Pentium 4 EE
Features: 1. Compatible with Intel's Dual Core Pentium, Pentium4, and Celeron D for Socket 775. 2. Low-noise 92mm PWM Control fan for automatic control of the fan's RPM according to CPU temperature. 3. Optimized heatsink layout composed of pure copper for maximum heatsink efficiency. 4. Innovative, patented, and curved heatpipe design for
Heatsink Dimensions: Overall Dimension: 85 x 112 x 125mm
Heatsink Material: Copper
Noise Level: 18.0±10%-27.5±10% dBA
Package Contents: CNPS9500 AT Thermal Grease Clip (S-Type) Bolts (for installing cooler) Clip Support Fixing Bolts for Socket 775 Clip Support for Socket 775 Back Plate for Socket 775


RPM: 1300±30%-2650±10% RPM
Model #: CNPS9500 AT
2. Pure copper heatsink with component layout optimized for maximum cooling efficiency.
3. Innovative, patented, and curved heatpipe design for a heat transfer capacity of up to six heatpipes
with the use of just three.
4. Ultra slim fins (0.2mm) for minimized weight and reduced airflow resistance.
5. Adjustable fan speed controller (FAN MATE 2) included.
Package Contents
Package Contents CNPS9500 AM2
Thermal Grease
FAN MATE 2 (Fan Speed Controller)
Cable for FAN MATE2
Clip
Lever

So, which one should i pick? please, help me with this.

thanks. also i need a VGA cooling device for Evga 9800GX2 1gb but im already have another post about that XD

 

[Big.Wayne]

Hey XShido,

I don't like either of those two coolers you selected but to be fair they would both do the job. Here are my two fave cooling options for the LGA775 platform at the moment, the first cheap as chips and works well, the second a more premium choice that can work passive up to decent speeds (if u have good case cooling) or add your own 120mm fan and you have one of the best air cooling solutions available!

Akasa AK-965 CPU Cooler (Socket LGA775)

£12.64 inc

Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler (Socket AM2/LGA775)

£34.49 inc

 

[555BUK]

I found the Thermalright Ultra-120 overrated. The most annoying thing about it is that it "moves" after fixing to the mobo/cpu. You can actually rotate it quite a bit, and this disturbs the thermal interface. It was not any better than a cheap £12 no-name tower cooler I got from a competitor. In fact I put the cheap cooler back on after reseating the Thermalright Ultra-120 many times.

Perhaps I got a dodgy one, but I was not going to buy a second to prove it.

 

[Lightnix]

If you're thinking of getting the Freezer 7 Pro, don't. Get the AK-965 as suggested above. It's a stellar cooler for the price point.

 

[Big.Wayne]

I found the Thermalright Ultra-120 overrated. The most annoying thing about it is that it "moves" after fixing to the mobo/cpu. You can actually rotate it quite a bit, and this disturbs the thermal interface.

Hey 555BUK, that's old hat and has been fixed for quite some time now!

The new revised mounting bracket works a treat, they also throw in a tube of their new TIM which is good stuff, not to mention the backplate and mounting bracket.

OcUK were selling the TRUE's for £27 quid a few weeks ago, very good value if you ask me!

 

[pastymuncher]

I'm with Big Wayne on this one. The Freezer 7 pro is stupidly overpriced these days. The Akasa AK-965 is a fantastic cooler, easily as good as the Freezer 7 pro and slightly quieter. It's also a lot cheaper too.

 

[bloodline76]

Ill be selling my old freezer Pro over the next few days . It kept my E6420 at 30c but not doing as good a good with my new Q6600.

 

[Big.Wayne]

For me personally the best bang-for-buck LGA775 system is a combination of the Akasa AK-965 cooler then modded with a Thermalright LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit. This combo can be had for approx £15 which is the same price roughly as the Arctic Freezer 7 Pro with push-pins!

Akasa AK-965 with Thermalright LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit.

 

[cjmUK]

I personally use a Thermalright HR01 Plus with a Noctua NF-P12. This combination is almost as good as the TRUE + fan combination in terms of heat dissipation, but has a better noise profile.

The HR01 Plus has wider fin spacing than the TRUE (which supposedly makes it better for passive use) and the P12 fan is higher-pressure version of the famously quiet S12 version. Basically, they are the low airflow (thus quiet) alternative to the popular TRUE + Fan.

If you are on a budget, there is absolutely nothing wrong with either the Freezer Pro or the Akasa. But are fairly quiet and respectable coolers.