Extra Cooling for AMD Dual Core 5400 based system?

[Algienon]

Hi folks,

I could do with some advice from the collective expertise here…

I’ve just build a new rig as follows…

Antec P182 case
Antec Truepower 650W PSU
AMD AM2 Dual Core 5400 Retail
ASUS AM2 M2N32 SLI Deluxe Wireless
Corsair 4GB DDR2 XMS2 Dominator DHX PC2-6400C5 TwinX
2 x 320Gb Seagate SATA2
640MB BFG 8800GTS OC2
Samsung DVDRW SATA x18 S183A
Vista Home Premium 64Bit

Having finally managed to get the drivers sorted for everything (apart from the Nvidia RAID controller that I don’t use anyway), I am now looking how the system is running.

My two main issues are heat and noise. The CPU is running at 45ºC idle and 55 ºC under load (running LOTRO). Due to the heat the fans in the case are working overtime and creating a lot of noise.

I’m looking at options to reduce the heat and hopefully noise at the same time. So questions for the collective mind…

1. Will replacing the stock AMD CPU cooler make much of an impact?

2. I’m considering the Tuniq 120 Tower or the Thermalright 120 Extreme (both do well in reviews I’ve found online). Has anyone had any experience fitting these coolers to this motherboard or in the P182 case?

3. Is it worth replacing the three fans that come with the case (Antec Tri-cool 120’s I think)? I was considering the Noctuna 120’s (1200 or 800rpm)

All thoughts appreciated

Algie

 

[Algienon]

Thanks for comments DM,

The fans aren't attached to the mb, although I do have an Akasa fan controller that I could attach them too.

I don't think they are temp controlled either. Each one comes with a switch on a length of cable, with settings for L M and H. I'm guessing that they regulate the voltage. Currently they are all set to H. I'll change them all to L tonight and see what that does to the CPU temp.

Which of the two coolers (Tuniq Tower or Thermalright 120 Extreme) is easiest to fit?