Intel Cooler Replacement Options

[PatBateman]

HI,

Sounds as if the stock Intel Cooler on my P4 3.6 660 is on its way, fan kicking in often and very noisy when it does. Was looking to replace it with eiher :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-020-ZA&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=821 - Zalman CNPS9500-AT Aero Flower (Socket 775) CPU Cooler

or

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-017-AR&tool=3 - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler (Socket 775)


Was wondering which would be best in terms of easy to fit and performance (looking for as little noise as possible)?

Many thanks

 

[TheKnat]

The Freezer 7 Pro is a great cooler and is still one of the best around now. I think you don't need to remove the MB to install it either which is a bonus

 

[Nicos Rex]

The Freezer 7 Pro is a great cooler and is still one of the best around now. I think you don't need to remove the MB to install it either which is a bonus

It is indeed an excellent cooler for the money, much quieter than the stock Intel one.

It fits with similar push down thingumijigs to those on the stock cooler so it is very quick and easy to install in situ. Just clean the thermal paste off the cpu before you put the new cooler on. Assuming that you are not particularly hamfisted the changeover should take no longer than 5 mins.

 

[PinkFloyd]

The Zalman is the better cooler. But it will likely take longer to fit.
From what I've read noise is about the same. I could barely hear my zalman 9500 with the fan turned down, with it up I found it quite loud, but I'm a silence freak who finds the noise akasa ambers make loud too...

It screws down onto a bracket and requires the motherboard to be taken out for the mount to be attached. Personally I find screwing a heatsink down much more preferable than pushing down on some fittings panicking that I'm going to snap something.