Looking for CPU cooler!!!!

[neilm86]

Hi guys,

My rig consists of:

Case: Antec 1200
MoBo: Asus Maximus Formula Intel X38 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
PSU: Corsair 750W
HDD: Samsung 750GB 32Mb Cache
Ram: Corsair Dominator 4GB DDr2
GFX: Saphire 4870 x2 2048MB GDDR5
Sound: Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme gamer 7.1 Sound
OS: Windows Vista Premium 64bit
Headset: Medusa 5.1 Pro-gamer Edition
Mouse: Razer Copperhead
Mousemat: Steelseries Icemat

I've not OC'd my cpu and as you can tell i have no CPU cooler.

What do you guys think of my rig?

Am I seriously missing out on performance due to my CPU not being Overclocked?

Any other modifications i could make to improve my system?

I am looking to buy a CPU cooler but i cant be bothered re-building the rig so i'm looking for one that can be installed without having to remove the motherboard (e.g the push pin assembly)

All feedback and suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Alexrose1uk]

I think you're probably missing out on some performance, at least if you're maxing out your graphics card (especially on high cpu draw games, and minimum framerates) as if your chip is running cool at 2.83, it likely has a lot more potential (esp at higher voltage), people are currently recommending about 3.5Ghz to get full potential out of the X2s etc

Based on your requirements (and it actually being rather good for the price), I'm going to suggest the Sunbeamtech (Tuniq) Core Contact cooler. With my new admittedly better airflowing case, it dropped my load temps by 15 degrees when running linpack64, over my Zalman 9500. Considering this is substantially better than stock already its a very good cooler, and cheaper than a lot of the similar competition.

It also contains a clip on and lock bracket, rather than requiring you to remove the motherboard. One thing to be careful of, is its not small, but your case is big enough, its more an issue if you have large heatsinks for northboard etc near to the cpu socket.
Comes with some decent TX2 thermal paste (and a surprisingly large tube tube also) and a fan controller incase its too loud for you at full speed (I have some medium noise fans so I opted just to go full cooling).

Gets the thumbs up from me, I've also used a Tuniq Tower which I wasnt as impressed by (as well as stock coolers and the Zalman); Core Contact is the best cooler I've used easily.

 

[neilm86]

Excellent thank you for your response, i will certainly check out this piece of kit!

My CPU runs at around 30 - 35.

I have never OC'ed a CPU before.

Is it CPU or MoBo specific or both or none?

I think my MoBo comes with some sort of specialist OC software. If anyone can shed any light on this i would be very grateful.

Thanks

 

[Alexrose1uk]

Don't use Oc software as it tends to cause more issues than not. OCing is always best done in the BIOS. How far you can go varies on different factors; largely the motherboard, CPU, RAM used and power.

Best piece of advise I can give would read up on it, take things slowly, and never make changes if you're not certain...and be prepared to reset the BIOS with the jumper switch if necessary. You also need to stress test to make sure the system is stable. Something like Intelburntest will do admirably if you're on 64bit windows, otherwise orthos/intel tat/occt will give you the highest stress on your components.

If possible when you try it, see if you can lock your RAM down to a speed and settings they are capable of as this removes them as a likely problem area

Every motherboard, and its capabilities and BIOS options are different.