Need a quieter CPU fan!

skippo · 4 Jun 2008 at 18:43

I purchased an expensive Zalman CNPS9700-NT a while back for my QX9650 @ 3.66Ghz. Although my temps are pretty good (33idle, <60 F@H all day), the noise is unbearable!

I came across this site http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm which lists the best performing and quietest cpu coolers in their opinion.

I am considering the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler as I can strap a quieter 120mm fan onto it.

What does everyone think about this cooler, and which 4-pin 120mm fan is good & quiet (my mobo (SIIE) has that 4-pin connector, so need a fan with that plug)?

cheers

jak731 · 4 Jun 2008 at 18:46

the TRUE is one of the best out there ,especially if you are willing to lap it, as for a fan, you can use any fan even a 3 pin one with you MB as all intel boards have 4 pins since thats what the stock cooler has

skippo · 4 Jun 2008 at 18:49

what is the TRUE?
so how would I go about plugging in a 3 pin fan into a 4 pin cpu connector on my MB? Would it still work ok if this is possible too?

RJC · 4 Jun 2008 at 19:03

TRUE is the Thermalright which you speced.
3 pin into the 4 pin will work fine, you may need to change the option in the BIOS from PWM to Auto or equivalent.

Rob

krooton · 5 Jun 2008 at 12:46

I don't hold Frostytechs little table in much regard, I think the recommended heatsink list on SilentPCReview is the way to go

Richie P · 5 Jun 2008 at 13:09

krooton said:
I don't hold Frostytechs little table in much regard, I think the recommended heatsink list on SilentPCReview is the way to go

I do. They use one of the best synthetic test beds I've come across.

Unfortunately they don't update the older reviews with the current heatsinks they've tested. Look on their homepage and pick the most recent review and look at the results list for that one. Should have a LOT more heatsinks on it.

Nowt wrong with SPCR though, good site also.