Questions Regarding CPU Cooling

[lukeharvest]

I've managed to get my Q9550 stable at 4.0GHz, and am fairly happy; but I would feel a lot better if I could get my temps down from 75-80 down to about 65-70.

I'm currently using the NH-U12P, and am fairly certain it's one of the best CPU coolers.

Firstly I'm going to get a Yate Loon D12SH-12 Fan, as apparently this reduces the temps quite a bit, should I just get the one, or is it better to get two of them, one as an intake and one as an exhaust? (this is obviously on the CPU Cooler itself, and not the case)

Secondly I used the MX-2 Thermal Compound, is there a much better one to use?

Also if I recall there was a really good guide on applying the Thermal Compound, on a Manufacturer's website prehaps, I can't seem to find it.

Cheers.

 

[lukeharvest]

Most people seem to think Arctic Silver 5 is the best thermal compound to use, so you could try that.

I would definately want to get the temps down though yes, I've always thought 65 is the highest you want to go if possible.

Look on the Arctic Silver website there is a guide on how to apply it properly.

Edit: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Other things you might want to try, lapping heatsink and/or processor?

Cheers that's the guide.

Apparently, according to reviews, MX-2 is a few degrees cooler than using Artic Silver 5.

I also plan on Lapping both the CPU and HSF.

 

[lukeharvest]

Are those the slow or fast Yates? You'll want fast ones on a CPU cooler I think. Get two - one intake and one exhaust

Yeah they're the 88 CFM ones.

EDIT: Is it ok to plug one into the CPU_FAN and the other into a different fan header on the motherboard? Won't there be a difference in the speeds of the Fans, hence either having too much air in the Heat-Sink or too little?