CPU cooler gone bust - what now?

[Dezolat0r]

Hi all

The fan/heatsink component on my PC has recently started to make some really nasty noises whenever I turn it on. It's like, a really high pitched whiney buzz, as if there's a wasp stuck inside the CPU or something. Although everything appears to be functioning otherwise okay, I've decided to take my computer out of action for now before it does any of the other components some serious damage..

The only problem now is that I don't know what to replace it with or how to replace it? does anybody have any recommendations for fans/heatsink units for my CPU, and could someone link me to a guide or explanation on how to install them? Cheers.

By the way, I have an AMD 3500 socket 939.

edit: by the way, I'm not too fussed about noise, and as long as the CPU is relatively safe, I'm not too fussed about the temperature. Being a student, my main concern is price, so I just want the best bang for buck really

[kalniel]

Have a look at the scan site for coolers for the 939 socket - you can get ones that are very like the retail one.

Or I'd recommend getting an Arctic Cooler 64 pro.

Installation is not too hard.

1) Flip lever and gently remove old HSF - you may need to twist it as you pull - don't pull up too hard. Don't forget to unplug the fan cable.

2) Use isopropanol alchol or acetone and cotton wool to clean off any old residues - nail polish remover has one or both of these, though try and get one as unperfumed etc. as possible, don't worry too much if it is though. Make sure you don't leave any bits of cotton on the top of the CPU.

3) If it's the AC 64 pro, just follow the instructions provided - it's basically hooking up the catches with the prongs and placing it on top, then hooking up the other side and flipping the lever back again.

4) Plug in the fan cable.

Other HSFs may require you to put some thermal grease on the CPU first (the AC 64 pro doesn't), if so just put a grain sized amount in the middle and then put the heatsink on as in the instructions.

[Dezolat0r]

I know this sounds incredibly stingy, but £15 is a little too much for me to spend probably. I was looking more for something under £10, if that's possible? Thanks for your help though

[tigerboyce]

I really would reccomend the artic cooler 64 pro as it is a very high quality fan for little money. youll get free delivery too.

[Dreaming]

Any will do really, an amd 3500+ isnt going to melt, so long as you don't overclock it. The Akasa one is £5.95, that will be fine.

[Dezolat0r]

Thanks, I'll probably get the 64 Pro or the Asaka cooler, as they look like the cheapest choices. Although I doubt Scan would let me use the free delivery thing if I only order that one cooler, will they?

oh, and will I need thermal paste too? Thanks again.

EDIT: does anybody have any experience with this cooler?

http://scan.co.uk/Products/ProductIn...oductID=502344

[Clunk]

Can't you nick one from pc world?

[Marcvs]

get the akasa one - I oced a 3500+ to 2.6Ghz and got temps below 40 with coretemp so...

[bardel]

Can't you nick one from pc world?

PMSL

[DecomposingStar]

Artic Cooler ones. Honestly, it's ridiculously cheap, and especially so for what it is. You generally won't find a cooler for under £10, and if you do i can bet it will actually be a toaster.

[kalniel]

Thanks, I'll probably get the 64 Pro or the Asaka cooler, as they look like the cheapest choices. Although I doubt Scan would let me use the free delivery thing if I only order that one cooler, will they?

oh, and will I need thermal paste too? Thanks again.

Other HSFs may require you to put some thermal grease on the CPU first (the AC 64 pro doesn't)

No experience with that cooler, but I expect it'll be similar in performance to the stock cooler, a little quieter maybe.

[DecomposingStar]

No experience with that cooler, but I expect it'll be similar in performance to the stock cooler, a little quieter maybe.

You'd be wrong. From the stock cooler, it dropped my temps by about almost 10c.


The AC7 comes with thermal paste on it, and seeing as it is Arctic Cooling, it comes with good quality stuff, too.

[kalniel]

If the AC alpine dropped your temps 10c then it suggests your stock wasn't seated properly

I've just gone from stock to AC 64 pro, and it's only dropped them by about 6c maximum.

[EtheAv8r]

Custom PC Lab test of the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro gave a -15 c drop over the stock cooler

"Mounted on our overclocked and overvolted Athlon 64 FX-55, the Freezer 64 proved to be an excellent performer, cooling the CPU to an ice-like 15C below the reference AMD HSF. It's also a good deal quieter."

[kalniel]

Yes I'm not doubting the Pro -that's an excellent cooler. The poster was talking about the alpine.

[DecomposingStar]

If the AC alpine dropped your temps 10c then it suggests your stock wasn't seated properly

I've just gone from stock to AC 64 pro, and it's only dropped them by about 6c maximum.

It's seated correctly...
This is the intel version, and yeah it dropped (highest to lowest) 10c. on average the drop was about 7c, realistically.