Passive CPU Cooler??

[s_kinton]

I've just updating my HTPC. I've got an AM2 x2 4000 going in, with an Abit AN-M2HD.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a passive CPU heatsink? Would passive be ok or do you think I'll need active cooling on the CPU? Its a Brisbane core, with a 65W TDP.

If you think passive wont be up to the job, can anyone recommend a QUIET hsf for me. Its got to fit in a sff case. The Antec Minuet. http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15100

Also, do you think the Antec 220w PSU will be up to powering the x2 and Abit AN-M2HD, using onboard gfx? It currently running a P4 3Ghz and an ATi 9250.

[burtie]

Scythe Mini Ninja CPU Cooler, 150mm tall should do you, also the psu should run it all fine.

http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/cp...00_detail.html

Review http://www.silentpcreview.com/article754-page1.html

As its a HTPC i`d use it without a fan.

[Giraffe]

The Antec PSU will certainly do the job, but possibly isn't the best of quality - but not too bad.
I have the Brisbane 3500; running Cool'n'Quiet, the whole box has an input of 45W at idle - goes up to twice that at load and HD being tested.
I fitted a Seasonic S12 330W PSU. It is, so far as I can tell, silent, as the fan is very slow and the output is 'luke-cold'.
Trouble is, most PSUs are at their least inefficient in mid-range, say 20%-80%, so I'm well below this. The Antec would be within this range at 45W (55W without CnQ).
BTW, my MoBo is Asus MA2-VM HDMI, so probably similar loading.

[s_kinton]

Scythe Mini Ninja CPU Cooler, 150mm tall should do you, also the psu should run it all fine.

Thanks, but too big Im afraid. My case is half height - its only 96.5mm tall! Cooler needs to be ~92mm max in height.

I have the Brisbane 3500; running Cool'n'Quiet, the whole box has an input of 45W at idle - goes up to twice that at load and HD being tested.

BTW, my MoBo is Asus MA2-VM HDMI, so probably similar loading.

Cheers for the info. Sounds like I'll be ok then.

I did look at that Asus board as its £10 cheaper, but that HDMI is on a seperate bracket, which isn't low profile Can you confirm that?

[s_kinton]

Nobody got any more suggestions, passive or not, that'll fit?

[staffsMike]

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=537572
it'll work but i wouldn't rate them as a good cooler. If you have room for a fan as well then it would be better. 120mm is 25mm so you potentially be 1mm over.. might fit with a very tight squeeze

these might not be bad with a fan controller
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=613814

thermaltake blue orb is quite well rated for tight spaces also.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...-030-TR&tool=3 might just fit.

[staffsMike]

few user reviews on this zalman that will fit

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...-028-ZA&tool=3

opps...meant to add to the other post

[Kumagoro]

try under volting it that should help you run passive.

[usxhe190]

agree with staffsmike suggestions, especially the blue orb!

[s_kinton]

Thanks for the suggestions. None are cheap. I was thinking about the Zalman as its so low, but it will prbably cover some RAM slots.

[s_kinton]

Right, I'm leaning towards this:
http://www.arctic-cooling.de/cpu2.ph...3&data=2&disc=

Should fit at 91.7mm high.

[staffsMike]

they're supposed to be quiet but not so great for cooling. I believe the Intel version is actually worse than the stock cooling solution.

[s_kinton]

they're supposed to be quiet but not so great for cooling. I believe the Intel version is actually worse than the stock cooling solution.

Yeah, the reviews I read weren't great with regard to cooling, but silence is more of a priority.

I can't believe how hard it is to find a passive cooler that'll fit in the case!! The other issue is that the RAM slots on the board are immediately right of the CPU socket, meaning Im likely to lose at least 1, maybe 2 slots with a zalman style solution