Advice needed on cooler and motherboard for a 3000+ Venice

[Yohji]

I planning on doing a pretty major pc upgrade, and need some help in the cooler and motherboard department. Currently, I am looking to get an AMD 64 3000+ Venice, with a AGP motherboard.

I am thinking of getting a MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum NF3:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=134167

Also, I was looking at the 120mm Zalman Flower Cooler, but it said it wasn't compatible with the MSI K8N Neo2 mobo.

What other cooler would you recommend? And would you recommend a different motherbaord to the one I am thinking of?

[arthurleung]

Are you planning to overclock?
If no, the stock cooler is enough for you.

I'm using the stock cooler and its extremely quiet (0RPM) and cool(43'C Full load)

[Yohji]

Yeah, forgot to mention, I will most likely be overclocking it.

[arthurleung]

I woud recommend a Thermakright XP120. XP90/90C would be a good choice too.
Alternatively Coolermaster Hyper6.

If you could wait, the Zalman CNPS-9500 will be out very soon. That will be the best air cooler around. Obviously it will cost a lot. Your choice.

[Jonny]

I've heard very good things about the Akasa Evo33, which retails for around £23.
Am buying one myself, it was the best on test in many reviews.

EDIT: Oh and I have the MSI K8N Neo 2, great mobo, but not compatible with the Zalman 120.

[Scarlet Infidel]

Odd, as in another thread, my dad just ordred the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum, an oem venice 3000+ and on a whim he put an evo 33 in the basket, scary....

Just one left now.

[arthurleung]

I've heard very good things about the Akasa Evo33, which retails for around £23.
Am buying one myself, it was the best on test in many reviews.

EDIT: Oh and I have the MSI K8N Neo 2, great mobo, but not compatible with the Zalman 120.

Zalman 120 is different from CNPS-9500, google it and you'll know what it is.

I don't trust Akasa very much, may be others think differently. Evo33 looks rough. but given its price, I think it is still ok.

[Scarlet Infidel]

Yeh, the CNPS-9500 looks great, i cant wait to see how it performs.

[Jonny]

It's scheduled over in the US for July 22nd, at $75! Thats alot of money.

[Yohji]

Thanks guys. The Coolermaster Evo33 looks really good. I don't really want to spend a huge amount on a cooler, as the whole upgrade is costing me quite a bit. But not bad for £23ish.

[Tobeman]

It's scheduled over in the US for July 22nd, at $75! Thats alot of money.

At today's rates, thats £43! Add on that the required "living in the UK" tax and your looking at about £50 :/

Thanks guys. The Coolermaster Evo33 looks really good. I don't really want to spend a huge amount on a cooler, as the whole upgrade is costing me quite a bit. But not bad for £23ish.

I presume you meant the Akasa Evo33

[Yohji]

I presume you meant the Akasa Evo33

Just testing.

[unrealuniverse]

Yeh, the CNPS-9500 looks great, i cant wait to see how it performs.

test results at http://www.auphanonline.com/articles...id=2774&page=3

I know its only basic but it gives you an idea.

[Scarlet Infidel]

Yes, i had seen that and decided to ignore it entirely.

[Scarlet Infidel]

Oh and, if you decide to go for the MSI at CCL via the link i posted, they only charge £19.96 on that site for the evo33.