New Quiet Athlon HSF

[hone]

Hi, I have an Athlon 1.4 Tbird and I'm looking to get a new hsf because the current one I use is too loud. The hsf I'm currently running is the Globalwin WBK38 with the 6800 RPM fan which usually runs at 6500sh. The dB level is 46.5 according to the Globalwin site however accurate that is. I'm considering 3 hsfs according to reviews on this site and a few others. The Vantec Aeroflow, Coolermaster Aero 7+, and the Globalwin FSB82. I've read many good things about the aeroflow, but it's not a great oc'ng hsf which is fine. I currently have oc'd my tbird to 1.54 and the full load temp is 58+C. I've also read good things about the Aero 7+. The Globalwin I haven't heard much about though. A friend recommended it to me. So, I'm having a hard time picking one. I know the Aeroflow is supposed to be 38 dB which is according to THG about the sound of a whisper. Which is the loudest of the 3 here. The Aero 7+ is 23 dB at the lowest setting. How loud does the Aero actually get on the loudest setting. Was jsut wondering and the FSB82 is at 32.31 dB. Is the Aeroflow actually really loud? And, is the Aero 7+ comparably quieter? According to the "numbers" it seems to be. Then would the FSB82 be a happy medium? I haven't found much on the FSB82 though. If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate that. Thanks.

[Kurtis]

The Aero 7+ is the best HSF I have used. I hear that SLK-600 etc are good also though. Anyhow, the Aero 7 is only as loud on HIGH as the Volcano11 is on LOW. It is very quiet, in fact I can't even hear it over my other case/PSU fans. If you want an all-around performer, check out the Aero 7+ for sure.

[handrail]

i bought the vantec aeroflow (based on the tech lounge's review) and it works great. very quiet and it keeps my barton 2500 under 40C during most uses. i haven't OCed it yet and don't really plan to, too much.

kurtis is right, the volcano 11 is super loud, but works great for OCing. if you want to know why it's so loud, look and kurtis' sig line. that is pretty much the same fan that is on the 11. so unless you want to mince badgers, then stay away from it.

another plus of the aeroflow is its ease of installation. mine popped right in there. the volcano is a biatch, at least on my A7N8X deluxe mobo, as the capacitors get in the way big time. the vantec is much easier to install and it was only $25.

me likey.

[hone]

For the Aero 7+, did you have to doing any lapping Kurtis? I've read on other review sites that you don't have to, but it improves the perfomance a lot on the Aero 7+. If so, how hard is that, because I've never done that before. I just slapped the heatsink on with the thermal compound on the core. And anything on the fsp82? Thanks.

[Brian]

We do not lap any heatsinks we review. We test all items as it is meant to be used straight from the manufacture.

[hone]

No offense, handrial but I think I'll go for the Aero 7+ since it's quieter than the aeroflow. Though, I really liked the aeroflow and it's cheaper and comes with a decent thermal goop. I'll have to go with Kurtis' vote then. Thanks guys.

[handrail]

hone, how dare you insult my honor. :D

yeah, i'm sure it is. i had really wanted the aero7, but it wasn't out yet when i got my gaming system. i will prolly get it for my home system tho.

[hone]

haha, thanks for your input though handrail it was a tough one. The aero 7+ ended up costing me extra. Hopefully I get it soon, just shippged out today by newegg, I love them!

[A Person]

I have to agree w/ Kurtis on this one. The Aero 7+ delivers the best all-around performance. Sure, you could find a HSF that pushes more air, one that is a bit quieter, or that costs a few bucks less. But no other HSF has all of those characteristics in one. It keeps my CPU very cool, is very quiet at 3/4 speed, and only set me back 32 bucks.

I give it an A

[Kurtis]

yeah i still use it and im lovin it :)

[ELiTE KiLLaH]

keep in mind guys, the 1.4 tbird is AMD's HOTTEST running cpu to date

id get a slk800 (svc.com i think still has them cheap maybe) and then probably some adjustable fan

or maybe an slk900 and then a 92mm fan...i dunno if theres some adjustable ones that size out there however

[hone]

yeah, I cracked the core on my tbird :( So now I'm using the aero 7+ with some tbred 1700+ :-D

[Rich]

Yikes, you cracked your core?? How did that happen?? :(

[Kurtis]

the proc was addicted... its in rehab now though ;)

[Rich]

Mainlining thermal paste??? Do it to you every time :P