Socket A silent cooler?

[ukiro]

The search didn't give me any threads about this, so my apologies if this has been discussed recently.

I have an Athlon 2500+ (Barton core) on an Asus A7N8X with a Spire heatsink (this one). I intend to use this box as a server running 24/7, but for that it needs to be silenced.

The current cooling solution is pretty effective but even though this is considered a fairly silent heatsink, the noise is too much. Maybe the fan is getting old or something, but the sound is too apparent for a 24/7 machine in a small appartment. The PSU has had its fan replaced and I use passive cooling on my graphics card, so the one remaining noise source is the CPU cooler. Now where do I find a good Socket A cooler today? The platform being pretty much extinct and all... I was hoping for something like the huge-ass 120mm fan monsters of recent CPUs, like the Noctua U12 etc. Are there any coolers like that for old Socket A boards?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

http://www.jab-tech.com/AMD-Socket-A-Heatsinks-c-47.html

I'd put a 40~45cfm, 92x25 fan on the SI-97A. The build quality is VG, it's light weight, it's up-wardly compatable with just about all CPU chips and it will clear ALL board componets.


...Galvanized

 

[Zepper]

All you need to do is change the fan - those big chunky Speeze/Spire/Masscool heat sinks are very effective in a brute force way. I use WhisperRock and FalconRock HSFs myself - hugely cost effective. Those clear plastic fans can be noisier than simply changing to an identical black one as the clear plastic is harder which transfers sound better (worse).

Get this: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/de80ef1.html

AND this http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/nmb80ulqubr3.html

Try the NMB first and if that doesn't cool well enough, store it away (not out much at only $2.) and try the Delta - may want a fan controller for that one as it might not be quiet enough at full speed even though it is billed as a 'low speed fan' - but the nature of the sound might be such that it won't be annoying to you even at full speed. You will also need longer screws (to put thru top holes) or shorter screws (to just put thru the lower ears of the fan). Local hardware store, Home Depot or Lowes should have something of the same diameter as the original ones that you can use. 38mm = 1-1/2", 32mm = 1-1/4"., 25mm = 1". You will need something with a thread that will bite into the aluminum of the HS like the originals.
. Or you could mount the fan with a dab of high-temp, non-corrosive (most silicone sealers/glues put off acetic acid during curing - not good for Al or Cu) silicone goop at each corner instead. Not only will it hold the fan but also provide some noise damping. Wipe both the fan ears and heatsink down with alcohol and dry thoroughly prior to glueing - helps the glue/sealer stick better. Silicone seal will peel off fairly easily if you need to remove the fan down the road.

And please complete your User Profile (as much as you feel comfortable with) and make it Public so we can tell where you are and perhaps aviod making recommendations that don't apply to you.

.bh.

 

[Bobthelost]

The TT big typhoon worked fine on my 2500 and A7N8X, bit of an arse to install but straight forward enough. Only downside was that the screws came a bit loose somehow which put my temps up by 20*C :Q

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: ukiro
I intend to use this box as a server running 24/7, but for that it needs to be silenced.

This is the only Socket A HSF, that I can think you, that might be more quiet...

 

[ElFenix]

i agree to just replace the fan.

i used this one and it was pretty silent, plus it has 3 selectable speeds (there's a little switch attached to the fan).