OT - CPU cooling on long renders

TomG wrote on 1/24/2006, 7:04 PM

I am building a new computer system for video and have got some great advice from Frenchy and JohnnyRoy. I bought the AMD Athlon 64 X2 (4600) "processor in a box" which basically means you get a CPU with a stock heatsink/fan (and as luck would have it I bought it for $603 last week and this week it is $575!!) from NewEgg.

After searching this issue on the forum, I know a lot of people like the Zalman CPU heatsink/fans with the AMD processors, but:

Does anyone have any bad experiences or "watch-out" using the stock heatsink/fan that comes with the processor?

Thanks for any feedback,

TomG

Comments

GlennChan wrote on 1/24/2006, 7:15 PM

The retail heatsink/fan should be fine. It's designed with lots of headroom / safety margin, so people don't go harassing AMD for warranty work about their processor not working. This is why people can overclock their CPUs with the stock heatsink/fan.

If you want a quieter computer, then aftermarket heatsinks like the Zalman can help.

Aftermarket heatsinks are harder to install. Do read the instructions and apply the thermal paste/pad properly.
With some of the really large heatsinks, they may not fit. Check for clearance around the motherboard area, especially capacitors. Some hardware sites like hardocp.com will have pretty good information on this (check the motherboard and heatsink reviews, they will point things out).

Chanimal wrote on 1/24/2006, 7:17 PM

I have used the stock AMD heatsinks and my systems have always run very cool. I do not use the standard thermal compound pad, instead I use Artic Silver.

It also helps that I have two fans on the front (blowing across five harddrives), one on top, two in the back (one large and one that sits next to my graphics card and exhaust out the back), plus the two fans included with my Enermax power supply.

I've read several heatsink reviews and the standard AMD fan seems to rank in the top 3rd (good enough to never have a problem).

Hope this helps.

Ted

Mike M. wrote on 1/24/2006, 7:35 PM

I second the opinion on using Arctic Silver........it's a must and alone will improve heatsink ratings. Make sure to read and research on how much to use and how to apply. I used a tiny drop to prep both surfaces and then after wiping it off well with a soft cloth, I applied another small amount to the surface. You want just enough to make a film.........to me that meant about what you'd put on your face for sunscreen.....no globby or not too thin.

I decided against the Zalmann and went for the Thermalright XP120, stick a good double BB fan on that and your system will be sweet. Use the 120mm Antec 75003.

kentwolf wrote on 1/24/2006, 8:22 PM

Stock fan/heat sink with my AMD Athlon 64 3500+.

Worked fine for nearly a year now. No issues at all.

TomG wrote on 1/25/2006, 5:02 AM

Thanks everybody...

Also appreciate the tips about Artric sliver but since I have already installed the fan and was trying to decide whether or not to uninstall and resinstall a Zalman, I think it's probably best not to break the contact with the stock pad and the CPU.

Looks like I have a spare Zalman on my hands...

TomG

JJKizak wrote on 1/25/2006, 5:28 AM

I have the stock fan that came with the AMD 4600+ and it is just fine.

JJK

craftech wrote on 1/25/2006, 6:02 AM

Just leave it alone.

On a long render, if you are concerned about it, just take the cover off the computer.

John