best p4 hsf?

[ib69nu]

i have been looking into gettin a better than stock heat sink for my brand new p4. the retail one that i got really sucks. i have seen the thermal right ax-478 for $26, but i have heard of a couple people having these things fall off the base. I dont want that to happen. Maybe it was just a one in a million case.
the swiftech might not be an option because i am not 100% sure about the holes in the mobo. and they are a little expensive. i am looking to spend only $30 shipped. i already have a smart fan II from my volcano nine.

thanks

[Rakk]

Are you concerned about noise or just looking for the best performing HSF?

[BaldHeadedDork]

For under $30 the best I can think of is the Cooler Master HHC-001.


BHD

[larva]

Noise is just a function of the fan you fit. The AX478 is the best P4 solution for $25. You can use something as quiet as a Stealth Fan (27cfm) and get decent temps, steppig up to a 40cfm fan will give you approximately 5C reduction over the retail cooler. Fitting one with the 84cfm Volcano drops temperature to a level that rivals water cooling, but of course the noise is substantial.

I have two AX478's, both have no issue with falling apart. These are recently produced ones, so I think current production is fine. The general excellence of the design along with the fact you can fit any 80mm fan you wish makes this a top choice for S478 use, even though it is inexpensive. The Swiftech is the only thing out there I would like, and as noted they do command a healthy premium over the AX478