What's a good HS&F for PIII 500?

[Coriolis]

Hoping to get some advice for a good HS&F to use with a PIII 500 on a Intel SE440BX-3 mobo.

I'll probably only be able to get my FSB up to 124 MHz (according to what I've read re: my CPU and mobo).

I don't mind paying for a good HS&F, but considering what I'm running it on, I probably don't need to go too crazy.

Any advice appreciated!

PS: I tried to access the article in this thread but was unable to: http://forums.overclockers.ws/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28876 :(

[Silversinksam]

Hey Coriolis,

Welcome to the Forums,

Im assuming that PIII 500 is a slot cpu, so with that said you cant go wrong with a Alpha 3125-s, actually thats one of the best Heatsinks ever made for the slot PIII's.

according to the OC.com CPU database the average overclock for your particular chip is - 612 Mhz but your milage may vary.

http://www.coolinggears.com/pimages/hs_alpha_3125.jpg


If you shop around you can probably pick one up for 20-$30(sometimes you can find one on Ebay for less than $10, but always buy from someone with good feedback if you go that route) but there are other less costly heatsinks out there im sure someone will recommend.

[Coriolis]

Thanks Silversinksam, I appreciate the info. Yes, it is a slot CPU, so I'll definitely check out the Alpha.

Do you recommend a certain type of thermal paste? I read somewhere here that the "regular" stuff at Radio Shack works fine... this true?

[Coriolis]

Ahh.. n/m :)

Just went to the 1CoolPC site and see that a tube of thermal compound comes with the kit.

You're right though -- excellent reviews! Thanks again.

[Silversinksam]

Coriolis, Glad I was able to help, let me help you just a little more....



Try KDcomputers (http://www.kdcomputers.com/exec/productProfile?id=102) Its only 37 with two sunon fans, that leaves you enough moola left over for a tube of arctic silver II without question the best thermal paste


http://www.arcticsilver.com/images/as2b.jpg


BTW KDcomputers has a stellar reseller rating

http://www.resellerratings.com/cgi-bin/reseller/vendone.cgi?KDComputers

[Coriolis]

Thanks again for the info! :)

As I was checking out the 1CoolPC site to order the fan, I clicked on the "Check CPU Slot 1" link to make sure the Alpha 1HO-P3 matches my Slot CPU.

I was surprised to see that my PIII chip looks like the PII chip with the black plastic & magnesium case!
http://1coolpc.com/cpudif.htm

So, the question is... do I order the Alpha 1HO-P3, or the Alpha 1HO?

Also, on which side of the CPU is the fan mounted? On my PC, the PIII chip/case (the side shown in the link above for the PII, with the "silvery-mother of pearl" looking face) faces the back of chassis... but the stock heat sink is mounted on the other side of the chip (which appears to be the back side of the CPU board).

Furthermore, if it is mounted on the side shown in the picture, I won't have room for the Alpha heat sink... and if it's mounted on the other side (what looks like the back side of the CPU board), then it will rest right up against my slot 0 RAM -- very tight!

Sorry for the all the questions... but thanks for the alternative link (and cheaper price!) -- I'll take a look at that now.

[Coriolis]

Ok, after a bit investigating I can see the HSF can only be mounted on one side of the CPU... duh :o ... but I'm still a bit concerned about the Alpha model I should get.

My PIII CPU is in a black plastic case (like the PII) and not the bare CPU board as shown in the link I provided above.

I just want to be sure the Alpha 1HO-P3 will fit my CPU...

[Silversinksam]

Thats the one you want, the Alpha 1HO-P3 if you decide to buy from them. If you buy elsewhere the Heatsink for PIII SECC type is called Alpha P3125-S, 1Coolpc just renamed thier setup Alpha 1HO-P3 but its the same as the Alpha P3125-S

The fans will be pointed at the side of your case when installed, many guys here have cut out areas in the side of thier case for ducts. Also you can either have the fans blow into the hsf or suck since that Hsf has a shroud.....I would try it both ways to determine what works best in your particular setup/.


Keep in mind you may or may not lose 1 memory slot as this cooler is large, but its performance is unmatched.

[Coriolis]

I'll probably get it from KDComputer -- same thing for less $$ it seems.

Not too worried about the RAM slot. I have two sticks of PC133 and one stick of PC100 right now, so I'll be taking out the PC100 when I OC this baby anyway.

Thanks again!! :)