Best CPU Cooler for Q6600?

[Capper]

If you don't plan on overclocking, or tinkering, why not just use the stock cooling solution? Its easy to install, works adequately, and doesn't interfere with anything.

As to the CNPS9700, I did the initial review, and was underwhelmed, but thats not to say it was a bad cooler, it just didn't perform better than the GeminII, Big Typhoon, or the CNPS9500 it replaced.......Matt used it for a couple reviews afterward, and it performed quite a bit better for him.

[Telexen]

I agree with Rich. If you don't want to overclock then the stock cooler should work just fine as long as the rest of your case is cooled the way it should be. It may not look pretty but it gets the job done without spending more $$$.

[fps justin]

ultra-120 extreme or IFX-14.

[plmbob]

as you can see from my sig we have a lot in common computer wise. I upgraded from a xfx 8500 graphics card just this weekend and even with the extra heat, the antec 900 is like all fan and unless you really don't like the looks of the stock cpu cooler you will be wasting your money buying something else.

[g-relk]

go for a cnps9500, they arent too expensive (around $60 - $65 Aus), and they perform practically the same as the 9700

[PrOLifIC_onE]

Originally Posted by Capper

If you don't plan on overclocking, or tinkering, why not just use the stock cooling solution? Its easy to install, works adequately, and doesn't interfere with anything.

As to the CNPS9700, I did the initial review, and was underwhelmed, but thats not to say it was a bad cooler, it just didn't perform better than the GeminII, Big Typhoon, or the CNPS9500 it replaced.......Matt used it for a couple reviews afterward, and it performed quite a bit better for him.

This is true. So far the CNPS9700 has been the best cooler on my test bench. The biggest issue being that it requires a plate on the back side of the motherboard. BUT, in your case, for a new build, this is not a problem as long as you remember to secure the plate before installing your motherboard in the case. There are other cooling options that should work well also since you don't plan on OCing. Go with something with respectable results that you also like the look of.

Check out MaxOrb and V1 from Thermaltake (they have pushpins like a stock cooler, no motherboard plate). I also did did reviews on those and they weren't too far behind the Zalman in testing. Maybe you will like the look of one of them. The other thing that you really didn't mention is the sound level. This is another good thing about the CNPS9700, MaxOrb and V1. They all come with a dial to adjust the fan speed to meet your cooling AND sound-level needs.

Just check out the reviews as they all have different setups for their fan speed dials.

[fps justin]

Originally Posted by plmbob

as you can see from my sig we have a lot in common computer wise. I upgraded from a xfx 8500 graphics card just this weekend and even with the extra heat, the antec 900 is like all fan and unless you really don't like the looks of the stock cpu cooler you will be wasting your money buying something else.

although it is true that a good case helps with air flow, in the end the HSF still plays a HUGE role. You want it to be able to absorb as much heat as possible from the cpu so that the airflow can cool it off. Having a great case, but crappy HSF is the wrong way to think about it.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by fps justin

ultra-120 extreme or IFX-14.

I agree with Justin, these two products from Thermalright are some of the best on the market. However, you will pay the premium price for them too. You could also check out the Thermalright Ultima 90 (not to be confused with the Ultra 90).

[Yellowhello]

I say again: If you don't plan of overclocking, the stock cooler will be just fine. It's designed to have the CPU within safe operating temperature at stock speeds. No point in spending extra money when you don't have to.

[doughboy42]

The Thermaltake V1 is definetly a great cooler for the Quad core.