Choosing a CPU fan

[Kev]

I have just ordered an Athlon 64 4000+ Skt 939 CPU (which is the fastest
processor that will fit my Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra motherboard ). I have only
ever installed 2 processors before and both of these were supplied with a
fan included, but this new one comes alone. I will therefore need to buy a
separate fan, but I know very little about CPU fans. Are there any
particular factors that I need to consider?

Kev

 

[frodo]

lots of choices, google around.

this one is highly rated, and cheap: Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro

 

[Kev]

lots of choices, google around.

Finding them is not the problem.

Are there any issues with installing fans with particular CPUs? Are some
types more reliable, or more effective, or quieter? I don't really know
enough about them to ask the right questions. Hence my general query.

Kev

 

[GHalleck]

Finding them is not the problem.

Are there any issues with installing fans with particular CPUs? Are some
types more reliable, or more effective, or quieter? I don't really know
enough about them to ask the right questions. Hence my general query.

Kev

Just make sure that you know how to assemble the fan AND heatsink
assembly, as well as applying the thermal compound (e.g., Arctic
Silver), and mounting the heatsink-fan assembly on the CPU and
anchoring it to the motherboard.

 

[Kev]

applying the thermal compound (e.g., Arctic Silver)

I have never needed to do this before. Is it necessary for some
CPU/heatsink combinations but not others?

 

[frodo]

I have never needed to do this before. Is it necessary for some
CPU/heatsink combinations but not others?

the instructions that come w/ it will explain, and it should also provide
as small tube of the stuff. It's easy, really, just follow the
directions. Biggest misteak is using too much, which oozes out and causes
a short. The directions will warn of this too. And sometimes they come
w/ a "thermal compound pad" rather than paste, which is neater/foolproof,
but not quite as thermally conductive. But good enough.

Building yor own system can be rewarding, and fun. It can also be
frustrating and annoying. Just like any good hobby...or relationship...or
job...or vacation w/ your family...or life in general. Don't worry, be
happy...

Good Luck.

 

[Kev]

I have just ordered an Athlon 64 4000+ Skt 939 CPU (which is the fastest

processor that will fit my Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra motherboard ).

My current CPU is an Athlon 64 3200+. Is there any chance that the existing
heatsink and fan will be usable with the 4000?

 

[Marty]

My current CPU is an Athlon 64 3200+. Is there any chance that the existing
heatsink and fan will be usable with the 4000?

Download and read the Heatsink's specifications.

DOH.

 

[Marty]

My current CPU is an Athlon 64 3200+. Is there any chance that the existing
heatsink and fan will be usable with the 4000?

Download and read the Heatsink's specifications.

DOH.

 

[Phisherman]

I have just ordered an Athlon 64 4000+ Skt 939 CPU (which is the fastest
processor that will fit my Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra motherboard ). I have only
ever installed 2 processors before and both of these were supplied with a
fan included, but this new one comes alone. I will therefore need to buy a
separate fan, but I know very little about CPU fans. Are there any
particular factors that I need to consider?

Kev

There are lots, but best to select your fan from an approved list from
AMD. You will need more cooling power if you ever decide to overclock
your CPU, otherwise a $25 one with heatsink will do. Not sure if your
MoBo has a CPU fan connector(s) for monitoring.

 

[BH2]

Hi Kev,
I have just installed the same CPU and I used a copper Zalman fan, it is
bigger than the amd fan but it is great, I use it with the speed control
provided, good quality and resonable price have a look at their web site
http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/code_list.asp?code=005. You can probably
get them on ebay as well
Regards
Bob

 

[geoff]

I have the same thing for my AMD and used artic silver. The cooling is
about the same as the stock AMD fan.

The main advantage to the zalman is it screws on rather than using clips.
That makes for easy removal.

I did have one strange thing happen last week, when I rebooted, the bios
said cpu fan error. I ran the bios and the fan would sometimes drop below
1400 which it deems bad.

I sprayed air into the fan and it runs normally now. However, my case is a
p180 which has filters and there was no dust inside.

Not sure why the fan would slow down like that.

--g

 

[ProfGene]

I have just ordered an Athlon 64 4000+ Skt 939 CPU (which is the fastest
processor that will fit my Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra motherboard ). I have only
ever installed 2 processors before and both of these were supplied with a
fan included, but this new one comes alone. I will therefore need to buy a
separate fan, but I know very little about CPU fans. Are there any
particular factors that I need to consider?

Kev

Fans are made for specific chipsets because of the way they connect and
they are also made for specific speed processors. In the case of the
Athlon 64 there might not be a great variety of fans to choose from but
since my only system built with this processor came with it. One thing I
remember is that the system didn't start working properly until I
installed a special kind of RAM used for overclocking which had not
worked on an Intel system but caused the Athlon 64 computer to start
working great and it has had no problems ever since.