New heatsink and fan for my CPU

[Tavo]

Summer is here, the sun is shining, girls are wearing less clothes, and of course, temps are up.
Here is the deal:
My computer ambient temperature is currently 38C with my house fan blowing at the computer from the side (case without the side door of course). My CPU temperature is currently 64C. When I'm gaming the DPU temp will start to go way up and my alarm will sound at 70C.
I have an athlonXP +1900 on an old Volcano 6cu from thermaltake (I know, cheap). What do you think of this one: link (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-035&depa=0). I can get it for 25 US dollars at Fry's.

PS: I'll be using artic silver "ceramique" as a thermal compound cuz I already have it.

[Ojnod]

I haven't tried theremaltakes recent offerings but I was not impressed at all with the volcano 9 or 7. If they did something earth shattering, I probably would have heard about it. I would recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-118-108&depa=1) heatsink by zalman. I have one in my home theater PC and it stays really cool even with the fan on low. They also have an all copper version for 5 bucks more. Make sure you are putting the thermal compound on correctly. More is NOT better. If you are buying a high quality heatsink with a bottom that is a "mirror" finish, you just want the CPU to have a ghosted look to it, and on the heatsink just put some on rub it around, then wipe it off (you technically aren't wiping it all off, you are just wiping away any that isnt filling the cracks). Heatsinks with thermal compound that is applied too liberally is just as bad as having a crappy heatsink.

[RHooks]

Make sure that Zalman will fit your motherboard before you put out any money. I have a Cooler Master and haven't been impressed with it.

[Ojnod]

Yes thanks for mentioning that. My HTPC had the hard drive cage right about the CPU on the motherboard. I had to relocate the hard drive to one of the floppy drive bays because the fan didn't fit.

[DejaFu]

I have had both a volcano 9 and now a zalman and the zalman is definitly better. The volcano 9 was loud but wasn't that great, the one i have now is quiet and cools alot better. Though its not the greatest for space and wires. Easy install too. Volcanos are really hard because the clips are so far down and tight. I had to take the fan off and use a screw driver to put my volcano 9. With the zalman it went on easily and I didn't need a screwdriver.

[Tavo]

Anything cheaper?

[DejaFu]

search around i got mine for 15 bucks at xoxide.com

[Tavo]

How much space in my case do I need for the zalman?? Things are somewhat cramped right now.

[Ojnod]

Not a whole lot more than usual. It doesnt really mess with the capacitors because of its design, I would say make sure there is an inch between the top of your motherboard and whatever is on top of that (usually a metal plate or a power supply). However this could change depending on where your CPU socket is placed, Mine was right up against the edge of the board, other boards I have had they were down lower.

[Tavo]

Damn, I don't know if it'll fit. Might have to save some money and get a server case with lots of holes for fans.

Must think how I can make money....