Heat Sink Selection & Mounting for A64 CPU’s

davidhammock200 · 11-20-2004, 10:01 AM

Heatsink Selection & Mounting for A64 CPU’s

I am sure that this will be a work in progress that will never be finished.

Because I am lazy & I don’t know everything, I intend to plagiarize as much as possible and will due my best to credit my sources. I am especially thankful for the excellent input from my fellow EOFC members.

If you are NOT going to Over Clock (OC):

The HS’s provided by AMD in the desktop retail factory boxes are pretty good HS’s, far better than factory boxed HS’s use to be. If you are not OC’ing these should be good enough in most situations WITH good case cooling and many times they require only the addition of a better fan to do an excellent job of cooling.

The cheaper, lower rated A64’s have lesser HS’s included than the more expensive, higher performing A64’s and the factory boxed FX-55 even has a Heat Pipe HS included!

If you are not going to Over Clock (OC) I recommend that you buy a Retail Boxed Desktop A64 and use the HS and Thermal Interface Material (TIM) (AKA: paste, grease, goo, stuff, etc.) provided by AMD, following the mounting instructions provided by AMD, this keeps your 3-year warranty intact.

If you want quiet cooling, then I recommend that you use one of the high performance HS’s recommended in the OC’ing section, but with a quiet, high CFM fan running at a low speed.

If you ARE going to Over Clock (OC):

For OC’ing we are going to try to always keep our CPU temps under 40C at idle and under 50C at load. Obviously the case temp MUST be under 40C to start with and the room temp even lower. If the case temp is too high, we cannot achieve these desired numbers. Good case cooling is where we start.

For the purpose of selecting and mounting a Heat Sink (HS) for A64 CPU’s, we will treat the various sockets (S754, S939 & S940) as being the same, we will differentiate between Desktop CPU’s having an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) and the Desk Top Replacements (DTR) & the Mobiles (M) which DO NOT have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). All Mobiles (M) mount the same way as the Desk Top Replacements (DTR).

We will also address the two types of mounting available for A64 HS’s, those that clip-on to the CPU bracket and those that use the 4-hole through Mother Board (MoBo) mounting.

So we have:

(A) Desktop A64 with MoBo mounting.

(B) Desktop A64 with clip-on mounting.

(C) DTR A64 with MoBo mounting.

(D) DTR A64 with clip-on mounting.

HS Selection:

(1) Make sure that the HS is designed for an A64, this seems obvious, but we do have people trying to mount AXP HS’s on A64’s; “There AMD’s right?”

(2) The A64 is a high performance CPU and it deserves decent cooling. If you have a DTR or M you must get an aftermarket HS, as all DTR’s & M’s are OEM only. If you are going to Over Clock (OC) your desktop A64 then you will probably want a better HS at some point. You can get by for a while with factory HS, with good case cooling and a higher Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) HS fan.

(3) Quiet cooling can be achieved for mild to moderate OC’s by using the best possible HS, with the quietest possible high CFM fan. For Extreme OC’ing, quiet will require more exotic cooling methods.

(4) For desktop A64’s any HS labeled, for the A64 CPU should fit properly, this is NOT true for DTR A64’s.

For Desktop A64’s the Recommended HS’s include the:

Thermalright XP-90 http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

Thermalright SI-120: http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

Arctic Cooling Silencer 64 Ultra HS's: http://arctic-cooling.com/cpu1.php?p=3&disc= (quiet, good for mild OC'ing)

Arctic Cooling Freezer 64: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu2.php?idx=10&disc= (quiet, good for moderate OC'ing)

Thermalright SLK948U http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

Swiftech MCX6400-V http://www.swiftnets.com

Alpha PAL8150T http://www.micforg.co.jp/en/cat_opterone.html

Thermaltake Silent Boost http://www.thermaltake.com/coolers/venus/rs/a1838.htm
Thermaltake Silent Boost includes a 27.5-CFM Fan and is not suitable for Extreme OC’ing.

Swiftech also offers the MCX64-V which includes Quiet Delta Fan and is not suitable for Extreme OC’ing.

Alpha also offers the PAL8150-M81 which includes Quiet Delta Fan and is not suitable for Extreme OC’ing.

Alpha also offers the PAL8150-M82 which includes Very Quiet Sanyo Fan and is not suitable for Any OC’ing.

There are many other HS available and many of these HS’s are also very good.

No other Thermaltake HS's can be recommended due to their weight and mounting method.

Large, Heavy, Tower HS’s are NOT recommended due to their weight and bulk. If you are an expert, then go for it, but the mounting of these monsters is beyond the scope of this guide.

HS Test & Reviews: http://www.overclockers.com/topiclis...S%20AND%20TIPS (very helpful)

For DTR A64’s the ONLY RECOMMENDED HS’s are the:

Thermalright SLK948U http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

Swiftech MCX6400-V http://www.swiftnets.com

Alpha PAL8150T http://www.micforg.co.jp/en/cat_opterone.html

Swiftech also offers the MCX64-V which includes Quiet Delta Fan and is not suitable for Extreme OC’ing.

Alpha also offers the PAL8150-M81 which includes Quiet Delta Fan and is not suitable for Extreme OC’ing.

Alpha also offers the PAL8150-M82 which includes Very Quiet Sanyo Fan and is not suitable for Any OC’ing.

The reason that these are the only recommended HS’s for the DTR’s is because in addition to providing excellent cooling, they fit without requiring modifications.

In all cases MoBo’s without metal back plates meeting AMD’s spec will require the addition of an AMD spec. metal back plate. Gigabyte MoBo’s with plastic back plates require back plate replacement.

HS Mounting:

Lapping: Alpha & Swiftech HS’s should never require lapping due to their ultra high quality finish, if the finish is not to this standard an RMA may be in order. Thermalright HS’s are also finished to a high standard and can rarely be improved by lapping. Thermaltake HS’s can often be improved by lapping.

TIM: When mounting a HS, the use of a Thermal Interface Material (TIM) (AKA: paste, grease, goo, stuff, etc.) is required. I recommend the use of Arctic Silver 5 (AS5) or Arctic Silver Ceramique (ASC); these are both excellent & proven products. AS5 usually provides slightly lower temps but requires reapplication every 1 to 2 years.

Complete Information & Instructions: http://arcticsilver.com (very helpful)

(A) Desktop A64 with MoBo mounting:

Instructions for Thermalright HS’s: http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm (very helpful)

Instructions for Swiftech HS’s: http://www.swiftnets.com (pdf)

Swiftech by "Impaqt" Instructions with Photos: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...1&postcount=50
Thank you "Impaqt"! (Very Helpful)

Instructions for Alpha HS’s: http://www.micforg.co.jp/en/cat_opterone.html (pdf)

Instructions for Thermaltake HS: http://www.thermaltake.com/support/support.asp (very helpful)

(B) Desktop A64 with clip-on mounting:

Instructions for Arctic Cooling Freezer 64: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu2.php?idx=10&disc=

Instructions for Thermalright HS’s: http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm (very helpful)

Instructions for Thermaltake HS: http://www.thermaltake.com/support/support.asp (very helpful)

Instructions for XP-90: http://www.ocia.net/reviews/xp90/page1.shtml (very helpful)

(C) DTR A64 with MoBo mounting:

Thermalright: http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm (very helpful)

Swiftech: http://www.swiftnets.com (pdf)

Swiftech by "Impaqt" Instructions with Photos: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...1&postcount=50
Thank you "Impaqt"! (Very Helpful)

Alpha: http://www.micforg.co.jp/en/cat_opterone.html (pdf)

HS Test & Reviews:

Test: 25 CPU coolers: http://www.behardware.com/articles/568/page32.html

Over 50 HS's Tested & Ranked: http://www.overclockers.com/topiclis...S%20AND%20TIPS

5X A64 Cooling Solutions: http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=135

Alpha PAL8150: http://www.systemcooling.com/alpha_pal8150-01.html

Alpha PAL8150: http://www.technoyard.com/hardware/m...50/page_1.html

Arctic Cooling Silencer 64 Ultra: http://www.xyzcomputing.com/index.ph...d=370&Itemid=2

Arctic Cooling Freezer64 Review (by Impaqt): http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...66#post1629866

Arctic Cooling Freezer 64: http://www.pcmoddingmy.com/content.php?review.160

Swiftech MCX64-V & MCX6400-V: http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid...e=expert&pid=2

Swiftech MCX64-V & MCX6400-V: http://www.*********.com/vr/swiftech...review_03.html

Swiftech MCX64-V & MCX6400-V: http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjAxLDE=

Swiftech MCX64-V: http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...re/1456_1.html

Swiftech MCX6400-V: http://www.insanetek.com/index.php?page=swift6400v

Swiftech MCX6400-V: http://www.viperlair.com/reviews/coo...0v/index.shtml

Thermalright SLK-948U: http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/...re/1332_1.html

Thermalright SLK-948U: http://www.cluboverclocker.com/revie...ight/slk-948u/

Thermalright SLK-948U: http://www.a1-electronics.net/Heatsi...8U_Mar04.shtml

Thermalright XP-90: http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/r...t_XP-90_1.html

Thermalright XP-90: http://www.systemcooling.com/thermalright_xp-90-01.html

Thermalright XP-90: http://www.ocia.net/reviews/xp90/page1.shtml

Thermalright XP-90: http://www.ocmodshop.com/default.aspx?a=222&p=631

SI-120: http://www.systemcooling.com/thermal...si-120-01.html

XP-90 on LGA-775: http://www.legionhardware.com/html/doc.php?id=342

XP-90 on LGA-775: http://www.overclockers.com/articles1094/

XP-90C on LGA-775: http://www.overclockers.com/articles1211/

SI-120 on LGA-775: http://hi-techreviews.com/reviews/SI-120/P1.htm

Where To Buy HS's, Fans, Fan Controllers, Adaptors & Other Cooling Supplies:

new egg: http://newegg.com

Heatsink Factory: http://heatsinkfactory.com/cgi-bin/HFAstore.pl

FrozenCPU: http://frozencpu.com

SVC: http://www.svc.com/

Jab-tech: http://www.jab-tech.com/catalog/index.html

Xoide: http://www.xoxide.com/

Panaflo fans in UK & EU: http://www.dorothybradbury.co.uk/

FANS:

Performance Fan Comparison on XP-90: http://www.mikhailtech.com/modules.p...&id=143&page=1
(Found by "kev182", Thank You!)

Impaqt's Recomended Fans Addendum: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...2&postcount=64

My Personal Fan Recommendation: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/pa92ulhisp.html

Sidewinder Computers: Panaflo Fans: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/paaxfa1.html
(Found by "DNAtoByte", Thank You!)

Delta: http://www.delta.com.tw/product/cp/d...cfans_main.asp

Panasonic PanaFlo: http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/...aflo_axial.htm

Papst: http://www.papst.de/english/products...ter_start.html

Vantec: http://www.vantecusa.com/product-cooling.html

I hope that everyone finds this both useful & helpful.

Recommendations, comments & suggestions would be greatly appericated.

Thanks,
Dave

Chris1712 · 11-20-2004, 11:16 AM

errrrr, i guess you're adding to this? Might i recommend the Asus Star Ice aswell....

OmahaPetester · 11-20-2004, 04:22 PM

This looks like a good addition to the list.
Zalman MoBo mount: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...118-113&depa=0

davidhammock200 · 11-21-2004, 09:47 AM

Swiftech or Alpha cooling mod:

We are going to mount a high CFM 120mm fan or larger, with a fan controller, in the removable side panel.

Cut a hole of the correct size for the fan.

Mount a fan guard & air filter between the fan & the room.

Using an automobile air filter assembly, looks super cool, works great & is super quiet!

But you can just do the normal way, if you want.

Get a 120mm to 80mm adaptor & 80mm flex tubing from SVC, FrozenCPU or somewhere.

Duct the fan’s airflow on the inside of the case to the HS.

Attach the flex hose directly to the Swiftech or Alpha.

This reduces the CPU temp to the room temp + the delta.

WORKS GREAT!

Will work with all Alpha & Swiftech HS's and many others,

including most stock HS's using an 80mm to 70mm adaptor on the HS!

Oldjim · 11-21-2004, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhammock200

AS5 usually provides slightly lower temps but requires reapplication every 1 to 2 years.

This is the first time I have seen this recommendation which you imply does not apply to Ceramique. Can you give a bit more detail

zeemo · 11-21-2004, 03:18 PM

nj...i vote sticky...

davidhammock200 · 11-21-2004, 03:19 PM

It is well known that AS5 requires reapplication every year or two for maxinum cooling, I'm sure that if you google for it you will find some more info.

Ceramique apparently should last forever, however only time will tell.

daredevil · 11-21-2004, 03:22 PM

nice read, good job dave, i vote sticky also!!! helps the noobs allthough they never read stickies do they

davidhammock200 · 11-21-2004, 03:25 PM

Thank you both very much, however it is already a Sticky!

Improved Air Cooling on the Cheap, Rev 4.

Make sure that the inside of the case; especially the HS & fan are clean & free of dirt & dust.

Place the computer on the floor, out of direct sun light, in the coolest part of the room, where the airflow is best.

Plug the HS fan directly into the power supply, just like a hard drive, adaptors are about $1, as this will guarantee that the HS fan runs at its highest speed all of the time. It also takes some stress off of the MoBo.

Tidy up the interior, get those ribbon cables out of the way, we want airflow!

Remove the side panel and place a large CLEAN desk/room fan very close blowing directly into the case, at the HS if possible. Set it on high, you can always lower it later. Put some screening, like window screening over the panel opening to keep out most of the dust, etc.

This is all that I know of that is basically free & should reduce temps, across the board by 5C to 15C depending on room tempteture.

Investing $10:

Quote:

Next step is to invest in the most powerful, highest CFM fan, that will fit on the factory HS. You might want to consider using a short adaptor so you can use an even bigger fan. Use common sense & do not destabilize the CPU/HS junction. While doing this you could reseat the HS using a better Thermal Interface Material (TIM) such as Arctic Silver 5 (AS5), applied as directed: http://arcticsilver.com. Do not spend too much money or effort on the AS5 as we are only looking at about a 5C temp reduction, on average.

Now this is more involved, however it is very cheap & WORKS GREAT!

Quote:

Let me explain this cooling mod;We are going to mount a high CFM 120mm or larger fan, with a fan controller, in the removable side panel.Cut a hole of the correct size for the fan.Mount a fan guard & air filter between the fan & the room.Using an automobile air filter assembly, looks super cool, works great & is super quiet! But you can just do the normal way if you want. Duct the fan’s airflow on the inside of the case to the HS.You do not need or want a fan on the HS, if you do this right. This reduces the CPU temp to the room temp + the delta.If used with an excellent HS from Thermalright, Swiftech or Alpha it means that your CPU at load temp should be within 10C of your room temp. Ducting material available at home depot or pre made at FrozenCPU.com.

Check SVC for cheap parts & FrozenCPU for expensive parts.

Good Luck & please post results.

OmahaPetester · 11-21-2004, 04:03 PM

I agree that post IS a great help as I just used it yesterday to solve a Q I had.
Oh, and I'm newb here and I read stickies

! LOL
Keep up the outstanding work Dave.

executor252 · 11-21-2004, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmahaPetester

This looks like a good addition to the list.
Zalman MoBo mount: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...118-113&depa=0

Not sure if this hs would work when mounting on a mobile/dtr chip, but it is a very quiet and effective heatsink. When cooling an Athlon XP cpu, this HS cools better than my SLK-900a when the fanspeed is turned down to min. on both, AND is quieter at the same time.

davidhammock200 · 11-21-2004, 05:23 PM

The Desk Top Replacements (DTR) & the Mobiles (M) DO NOT have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), so they sit a lower in the socket than the Desktops which are taller due to having the IHS.

Now by modding the MoBo you can make most clip-on's fit.

To the best of my limited knowledge, Thermalright is the only maker of clip-on HS's, their XP-90 & XP-120, that supplies a new retainner so that no modding is required.

This is less of a problem with most MoBo mounted HS's.

OmahaPetester · 11-21-2004, 05:25 PM

How thick is that heat shield (lid,IHS)?

davidhammock200 · 11-21-2004, 05:29 PM

I don't know.

You can download the exact specs on pdf's from AMD.com.

john_spit010 · 11-21-2004, 11:34 PM

Nice guide david. 2 Thumbs Up!

davidhammock200 · 11-22-2004, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_spit010

Nice guide david. 2 Thumbs Up!

Thanks, John

seldomsean · 11-22-2004, 12:11 PM

Very Nice Job Dave !!!

This should help answer lots of questions
for someone just upgrading to 64...

-Sean

davidhammock200 · 11-22-2004, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seldomsean

Very Nice Job Dave !!!

This should help answer lots of questions
for someone just upgrading to 64...

-Sean

Thank you Sean.

I think the big problems come when people buy

the DTR's & Mobiles for OC'ing & assume that they can use any S754 HS.

Oldjim · 11-22-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhammock200

It is well known that AS5 requires reapplication every year or two for maxinum cooling, I'm sure that if you google for it you will find some more info.

Ceramique apparently should last forever, however only time will tell.

I failed to find anything by googling but this is the response I received from Arctic Silver
There is no need to reapply our thermal compounds unless the thermal
interface has been physically disturbed by bumping the heatsink or
rough transport.
Perhaps you could be a bit more specific on your references as I don't really want to disturb the heatsink and re-apply (always the possibility of damaging the cpu) unless there will be a significant benefit.