I'm thinking of getting an AMD Athlon XP 3000 cpu (socket A), just wondering any recommendations for a good and really QUIET cpu heatsink? I'm not overclocking btw. And I've been to overclockers.com for heatsink reviews.

However I want to hear any advices and comments for those who bought various models for their AMD cpu, particularly for such high speed cpu.
Anyone using Zalman cpu heatsink?

Yep, Zalman came to my mind first. Don't they make some unique heatpipe and "blooming flower" units? Those would serve you well as long as it's rated for a 3000+ and you get a quiet fan.

Another option is to use a Thermalright heatsink. These are stand-alone copper heatsinks that will accept any 80mm case fan (except the lowest model) which means you can put one of those "quiet" case fans on them for noise control.

Thermalrights are most often used for overclocking but the ability to choose a quiet fan makes them decent for a quiet setting. However, if you can find a Zalman unit rated for 3000+ or higher, that would probably be the quieter alternative. And don't forget the Arctic Silver III! The best thermal grease around!

By the way, did you get an OEM version of your CPU? I ask because using a third-party heatsink/fan (HSF) unit will void your warranty. Thermal grease will also void your warranty. Consider yourself warned by AMD.

I saw this review one day and decided that if I ever wanted to spend $24 on a heatsink/fan this would be the one, quiet and efficient:

http://www.ocprices.com/?rev_id=152

Hi saphalline, I should be getting a AMD retail box cpu. So if i get that, and use artic silver 3 thermal paste, and a zalman heatsink/fan, will that void the warranty as well?

I'm seriously thinking of getting a Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu "flower" heatsink, but not all mobo can use that because of its unique size. After consideration from my previous thread for mobo, i'm getting a GIGABYTE GA-7N400-PRO 2. Anyone know is that zalman heatsink compatible with the mainboard?

If you're going to be using a Zalman HSF unit with Arctic Silver III, my advice would be to go cheaper and get an OEM version of that CPU. Then you're not wasting your money on the retail HSF unit and the retail warranty that you're going to void anyway! :p

When you said OEM version AMD cpu, do you mean those in tray instead of retail box?

Oh I was reading about this Swiftech heatsink, MCX462+ Heatsink, which I can get my own 70/80mm fan. Is this really good like what it claimed? I really like the lapped copper base! :)

The OEM version is just a "raw" CPU... You supply the heatsink and fan...

Retail versions I've purchased always came with a "matching" heatsink and fan combo...Usually, a thermal pad rather than grease...

I would suggest lapping a heatsink as a required procedure...;)

http://overclockersclub.com/heatsinklappingguide.php

The Glacialtech 2510 pro is the best i'vefound so far. It keeps my OC'd 2500+ at ~49C even during a full load-this running at 200 fsb.

take a look here on newegg;

Glacialtech (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=62&manufactory=1478&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1)