I recently bought an Athlon 64 3200+ for a new Asus A8V-e deluxe MoBo and didn't get the AMD cpu cooler. I want to get a good after market cooling unit but even NewEgg doesn't carry one. I was thinking about a Spire cooler but would like any input on which cooler is the best all around for cooling and quiet operation.
I also want to buy some Arctic Silver III thermal compound but can't find an outlet.
Any ideas?

I have an Athlon 64 3000+ processor (socket 754) and I had the same idea that you did...forget about stock cooling, and go with a better "after-market" cooler. I settled on Thermaltake's Venus 12 cooler. Zalman's CNPS7000 and CNPS7700 series of coolers are also extremely good. You could also try the very large heatsink from Thermalright, particularly the XP-120 model. However, if you choose to go with that, keep in mind that they only provide the heatsink, and you will have to purchase a 120mm fan separately.

If you want to go watercooling, then I would highly recommend looking at some of Asetek's Antarctica kits.

However, if you've been keeping up with CeBIT coverage from various websites, I'll be happy to inform you that Asetek is releasing their VapoChill Micro CPU cooler sometime in May, although some sites will have it reviewed before then. This should, theoretically, provide even lower temperatures than the current top-of-the-line air coolers do. I'm guessing by around 5-10 degrees Celsius. And it will go for about $50 I believe.

Thanks for the tips! I sort of have the need right now so I will go with your Thermatake's choice I believe. How is the noise level? Where did you buy it by the by? Also which thermal grease did you use?

Thanks again.

BA

Well, as always, Newegg is the first place I'd check. At the time of writing, however, they do not have it in stock. But don't worry too much, as Zalman's 7000 and 7700 series are still of excellent quality. Probably better than the Venus 12. Then you have the more expensive Thermalright XP-120, which goes for about $70 on Newegg.

As for the thermal grease I used, I used the stuff included with the Venus 12. Not exactly a smart decision, and I would recommend something like Arctic Silver 5 or Arctic Silver Ceramique (which is slightly better than AS3.)

Before purchasing a heatsink, it is always a good idea to go online and see some benchmarks. Also, because heatsinks are growing insanely large (ie Zalman's 7700 series and Thermalright's XP-120) you may have to check if it is compatible with the motherboard you intend to install it on.

Another thing to think about is the amount of weight you want to put on the CPU. The maximum weight you should put on the processor is something like 450 grams. However, Zalman's 7700-Cu version weighs in at a hefty 918 grams. All this says is that you have to be mighty careful when you transport your computer from place to place. Keep in mind that Zalman makes its heatsinks in pure copper, and aluminimum-copper versions, the latter being lighter than pure copper, obviously. However, given the massive size of the 7700 series alone, the 7700-AlCu still weighs 600 grams. While I'm on the topic, the XP-120 weighs 385 grams without the fan (which you must purchase separately, remember.)

But like I said before, the weight doesn't really matter. The heavier it is, it just mkeans that you will have to be more careful when moving your computer. It's just something to keep in mind though, if you are planning to be on the move constantly.

So bottom line: if I could choose a heatsink other than the Venus 12, I would be split between Zalman 7000 series (same as 7700 series, but smaller; thus these are lighter heatsinks.), 7700 series, and the XP-120. I guess it comes down to whether or not you want to buy your own fan or not :P Let me know what you decided on.

Remember with the Zalmans (especially the 7700 series) to check and see if it will fit on your motherboard. They're so big that if your motherboard has capacitors sticking up too close to the CPU socket, you could damage them trying to install the heatsink. The Zalman website has motherboard compatability charts (www.zalmanusa.com).

Also, the Zalman 7700 series is so big that it hangs off the edge of some motherboards. It may not fit in some smaller mid-tower cases! :eek:

They're great coolers, and they're very stylish, to boot. But you've got to have room for them...

Thanks guys! I have already ordered the Thermaltake Venus 12 when it was in stock. Waiting for the mailman from NewEgg now. I got the Arctic Silver 5 as well. I am building a new box for myself next month with the same A8V-e deluxe from Asus with an AMD64 4000+, 2 Gig Corsair 3200. ATI X800 XT pci-e, and a WD 10K Raptor. I think I'll try the Zalman 7000 for that one unless I decide to go water cooled. I'll check out Asetek but which case would you recommend? I heard of a water cooled ready case from Koolance. Opinions?
http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/20010706/koolance-01.html

BA

PS

This unit looks pretty sweet. Anyone have any experience with this one or similar? Any other alternatives that you think are relevant?

PSS
Better include the link Huh?

http://www.koolance.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=187