CPU Fan Help

On Thu, 8 Jan 2004 19:46:35 -0000, "Paul Baker"

The OCZ Gladiator 3 is very quiet.  I don't have the equipment to
measure the dB's, but it's comparable to the early pentium fans in
noise level.  You can still hear the air moving, but the annoying buzz
that the high RPM fans have isn't there.  The low noise version is
quieter (it's the one I have), but I understand the regular LED lit
version is also very quiet -- if that's your thing.  Keep in mind that
while both of these versions have a skived slid copper base, neither
is meant for overclocking.  Even comes with a small tube of heat sink
compound rather than a thermal pad.

The other alternative is to get a fan funnel type adapter and use a
larger fan at a lower RPM.  It's quieter, but you have to keep in mind
that not all case configurations will accomodate something like this.
It takes up a lot of space, and sometimes the drives or tall
capacitors will get in the way.  The other consideration is that the
larger fan is usually an 8cm case fan, some of which do draw more
current than a CPU fan.  As such, using a molex connector instead of
the motherboard header is a good idea.

If you do decide to replace the HSF, keep a tight grip on the heat
sink when you release the clip.  Many of these heat sinks have very
stiff clips.  If you release it without controlling the motion of the
heatsink, it will roll over to the side where it is still attached.
This may chip the core.   The replacement cost of an 1800XP isn't much
these days, but that doesn't make it any less annoying and swear
worthy if it does.
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Thanks,
MCheu