Page 1 of 1

Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 3:20 pm
by mrx888
Hi guys!

I write because I'm looking for a new heatsink which allow me to overclock and doesn't require removing motherboard to install it. I can spend around $ 50. My idea: Arctic Freezer A30. Any comments about it?

Also, I would like some recommendations on how to improve the airflow inside the case.

Case: Asus Vento TA-D2 (Official Site - Review)
Motherboard: Asus M4A87TD EVO (Official Site)
Processor: AMD Phenom II x4 965 BE C3 (Official Site)

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:02 pm
by JustAnEngineer
Moved to the cooling forum.

--JustAnEngineer, SBA forum moderator

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:13 pm
by Hallucin8
Coolermaster 212 Evo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

The only thing to worry about is case dimensions. Assuming it fits, it would be my choice.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:37 pm
by Forge
I got that CM HSF's cousin, the 212 Pro at Microcenter a few weeks ago when attempting a Z68+Core i5-2500K setup. It's such a remarkably decent HSF for the price that I kept it when returning the rest of the stuff. I might replace one of my less-awesome HSFs with it, or just keep it around as my spare (supports most anything with the mounting brackets it comes with).

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:46 pm
by just brew it!
Hallucin8 wrote:
Coolermaster 212 Evo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

The only thing to worry about is case dimensions. Assuming it fits, it would be my choice.

I don't see clips compatible with the standard AM3 bracket in the picture. Might need to remove the motherboard to replace the backing plate...

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:51 pm
by Dposcorp
The Corsair A50 is usually less then $20 after rebate, and has a backplate for Intel setup, but only a clip for AM3...its works great for me.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:36 pm
by flip-mode
just brew it! wrote:
Hallucin8 wrote:
Coolermaster 212 Evo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

The only thing to worry about is case dimensions. Assuming it fits, it would be my choice.

I don't see clips compatible with the standard AM3 bracket in the picture. Might need to remove the motherboard to replace the backing plate...

I have that cooler and it has to be mounted with the cooler master back plate. Also, the fan is not quiet. I ended up spending an addition $25 on a Noctua fan, which puts the full cost that I paid at close to $60. I'd have been better off just getting the Noctua NH-12UP that comes with 2 Notcua fans and probably a much higher quality heatsink unit. Not calling the Hyper 212 a poor quality heatsink there, just saying that Notcuta is tops.

Short story: get a Noctua heatsink if you can. If you're $10 away, try to find the additional $10.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:40 pm
by Forge
I agree, Noctua > alles.

My 212 Pro was on a fan header with fan control. It was quite audible at 100%, but moving a pretty decent amount of air. At around 80% it was moving almost as much air, but with much less noise. I liked having an emergency setting where I got 100% fan, a bit of noise, and a bit more air, when I needed it.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:48 pm
by flip-mode
Forge wrote:
I agree, Noctua > alles.

My 212 Pro was on a fan header with fan control. It was quite audible at 100%, but moving a pretty decent amount of air. At around 80% it was moving almost as much air, but with much less noise. I liked having an emergency setting where I got 100% fan, a bit of noise, and a bit more air, when I needed it.

Yes, I have to remember that when I say "not quiet" that it is usually not the same as when most people say the same. If I can hear it it's not quiet. :o So most people would probably consider the Hyper 212 fan to be pretty quiet at reduced speeds. I could actually hear the ticking pulse of the PWM (I guess that's what that sound was), though, and that grated on my nerves.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:51 pm
by Forge
flip-mode wrote:
I could actually hear the ticking pulse of the PWM (I guess that's what that sound was), though, and that grated on my nerves.


Sounds familiar, I've heard that sound and that was my conclusion as to cause as well. FWIW, the motherboard I had (Asus P8Z68-V LX) wasn't doing that, though that was just about my only positive experience.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:08 pm
by Hallucin8
flip-mode wrote:
...I'd have been better off just getting the Noctua NH-12UP that comes with 2 Notcua fans and probably a much higher quality heatsink unit. Not calling the Hyper 212 a poor quality heatsink there, just saying that Notcuta is tops.

Short story: get a Noctua heatsink if you can. If you're $10 away, try to find the additional $10.


I actually am using the NH-U12P SE on a fan controller it's a very nice choice, i just wanted to stay within the OP allocated budget.

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 5:02 pm
by TDIdriver
you can get the Megahalems Rev. B for $58-ish shipped if you're in the US

Re: Heatsink for AM3 Socket

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 2:49 am
by Vicabolivia
The Freezer A30 is actually a good cooler for AM3. You can even switch to a different fan if you want better performance. That's why I bought one for myself. LOL.Newegg is selling at $49.99 now by the way