Socket AM2 heat sink & fan

I'm kind of looking for a new heat sink & fan for my CPU. I have an Athlon64 X2 5400+ at stock speeds (2.80ghz). It's not running hot now; it's in the high 30's to low 40's, but I might want to get into some overclocking (I just got a new MB and video card) and I'm thinking that a better CPU cooler would be a good idea. I'm thinking about this one: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu2.php?idx=80&disc= But if someone out there has one they'd recommend, I'd be happy to take a look.

Thanks!

 

Generally stock CPU coolers do a good job, especially if you're staying in the low 40's. However, overclocking will kick this temp up a bit, likely to the mid-50's if you're really pushing it. If water cooling is out of the question, I would say that the one you selected should do a fair job of cooling your CPU, but there are many better options. I would take a look at frozencpu.com and check out some of the deal's that they've got for CPU coolers. Thermaltake (thermaltake.com) makes some very powerful coolers, I also suggest using Actic Silver as your thermal compound for effective heat transfer to the heatsync. Overall, you should be able to keep your cooling product under $40 USD.

-IANTHEGEEK