ok AMD Athlon, now what?

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Z Dog

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I am upgrading my computer system and would like to take the leep of faith to AMD. I need some info on motherboards, cpu's, and cooling fans. I like the athlon xp 1800. What is a good MB to go with it. Also, I understand they run hot and I hate loud fans. Does anyone know of a good "quiet fan" to go with the AMD?

Thanks

Z Dog
 
if you hate loud fans...you may be shit our of luck. You could try a liquid cooled case.

My XP1800+ setup is louder than hell...here are the specs.

XP1800+
Soyo kv-7 dragon MB
512mb memory
WD 80gb drive
ADaptec 2940w
Seagate 73gb SCSI-W
Yamaha CD burner

Can't remember power supply and fan specs right now...
 
Check out Alpha PAL8045 heatsink with Panaflo 08A12L fan (1900 rpm, 24 CFM, 21 dba of noise). You can't beat water cooling but this cooler is very quite and reasonably effective.
 
The Alpha PAL won't fit on all mobos. It's also not on AMD's approved list, and you will void the warranty on the processor if you use it. It is one heck of a cooler, though, and a little quieter because it doesn't need a jet engine turbine to keep it cool.

Check the recommended list on AMD's site if you want to stay within the recommended specs, and look for a cooler recommended for the 2000+. It would be safe on the 1800+

If you don't the Alpha PAL would be good buy. The Asus A7V266 and the Soyo Dragon + will both take the fan, unmodded. For a lot of mobos you'll have to physically cut the CPU socket at one corner.

Other good mobos are the ABIT KR7A, the Soltek SL-75DRV4, and the Shuttle AK-31.

Sang
 
Sang,
You are right that Alpha won't fit all mobos.
You are wrong about AMD "approved" list. There is "recommeneded" list, which according to AMD "is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all heatsinks that support AMD processors" and "does not constitute an endorsement by AMD of the product".
Warranty does not specify which heasink may be used, and which may not. Warranty issues are "improper installation" and "improper use".
Alpha is one of the most efficient heatsinks there is. My XP 1800+ does not reach 45 C under 85% load using slow 1900 rpm fan. I am very pleased with this cooler's noise level.
 
Thanks Webstop for the recommendation. The heatsink and fan are easy to find but unfortunately look difficult to install. Do you have to take the motherboard off in order to get the HSink on? I will be using either the asus a7v266 or more likely the Soyo Dragon Plus.

Thanks Again,

Z Dog
 
Yes, you have to install four posts onto the motherboard. This requires the board to be removed from the case.
You are getting a new mobo anyway, therefore you can install posts before it is installed into the case.
I wouldn't say that it is difficult to install PAL. It just takes a little bit more time, than fixing a heatsink with a single clip. PAL heatsink is using 4 screws with springs, so you can not overtighten it. In the end you will not have to worry that heavy heatsink will break the socket if you move computer around.
 
Uhhh.. The tech docs say heatsinks weighing more than 300 grammes cannot be used with its procs. The Alpha weighs considerably more, and going above spec WILL void warranty. As I said, it's a great heatsink, no doubt about that. Great airflow, good cooling, and very quiet due to the heavy heatsink, requiring a low-power fan.

I just made a small observation on AMD's point of view on that...

Sang
 
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