CPU cooler for AM2+

[Flogger23m]

I am currently using a Xigmatek LOKI 92mm fan for my AM2+ motherboard/AMD 965. It works nicely, though as of late the fan has been making some noises. 92mm PWM replacement fans seem to go for $16 or so. I figured I would rather spend $15 or so more and get a 120mm cooler.

My price range is $30-40. I can go a little higher than that if needed. I would prefer a 120mm that is quiet. It must have PWM to automatically adjust fan speed. I would also like for it to push the hot air into the rear exhaust fan of my case. The ability to add a second fan for a push/pull set up would be nice as well.

CPU is at stock speeds, though I plan on upgrading to an Intel CPU sometime in the future so a heatsink that has mounts for both AM2+ and Intel sockets would be ideal.

So far I found the following:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

The product page lists AM3+ support. I assume this means it will work on AM2+ as well?

I am also looking at the Xigmatek Gaia, though if their fan life is short I would prefer a different brand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082

Are there any other heatsink/fans I should be looking at?

 

[bigted]

get the CM hyper 212 either one, i have 2 212+'s and can confirm the fit on AM2 and 1366, have little doubt they would also fit on the 1155 socket. i have one that is push/pull and one just push, they rock

 

[Flogger23m]

What is the main difference between the Plus and the EVO? From the description the Plus seems to be able to support up to two fans where as the EVO does not mention such a feature.

Is there any significant difference in the cooling performance? One is listed at 32 dba max whereas the over is at 36 dba. Not sure how much louder that would be in practice, though I doubt it will hit full speed.

 

[wra18th]

I used a 212+ for a while on a i7 960 and I was very satisfied with its performance. I even picked up the same identical fan for the other side and it performed a bit better. Go with the 212+.

 

[bigted]

What is the main difference between the Plus and the EVO? From the description the Plus seems to be able to support up to two fans where as the EVO does not mention such a feature.

Is there any significant difference in the cooling performance? One is listed at 32 dba max whereas the over is at 36 dba. Not sure how much louder that would be in practice, though I doubt it will hit full speed.

the difference is how the heat pipe makes contact with the cpu on the evo, on the + it does not, it makes a SMALL amount of difference

the both have support for 2 fans

 

[wra18th]

The 212+ does too have direct heat pipe contact. I just looked at mine.

 

[Flogger23m]

What is the noise difference between the two at full speed? Newegg claims 4dba difference (perhaps that is why the EVO is slightly cooler), though how much louder is it in practice? Does anyone have experience with both?

And if I were to get a second fan for push-pull is there an identical fan readily available as well as the mount for it? I would also need a PWM splitter as I only have one PWM slot on my motherboard.

 

[bigted]

The 212+ does too have direct heat pipe contact. I just looked at mine.

sorry, was going by memory, the difference is the way the heatpipes are flatter on the EVO at contact with the cpu. so the 212+ isn't as flat, has gaps whereas the evo doesn't have quite as big of a gap between heatpipes

 

[kirbyrj]

sorry, was going by memory, the difference is the way the heatpipes are flatter on the EVO at contact with the cpu. so the 212+ isn't as flat, has gaps whereas the evo doesn't have quite as big of a gap between heatpipes

It depends on what kind of deal you get on them. The 212+ can be had for around $20AR and the EVO usually goes for $30. The EVO is better, but probably not $10 better. I have a 212+ and don't feel the need to swap it out for an EVO.