What's a good Socket 478 heatsink?

theoneandonly · Post by **theoneandonly** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:28 pm

Can anyone recommend a good Socket 478 heatsink, for an ABIT IC7-MAX3 motherboard? I already have a GlobalWin NCB 120mm fan, I just need a good heatsink to accompany it.

Thanks.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:52 pm

Scythe Ninja would be good I think. Of course it would be nice to get some case information, so we know what are restrictive factors.

Edit: I just googled the motherboard. If you have that OTES cooling, Ninja won't fit.

Noctua's tower cooler might fit...

theoneandonly · Post by **theoneandonly** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 3:12 pm

Actually, the whole reason I'm wondering is because I'm in the process of quieting my PC. Here are two links to my two major previous posts:
viewtopic.php?t=40403&highlight=
viewtopic.php?t=40437&highlight=

In that first post, someone led me to believe the Thermalright SI-128 would be PERFECT for my motherboard. It was only when I had it in my hands that I looked up online and realized it wasn't compatible at all.

There are some pictures in the second link, but since I took those pictures I've already gutted that computer, quieted my VGA card, and installed a fanless chipset cooler on the Northbridge.

I've already also removed the OTES, so there should be a lot more room in that area. However, all the components directly above the processor that were originally covered by the OTES will likely interfere with anything that is flush against the surface of the motherboard. Which is why I thought the SI-128 was nice, because it's suspended high above the surface of the motherboard.

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 3:27 pm

that might be true, but I am still not sure SL-128 fit. It would offer good mosffet cooling though so removing OTES wouldn't have that much effects... But I cannot tell wether it or XP-120 fit. Some slimmer Tower Sinks would fit.

theoneandonly · Post by **theoneandonly** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 3:53 pm

The space available for the heatsink is roughly 3.75 inches wide and 3 inches tall.

Here are some pictures of the motherboard as it is. The last one is of the motherboard when it was in the old case and had the old CPU fan installed.

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b3nbranch · Post by **b3nbranch** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:32 pm

I don't know how hot a CPU you're planning to use, but the
XP-90 ought to fit in that space. Takes a 92mm fan.

theoneandonly · Post by **theoneandonly** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:43 pm

That's a nice fan, but are there any that would use a 120 mm fan?

b3nbranch · Post by **b3nbranch** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:51 pm

There's an XP-120, but of course it's bigger. From their web site,

L110 x W125 x H63 (mm) Fin only, without fan

Whereas the XP-90 is,

L116 x W96 x H75 (mm) Fin only, without fan
L116 x W96 x H96 (mm) Fin only, with 25mm thick fan

www.thermalright.com

theoneandonly · Post by **theoneandonly** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:55 pm

What quiet fan would you recommend I use with the XP-90?

b3nbranch · Post by **b3nbranch** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 5:01 pm

Hmm. Check out the SPCR review of 92mm fans,

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article720-page1.html

The Nexus is relatively easy to obtain and happens to be what
I've got.

dfrost · Post by **dfrost** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:01 am

I'm using, and quite pleased with an XP-120 on an Abit AI7 motherboard. It fits fine in one orientation (heatpipe curves down), and helps cool the hot-running MOSFETs that may be typical for some P4 MB's. Here's a shot of what it has to clear around the CPU socket (heatpipe curves would be to left in this picture).

And here's one of the curve area and adjacent NB-47J. It would also clear your NBF47 NB HS, if that were installed. The only clearance issue that I'm aware of with these large Thermalrights is the heatpipe curves and large capacitors next to the 478 HS retention frame. Hope that helps somehow.