tips for anyone looking to buy a new heatsink .
1. check for any possible data online .... reviews especially
2. be sure to check the clip design, eg. for Socket A, a clip with only one hole on each end is SURE to break part of your socket [ i did it
] , it is very common for smaller clips to break when installing, or break and fall off in transport [if heatsink if heavy] .
3. look for a universal standard called 'C/W' , found usually on manufacturers website, the lower the better , for a prescott P4 or Athlon XP, you want at least a C/W of 42.
4. ask around for people who have experience with the same sink... online forums, techie friends etc. Reviewers can be bribed......
5. consider your needs, if your processor is hot, you need a HSF with SOME copper in it, and a fairly fast fan . If you are just looking for something to look kewl in the case/be quieter , be sure it can adequatly cool your chip.
6. Don't forget you can also MOD the heatsink with a better fan.... if you are just in the market for something pretty... contemplate just buying an LED fan that can fit, and putting it on .
FACT: the no. 2 cause of death among CPUS is related to the heatsink.
hope this helps.
