CPU Cooler

[cyborg939]

I am planning a budget gaming PC build (sub $100). So far, I have a P5Q Pro with 4GB of RAM and a Q6600 lined up, with a Visiontek Radeon HD 4850 all in a CM 690 case. I want to overclock, and possibly extend the life of my CPU by running it cooler. I was thinking about getting the Noctua NH U12P, which seems to be an excellent and very quiet CPU cooler. But, it runs me $72 with shipping. Is there anything cheaper that will perform well and still be relatively quiet? I had in mind other coolers like the Tuniq Tower or the Xigmatek HDT S1283. Is there anything else that will perform well and get me to at least 3.2GHz on my Q6600? Thanks.

[cdnbum88]

Stick with the S1283. Upgrade the fan if the noise bothers you with the stock fan.

It is by far the best HSF/$$ IMHO.

[aykw515]

Well with my experience, I am happy with ASUS Lion Square for both silence and performance. You might find other coolers with better performance, but not many can keep silence (I guess every cooler just speed up its FAN RPM, the performance won't be too bad huh :p:)

NewEgg is running MIR now, check it out

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835101022