The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[OVERK|LL]

Gained 637 points swapping out the 8800GTS to the 4890. Going to try and break 18K with it hopefully.

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Hey guys. While way back when I had planned on this build to be my first WC rig I just never got a round tuit - going to do that on the next build instead. I'd like to spend a modest amount of $$ to upgrade from the stock Intel HSF on my Q9450 to something better but want to make sure it FITS the mobo without a lot of fin bending or cap nudging. The stock HSF shouldn't be so bad but I find that extended runs at high utilization really spike the temps - I suspect it's partly due to my inability to effectively cinch the sucker down with that goofy push-pin system.

I recognize that the TRUE is among the ne plus ultra of air-cooled HSF's but was hoping to spend something less (and save the $$ for my WC parts) yet still get solid, improved, cooling over what I have now.

Scanning through the thread I see, from the .sig's, that most that don't WC like the TRUE (no surprise). Hoping to get some real world feedback on other solutions that fit this board without a big hassle. Specifically it would be great to know if, say, the Sunbeam CCF fits well (or something similar). NewEgg is currently selling that for $39.99 with a $15 rebate for a net (eventually) of only $25.

Thanks guys.