CPU Heatsink,

[t1no]

Well i am currently using the CPU stock cooler, and it's not working too well. my computer is up to 40-46C (San Diego 3700+) good or bad? anyway i want to know what heatsink i can get for 40-60$ (heatsink w/o a fan i hear is a lot better, of course ill have to buy a fan also). and i got my cpu on newegg.com and they say i can't return it if i buy another cpu cooler(true)?, but ohh well.

[DaveW]

Most of the time companies will say using a different Cooler will void the warranty, despite the fact that a new cooler will make the CPU a lot happier and less likely to feel homesick.

What sort of socket is the processor?

-Dave

[Slug Toy]

that would have to be a S939. san diego is a S939 core revision.

i dont think there are a lot of coolers in your price range. the big copper ones from zalman work good. the thermaltake blue orb works good too. other than that, i think a lot of them are getting too expensive for you.

as far as heatsinks without fans, they arent better. i dont know what you've heard, but when you have active airflow, there is always better cooling. anyways, most heatsinks come with fans so thats not a problem.

im also not surprised that the stock cooler isnt working too well. ive heard various reports that they arent very well designed. 46 degrees isnt catastrophic though, id be more concerned if it was at 56. you'll definitely be able to knock that down to the mid to high 30's with a zalman or thermaltake cooler.

so go take a look on newegg in the coolers section and let us know if you like one in particular, and we'll be able to say if its a good one or not.

[t1no]

Is the thermal grease needed? what does it do?

[public_eyesore]

YES!!! Thermal grease is needed(as5 prefered). It provides the proper insulation(<<<not the word im looking for but you get the idea) and helps transfer the heat from the proc to the cooler

[Cevinzol]

Thermal paste increases thermal transfer from the CPU/GPU to the heat sink by filling the air gap between the two pieces (air is an insulator).
Arctic silver paste is good (not the epoxy)
I've seen people sand a mirror finish on the heat sink to increase contact and reduce the thicknes of the thermal paste needed.