If you have a low-end C2D (45nm CPUs) and don't want to spend much $$ on aftermarket coolers, see if you can get a high-end C2Q stock cooler and use that instead. For example, I have a E7400, and I am using it with a Q9550 stock cooler (difference is that the Q9550 cooler is very slightly taller, has a round copper base instead of full aluminum, and a more powerful fan). I am currently running the E7400 @3.50GHz (10.5x333) which is a 25% overclock (+0.7GHz) at stock voltage, with full load temps of around 56-58C. This was my first attempt at overclocking this CPU too, and will be working to OC it further. Let's see if I can break 4GHz.

With so many people who buy the high-end C2Q CPUs practically throwing away their stock coolers to get better coolers like TRUE or Megahalems, this could be a very cheap way to get better cooling for your CPU at next to nothing (or even free).

This post has been edited by Traveler: Jul 10 2009, 03:51 PM