Pentium4 Coolers Roundup. Q4 `2002
Findings
If you intend using the processor in its nominal mode, you can safely use a box-type cooler. But if the noise levels are very critical to you, turn to coolers of varying rotational speeds.
Some general recommendations for them: if the processor is weak (that could be a Celeron Northwood or lower-end Pentium4 Northwood models), take the Titan W5TB(TC) without any fear. This cooler is very(!) quiet.
If the processor is bit more powerful (or if you plan to upgrade to one in future), you are better off taking the "box-type" cooler (which is also able varying the rotational speed depending on the temperature).
I wouldn't recommend buying the Igloo Diamond4000 because of its poor job adequately cooling the processor. Besides, the cooler is pretty expensive for its category. The Zalman 6500B-AlCu model is more expensive than that, but it cools a little bit better than the box-type cooler. I wouldn't recommend to buy it either.
If you plan for a slight overclock (i.e. the Vcore voltage isn't going to exceed the threshold 1.65V or +10%), then I can't give a one-one recommendation.
As an option - if you have a good 70 mm fan, then take the Titan CW7TB model and replace the factory fan with your own.
But if you are into overclocking with raising the processor voltage by more than 10% (i.e. Vcore>1.65V), then an expensive cooler with the copper radiator is a must-have. The cheapest in this category is the Thermaltake Volcano 7+ model which does best at the maximum rotation speed. But the noise it makes is simply unbearable.
If we switch the speed to the medium mode, the noise will go down to the acceptable level, but its cooling job will be worse than the copper coolers made by Zalman.
As for the Zalman 5700D-CU and 6500B-Cu coolers, you have to take account of the following factors when deciding which to buy:
- fitting the Zalman 5700D-CU inside big-tower cases is a breeze;
- the Zalman 5700D-CU requires an additional fan doing the job of blowing-out and placed as close as possible to the airway outlet;
- the Zalman 5700D-CU is noisier than the Zalman 6500B-CU;
- in the closed case, the Zalman 5700D-CU shows better results;
- The radiator of the Zalman 6500B-CU cooler is very heavy - twice as heavy than recommended.
- The Zalman 6500B-CU cooler is the most expensive;
- in the closed case, the Zalman 6500B-CU requires good ventilation;
- in the open case, the Zalman 6500B-CU provides the best cooling.
As you can see, it's hard to make a one-one selection (but I would rather choose the Zalman 6500B-CU).
If you are into the maximum overclock with a very quite operation of the cooling device, then forget about the air cooling.
Addendum
In the nearest time, some very interesting coolers are expected to hit the retail shelves.
This is the Zalman CNPS7000-CU model, which by its design does resemble the notorious Orb's :)
And a couple of novelties from Thermaltake, namely Spark7 and SubZero.
What is more, the retail has been offering the Cooler Master IHC-L71-E1 for quite a while, made on the base of the "heatpipes", but so far it hasn't yet fallen into my hands :).
As soon as the good chance appears, we'll test these.
Read more on this topic:
 Coolers for Pentium 4 `2002 Q3
SocketA Coolers Roundup Q4 `2002
SocketA Coolers Roundup Q2 `2002
Testing thermopastes
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