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[RaymondCarver]

I've worried about slipping and stabbing/scratching the socket area of AhtlonXP boards with a flathead screwdriver when popping n locking the clips in to place. I've slipped before and thought the mobo may have been damaged. Some clips have larger spaces to insert a screwdriver and are easier to install. If you know what I'm talking about, what fans have larger slots for a screwdriver? What fans do you like and prefer?

I'm avoiding the the cheapest of the cheap. Zalman copper are nice, but they're so dang big. I wouldn't mind just a basic retail-sized fan, but I want performance. What's circa $20 that will fit my needs(and quiet)?

 

[Lhadatt]

It's potluck. Some fans have big clips, some don't. The key is getting a screwdriver that won't slip out (try a blade that's bigger than the clip) and bending the latch the right way when putting it on. Try to push the screwdriver handle back toward the chip, so the clip is bending toward you -- it may get onto the latch on the chip socket easier that way.

Don't use the fan that came with the retail version of the chip. It's crap.

I prefer Thermaltake. Try the Volcano series. I think that's what I have.

 

[Shogmaster]

Stock ones are super easy.

 

[Lhadatt]

And super crappy. Stock fans < pretty much everything else.

Thermaltake for great justice.

 

[Diablos]

To put it simply: No.

 

[pestul]

I got that Volcano 12 off Ebay for $40cdn shipped.. the clip was easy to install (had the steel sides so the driver couldn't slip out). As for cooling, if you've got the dough... Thermalright SP97 for the HS and a Vantec fan is the way to go. The SP97 isn't exactly the easiest to install though.. as you need to remove the motherboard from the case.