Help: Build PC (Intel or AMD)

[urbanriz]

Hi All,

I have done a build in a while and was recently thinking of building a PC. I would like like to spend under $800 if possible but try to get the best bang for the buck.

I was initially thinking of building a i5 or i7 but then the rep @ Tigerdirect mentioned that I should go for AMD as they are more budget friendly and I can get a lot more for less.

I was in Tigerdirect yesterday (Woodbridge, ON) and they were showing me Gigabyte 890GPA-UD3H 890GX AM3 motherboard and I could go Quad or Six Core with 2gb. The case was approx $99 on sale from $150 which very a good overall design for airflow and making sure nothing is tight inside. I was thinking of an ATI 5470 VC to go with this but also thinking of possibly adding another VC later to this build if possible? I believe the 5470 has HDMI out. I would also like to add BR Playback or if possible BR Playback/Write.

Any suggestions, sorry for no real model numbers or for being a bit unclear, as you can see I am completely new to this since I was out of the game for over 10 yrs now.

Thanks,
Riz

[R3P0]

well it all depends on your budget, Personally I would go with Intel as the i7 chips are the best on the market and outperform the best AMD chips hands down. You can get the i7 950 for 230 Dollars by far the best chip for the price, comparably the AMD 1090t 6 core processor is about 50 dollars more. Both manufacturers are looking to release new chips Q1 2011, 6, 8, and 12 cores

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0346210

Motherboards are where it is going to be tricky, here are the 3 I am considering, most likely because of the amount of Pcie slots I will choose the Evga

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-358-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-642-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-069-_-Product

Right now what you want to spend your money on is your video card. AMD just released new Video cards but they clock at about the same as what the GTX 470 has been clocking at for the past year. If you can afford to SLI or crossfire then go for it but make sure you have a PSU that can handle these new cards.

I have already started my build and will be putting dual GTX 470 in mine. Would do GTX 480 but I cannot afford it.

[crystal_sun]

I spent about $2500 on my system, but I helped my bro build a system for under $1000 not 6 months ago...so I expect the price has dropped by now.

What is your plan for the PC? gaming? application and surfing? encoding video, etc?

Do you have a Micocenter.com locally? It is amazing how their Intel CPUs are so cheap.

Intel Core i7-920 2.67GHz for $170
Intel Core i7-950 3.06GHz for $230

Get the i7-920 and over-clock...no need to pay premium for the newer stuff....

I recommend getting a 80 GB Intel SSD for your operating system...and buy 2 TB for your data.... The boot time and shutdown makes a big difference. If you are planning to build a new system that will last you another 7+ years, then go with SSD in my opinion.

Get Windows 7 installed....

You should look into EVGA products for your motherboard and graphic cards...the higher end ($200 and up) has LIFETIME warranty. I had a bad graphic card several months ago, and they exchanged it for FREE EVGA has a very good customer support.

For power supply, I went with Corsair....7 years warranty so that should last me for awhile Buy at least 750W for future expansion if you are planning to add extra video cards, etc.

For Amazon...too many to choose from....I went with Corsair brand....go with 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) configuration.

Check Amazon for some deal...since they have no sales tax..but not sure about your state.

The bad thing about ordering parts here and there to assemble them for cheap is the return policy. If you buy a CPU, and waited for 1 month for a good deal somewhere else...you just don't have the luxury to put them all together and test them out. Yes, you do have manufacturing warranty, but it's better to deal with store warranty at first. Therefore, when you are ready to assemble them, then create a spreadsheet of the parts and prices from each store and order them around the same time.

Good luck...

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

I was initially thinking of building a i5 or i7 but then the rep @ Tigerdirect mentioned that I should go for AMD as they are more budget friendly and I can get a lot more for less.

Any suggestions, sorry for no real model numbers or for being a bit unclear, as you can see I am completely new to this since I was out of the game for over 10 yrs now.

Seeing as you're in Ontario, NewEgg.com's prices won't help you, but you can shop at the Canadian site, NewEgg.ca. The prices on the Canadian NewEgg are closer to the US online site, and will be substantially cheaper than TigerDirect. When I'm in Ontario, I visit the TigerDirect B&M store to research/examine the components up-close, but I always order online.

With a budget of ~CDN$800, Core i7 CPUs are out of consideration (add an LGA 1366 mobo and there goes 60-70% of your budget right there); for you, it comes down to Intel Core i5 and AMD Phenom II X4 (and even the Phenom XII X6 1055T, which is less than CDN$200). The AMD CPUs are priced slightly cheaper than similarly-performing i5 equivalents, they are excellent overclockers, and the PCI-E controller will support two video cards at x16 transfer rate each (in comparison, the Core i5's embedded PCI-E controller can support two video cards at x8 transfer rate each).

Here are two mock assemblies (one AMD, one Intel) that you can put together for ~CDN$800 (all prices taken from NewEgg.ca's website, S&H excluded):

AMD:
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition - $170.99
Motherboard: ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 - $119.99
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $95.99
Heatsink: XIGMATEK BALDER SD1283 120mm Long Life CPU Cooler - $39.99
Blu-ray Drive: LG UH10LS20 10X BD-ROM - $99.99
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 32MB Cache - $69.99
Video card: PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB - $181.99
Total (before case and S/H): ~CDN$779

Keep in mind that the HD 5470 is an ATI Mobility Radeon GPU, and thus excluded from consideration.


INTEL:
CPU: Intel Core i5-650 Clarkdale 3.2GHz - $188.99
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 - $129.99
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $95.99
Heatsink: XIGMATEK BALDER SD1283 120mm Long Life CPU Cooler - $39.99
Blu-ray Drive: LG UH10LS20 10X BD-ROM - $99.99
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 32MB Cache - $69.99
Video card: PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB - $181.99
Total (before case and S/H): ~CDN$806

You can save ~$30 by going with an HD 5770-based video card, and quite a bit more if the PC isn't going to be used for gaming purposes, e.g. GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 (with HDMI output) for ~$31.

[PrivatePixel]

Darn, I forgot to include the power supply as part of the equation.

These are what I would consider (of course, that means having to go with a lesser CPU and/or GPU for now. All prices in Canadian dollars):

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W 80 PLUS Certified - $89.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W 80 PLUS Certified - $99.99

[Icecoldblue]

My list would be very similar to PrivatePixels except for brand preference.

The Asus Mobo for the AMD build has a built in GPU with DVI/VGA/HDMI outs. So if money needed to be saved, could cut out the dedicated video card.


Only change I would do is this:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache - 79.99

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Icecoldblue

The Asus Mobo for the AMD build has a built in GPU with DVI/VGA/HDMI outs. So if money needed to be saved, could cut out the dedicated video card.

That's right, I forgot: the AMD motherboard comes with an onboard ATI Radeon HD 4250 video chipset.

Only change I would do is this:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache - 79.99

The Spinpoint F3 drives are blazing performers, but I went with the Caviar Black for the longer warranty: 3 years for the Samsung vs. 5 years for the WD.

[Jeff Kleist]

Couldn't help ducking in, I'm finishing up a new HTPC. If you want quiet and cool, the AMD 605/10/15e quadcore series can go fanless with the right heatsink and only eats 45w instead of the 95/125w

If you're not gaming or doing other power applications, it's worth a look and reportedly handles Blu-ray playback just fine (BD-R future upgrade )

[urbanriz]

WOW! Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions!

Prior to coming here I was looking at the below but forgot the heatsink portion, what do you think?

Thanks all for the replies What do you think of the below? Mainly want to use it for BR playback/backup I want speed ..

Gigabyte Motherboard GA-880GMA-UD2H AMD AM3 880G/SB850 PCI Express 2 DDR3 USB3 ATX Retail
$108.48 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=222210...cture=Gigabyte

AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 6 Core Processor 2.8GHZ Socket AM3 Retail Box
$194.99 - http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...D&promoid=1260

Western Digital WD Caviar Blue 1TB SATA 3GB/S 7200RPM 32MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM
$69.12 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=50846&...20Digital%20WD

LG CH10LS20 Bluray Reader & DVD Writer Combo Drive 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-RW Lightscribe SATA Retail Box
$99.99 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=49302&...%20Electronics

Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GB 2X2GB PC3-10666 DDR3-1333 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit
$79.99 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=55546&...kin%20Enhanced

Silverstone Strider Essential ST50F-ES 500W Power Supply ATX 24PIN 120MM Fan 34A 80+ Black
$64.79 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=49495&...e%20Technology

Total: $617.36

Am I missing anything? I really liked a case I saw over at Tigerdirect that was $50 off going for $99 which I will probably get. I don't think I will be overclocking yet as I have yet to learn about that aspect but do I need any additional fans for the CPU? As mentioned above, heat sink I forgot to add.

Some people think I should go Intel but for some reason I am leaning more towards AMD as it seems better suited for me.

PrivatePixel .. thank you very much for the indepth system builds you put together for me

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GB 2X2GB PC3-10666 DDR3-1333 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit
$79.99 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=55546&...kin%20Enhanced

Will the above work with:

GIGABYTE GA-880GM-USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
$112.99 - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...key=880gm-usb3
(Link shows with a AM3 Phenom II 1055T Processor w/ Fan Bundle which I am not looking at, I am thinking X4 965 Quad Core which is apparently better than the 1055T Six Core(?))

The guy at Tigerdirect.ca was telling me to get:

Patriot PGV34G1333ELK Sector 5 4GB PC10666 RAM - DDR3, 1333MHz, 2x2048MB, 9-9-9-27
$79.99 AR - http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...50&CatId=4524=

It is the same price after rebate but will it work with this board? I am reading conflicting reports on the net and am soooooooo confused. I was thinking of going with the 880GM-USB3 board only because of the USB 3.0 on board and not having to mess with it afterwards. Also, this doesn't overclock either right?

[ryoohki]

Pricematch EVERYTHING from Newegg.ca and DIRECTCANADA.COM at NCIX.

So get the best price for EACH item (sometime it's NCIX) and you'll get a very very good price

Motherboard : 104.91 (DIRECTCANADA)
CPU 1055T : 189.00 (NEWEGG.CA)
Blu Ray : 99.12 (DIRECTCANADA)
RAM Muskin : 62.02 (DIRECTCANADA)
POWER SUPPLY : 53.24 (DIRECTCANADA)

Total : 508.29

For Pricematching it's easy, go to you're cart at NCIX, drop down at the bottom of the page.. there's a RED button called START PRICE MATCH, click on that. For each item they'll ask you for the price and the LINK at their competition website for the item (must be the exact same). After that, about 1 day later you'll receive a notification if they accept the PM or not for each ITEM 99% of the time they do because DirectCanada and NCIX are the same company (but DirectCanada have a lesser customer service if something wrong happen)

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Prior to coming here I was looking at the below but forgot the heatsink portion, what do you think?

Gigabyte Motherboard GA-880GMA-UD2H AMD AM3 880G/SB850 PCI Express 2 DDR3 USB3 ATX Retail
$108.48 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=222210...cture=Gigabyte

AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 6 Core Processor 2.8GHZ Socket AM3 Retail Box
$194.99 - http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...D&promoid=1260

Two solid choices in my book.

Western Digital WD Caviar Blue 1TB SATA 3GB/S 7200RPM 32MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM
$69.12 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=50846&...20Digital%20WD

I know you mentioned speed as being important, which is why I would recommend going with a Caviar Black hard drive (over the Caviar Blue). On the surface, it seems that their performance numbers may be identical (as both are 7200RPM with 32MB cache of RAM), but the Black has an edge in performance, as they are outfitted with dual processors in their architecture, and the longer warranty offers better peace-of-mind.

I would suggest a Caviar Black for the OS and games (or any resource-intensive app), and perhaps a Caviar Blue or Green drive for storage and other apps. The 1TB model is a bit pricey, so I'll recommend a consumer favourite: Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB - $63.99 at NCIX

LG CH10LS20 Bluray Reader & DVD Writer Combo Drive 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-RW Lightscribe SATA Retail Box
$99.99 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=49302&...%20Electronics

Fine choice here.

Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GB 2X2GB PC3-10666 DDR3-1333 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit
$79.99 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=55546&...kin%20Enhanced

Nothing against Mushkin, but you can purchase DDR3-1333 memory with better timings for even less; example below:

G.SKILL F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH Ripjaws PC3-10666 4GB 2X2GB DDR3-1333 CL7-7-7-21 - $69.99

Silverstone Strider Essential ST50F-ES 500W Power Supply ATX 24PIN 120MM Fan 34A 80+ Black
$64.79 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=49495&...e%20Technology

I checked the reviews on the SilverStone Strider Essential 500W and it appears to be a robust, quiet performer. I'm a bit biased towards Corsair (I like the Corsair TX650W at $80, after $20MIR), but Silverstone makes very good PSUs. You should be fine here.

I don't think I will be overclocking yet as I have yet to learn about that aspect but do I need any additional fans for the CPU? As mentioned above, heat sink I forgot to add.

Seeing as you're building an AMD system, you won't need an Intel bracket for the heatsink (which will save you ~$10). There are lots to choose from, but I stand by the following choice (speaking as a user):
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Direct Touch 3 Heatpipe - $39.99

Some people think I should go Intel but for some reason I am leaning more towards AMD as it seems better suited for me.

Prior to building my Intel rig last year, I used AMD CPUs exclusively for over 15+ years, so I'm not biased towards either. I like what the Core 2 CPU offered at the time, but I would have no reservations building an AM3 successor today. The Phenom II X4 and X6 CPUs are superb performers, and even better overclockers, so performance is never a concern and you don't have to worry about CPU incompatability as you do with Intel (due to constant revisions with pin configurations).

PrivatePixel .. thank you very much for the indepth system builds you put together for me

You're welcome.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Two solid choices in my book.

You're welcome.

Thanks again .. you are a very informative and smart person, glad to have met you

I ended up with this today because of a good deal which I think you might agree with

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 and AMD x6 1090T both for $359.99 from NCIX.ca Weekend Instore Special.
Same bundle at TigerDirect.ca for $557(!) - Click Here

I think I it is a solid deal and am personally very happy with this buy as I just read some reviews of the MOBO and its very good apparently.

For the memory I went with G Skill as well I went with:

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL Ripjaws PC3-12800 4GB 2X2GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Core i5 1.5V Memory Kit:
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=42...l&promoid=1259 $64.99

The guy at the store had an AMD and recommended this one so I agreed and went with it as well. Hope I was right with this one

Hard Drive thanks for the suggestion .. Will keep an eye out for a good Caviar Black.

Silverstone Strider PSU is one I am eyeing as well. Just need to find a good case. Have an eye on this one:
NZXT M59-001BK M59 Gaming Mid Tower Case - ATX, mATX, Baby AT, Black
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&Sku=A406-1094

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Seeing as you're building an AMD system, you won't need an Intel bracket for the heatsink (which will save you ~$10). There are lots to choose from, but I stand by the following choice (speaking as a user):
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Direct Touch 3 Heatpipe - $39.99

So do you think I will need this right away for the system? Or can I add it later?

But might change my mind as I am looking out for a possible AMP type case to fit the look of my HT.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by rsarwar

Thanks again .. you are a very informative and smart person, glad to have met you

Always happy to help out a fellow Canadian and system builder.

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 and AMD x6 1090T both for $359.99 from NCIX.ca Weekend Instore Special.
Same bundle at TigerDirect.ca for $557(!) - Click Here

I think I it is a solid deal and am personally very happy with this buy as I just read some reviews of the MOBO and its very good apparently.

Looks like Boxing Day came early for you: that's just an amazing price for an astounding combo. The ASUS motherboard received a HardOCP Gold Editor's Choice award, and AMD CPUs don't get any better than the 1090T. No shortage of horsepower here, and you can always kick it up another notch when you're ready to overclock it.

For the memory I went with G Skill as well I went with:

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL Ripjaws PC3-12800 4GB 2X2GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Core i5 1.5V Memory Kit:
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=42...l&promoid=1259 $64.99

I like this choice more than the one I suggested earlier. A nice find on your part.

Just need to find a good case. Have an eye on this one:
NZXT M59-001BK M59 Gaming Mid Tower Case - ATX, mATX, Baby AT, Black
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&Sku=A406-1094

Case styling is subjective, so as long as you're fine with the styling, go for it. I like the cable routing hole design for cable management, which gives your PC a cleaner look (all the more important since this case comes with a window).

So do you think I will need this right away for the system? Or can I add it later?

You don't need an aftermarket heatsink right away. Seeing as you'll be running the CPU at stock speed, the included heatsink will work just fine. It's just that most builders prefer to go with an aftermarket heatsink for a number of reasons: i) it will keep the CPU temperature lower than the stock heatsink, ii) it will be significantly quieter (when paired with the right cooling fan), and iii) it's needed if you plan to do some serious overclocking.

[ryoohki]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Case styling is subjective, so as long as you're fine with the styling, go for it. I like the cable routing hole design for cable management, which gives your PC a cleaner look (all the more important since this case comes with a window).

Not only that, but a perfectly clean PC with good cable management is a must for good airsoft, that mean that you can use lower fan speed and get the same airsoft as a messy pc with fan at high speed. So you get less noise

I have a big case, the HAF 932, and my whole PC makes less noise than the Xbox 360 (old model) and PS3 ( The fatty)

[Toptube]

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

*if you aren't concerned with gaming, the built in video for the Asus mobo handles Blu-ray and HD video perfectly.
Right now the two best mid-range deals on gaming cards are ATI/AMD Radeon 6850 or Nvidia's GTX 460. The performance is very similar, as well as the price. Really it comes down to feature preference specific to the brand.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Toptube

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 is a very good performer actually (25°C at idle, 36°C at load), but it is slightly noisier than the stock Intel heatsink (40.4 dB from 6" away; the Intel heatsink registered 38.3dB at the same distance). The good thing about J&R is that they will ship to Canada, and the buyer may not have to pay for customs fees, as the purchase is under $20.

Of course, you can always swap the included Cooler Master 120mm fan with something more efficient and quieter.

[urbanriz]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Looks like Boxing Day came early for you: that's just an amazing price for an astounding combo. The ASUS motherboard received a HardOCP Gold Editor's Choice award, and AMD CPUs don't get any better than the 1090T. No shortage of horsepower here, and you can always kick it up another notch when you're ready to overclock it.

Excellent .. that is exactly what I wanted .. sort of future proof myself

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Case styling is subjective, so as long as you're fine with the styling, go for it. I like the cable routing hole design for cable management, which gives your PC a cleaner look (all the more important since this case comes with a window).

I will probably be picking something up today at Tigerdirect.ca as I can't wait any longer to start putting it together Could you guys possibly skim over Tigerdirect.ca and give me any suggestions? I can't access it at work for some weird reason gives me a This page can't be displayed. Contact support for additional information. The incident ID is: 0. error message.

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

You don't need an aftermarket heatsink right away. Seeing as you'll be running the CPU at stock speed, the included heatsink will work just fine. It's just that most builders prefer to go with an aftermarket heatsink for a number of reasons: i) it will keep the CPU temperature lower than the stock heatsink, ii) it will be significantly quieter (when paired with the right cooling fan), and iii) it's needed if you plan to do some serious overclocking.

Originally Posted by Toptube

The stock heatsink at idle isn't terribly loud, but if you are cranking on something intensive it can get fairly noisy.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on a top end heatsink, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. Normally about $30, but $18.99 at this link:
http://www.jr.com/cooler-master/pe/C...tJEAnvsOCqHiOA

Its not THE BEST for cooling performance, but its the same general design as everything else and is therefore a good, decently competitive solution. Its also possible to mount a second fan for more performance and/or more silence.

[/quote]
Some very good info here .. I would like to go this route, by spending the extra but not right away so I will hang off for a month of so, possibly till after Christmas in hopes of seeing things go on sale.

Originally Posted by Toptube

*if you aren't concerned with gaming, the built in video for the Asus mobo handles Blu-ray and HD video perfectly.
Right now the two best mid-range deals on gaming cards are ATI/AMD Radeon 6850 or Nvidia's GTX 460. The performance is very similar, as well as the price. Really it comes down to feature preference specific to the brand.

Yup .. BR is what I will be doing mainly and the odd editing of my sons home videos. Along with surfing, youtubing, netflix and music. I am planning on making an integral part of my HT. The reason I chose this was so that I can properly add another video card later on IF needed. Thanks for the excellent info

I will add pics whenever I get everything put together but will be asking questions so please bear with me

[Toptube]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 is a very good performer actually (25°C at idle, 36°C at load), but it is slightly noisier than the stock Intel heatsink (40.4 dB from 6" away; the Intel heatsink registered 38.3dB at the same distance).

Direct temps are less useful because everyone's computer room is different. Rise over ambient is a much more useful rating.

well it seems that reviews differ on the noise level, but fact is that you will be able to maintain low fan speed at load, due to the larger heatsink. Therefore the hyper 212 is overall much quieter. On the flip side, if you want to crank it all the way (overclocking, or a particularly hot day, or both), at least some reviews indicate the hyper 212 (or 120mm fans in general) at max speed to be about 10 decibels quieter than the intel stock fan at max speed.

and you can add a second fan if you want.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Toptube

Direct temps are less useful because everyone's computer room is different. Rise over ambient is a much more useful rating.

I pulled the info from an AnandTech review conducted over three years on an Intel CPU. The original Hyper 212 heatsink won't be suitable for the AM3 CPU, but that's what the Plus revision is for.

Agreed on the direct temps affecting readings because of the number of different operating environments to account for.