New HSF/Cooler for Core 2 Duo LGA775

[playXray]

I think there's a problem with the CPU fan in my current media centre PC. Whenever I start up the PC it's really loud, like a rumbling sound, and only disappears after a couple of minutes. Once the rumbling has disappeared the fan is still moderately loud, but only in the usual whoosing manner.

So, assuming there's nothing else wrong with my setup, I want to get a new HSF/cooler (I'm not sure which is the currently accepted terminology). It doesn't have to be completely silent but I'd like to be very quiet, as it's for a media centre which I watch TV etc. on. Can anyone recommend any particularly good models? I have no idea what to budget for - will ?25 be enough for something decent?

I also have no idea how to replace the thermal paste. I've only ever used stock HSFs so I've never had to apply thermal paste. Do I need to buy some seperately, and how do I best scrape off the old stuff? The current HSF is about 5 years old so will be quite dried on by now.

Thanks guys.

[spikey_richie]

I have an old (unused) 775 HSF that I don't need. PM me if you want to come and get it from me, or I can post it... it's an Antec jobbie.

Regards paste etc; best thing to do is get a cleaning kit from Amazon. You want some isopropyl alcohol and some lint-free wipes, and then some Artic Silver paste to replace the old stuff.

[Lee G. Veteran]

Yes, you'll need to apply some thermal paste. I use and recommend Arctic Silver 5.

Unless you overclock, you could buy a standard Intel 775 HSF for very little.

A cooler such as the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro should be good. As it's a media centre, I'm guessing there's not enough room for a larger HSF.

It's ?15 on Ebuyer: http://www.ebuyer.com/176157-arctic-cooling-freezer-7-pro-rev-2-socket-775-1156-1155-1366-ac-frz-7pr2

[playXray]

Thanks for all the info. Although I use this as a "media centre", it's actually in a midi tower case so I shouldn't have too many problems with the size of the cooler etc.

That sounds great spikey_richie, I'll send you a pm :).

[playXray]

I ordered that one you specified lcg, thanks for the tip. It should arrive this week hopefully - I'll let you know how I get on installing it.