New entry level gaming pc build

[Zico]

Originally Posted by dirtydog

The stock cooler is perfectly adequate unless you are going for a major overclock.

My Q6600 when modestly overclocked 25% to 3GHz runs at about 45c idle and 60-65 full load with the stock cooler and that is well within comfortable limits for the chip. And being 65nm and a quad it is one of the hottest Core2 chips I think.

Are you planning to buy the Scan pre-built system? Because won't changing the cooler void your warranty? Also bear in mind 775 coolers are an absolute bitch to fit and remove. When I changed chips I had to take the board out, there was no other way of fitting the cooler.

Buying Q9550 parts.

If the stock HSF is likely to deal with a low clock then I won't bother with after market. Not looking to go wild with it (maybe 3.4Ghz as per Divine's clock).