[kbaird]

So no good on golden orb II ?
I was thinking I should try it.
What's low heights htpc ?

Anything good I can put on
without taking out the mobo ?

[saltynay]

Something like this is a low height htpc case
KustomPCs.co.uk - Antec Micro Fusion 350 HTPC Case

All the decent cpu coolers require a backplate on the mobo so taking it out otherwise you run the risk of it falling out and smashing everything on the way down and it has happened to some idiots that don't bother with backplates.

The golden orb 2 is an ok cooler its better then stock but its not particularly good value for money or performance due to it being designed for the small form factor market.

[kbaird]

Did an exchange for a thermaltake v1
which was the only thing that looked ok
at the only store around here.

But, after a 60 min drive home I found that
it's doesn't screw to a plate under the mobo.
Now, I guess I am an idiot.

Before ( stock fan ) @2.5
Idle 44-48c
Load 58-63c

After ( v1 ) @2.5
Idle 40-44c
Load 52-56c

Any thoughts?

Do I really need
to exchange again?

Thanks.