Buying a CPU fan/heatsink

[BobtheCkroach]

Hey, what factors are important in deciding on a cpu fan/heatsink? Does anyone have any model they'd particularly recommend. Specifically, I'm looking for one that's a little cooler looking than the standard one that comes w/ cpus, but one that's still a good model. Bigg...Jimbo...what say thee?

[ME BIGGD01]

first need to know what your platform is and what your budget is.

[BobtheCkroach]

first need to know what your platform is and what your budget is.

Um...taking your advice, it's gonna be a generic nForce2 board, w/ an AMD 3000+ on it. and my budget is around 20 - 30 bucks. I know the standard fan will run it, i just want a cool lookin' one, but i'm not gonna spend to death over it.

[Death Engineer]

I had to buy a CPU fan for a XP2000+ and I've been happy with my choice. Newegg CPU Fan - Blue and cheap (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-039&depa=0)

[BobtheCkroach]

I had to buy a CPU fan for a XP2000+ and I've been happy with my choice. Newegg CPU Fan - Blue and cheap (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-039&depa=0)

That's a lot like one of the ones that I'm looking at...the one i was lookin' at is a little more expensive, b/c it's got a metal grill on top...
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-151-112&depa=0

Though I will say that the one you showed is lit up, and that's pretty kewl.

The other one that I've looked into is

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-106-017&depa=0

I love the look of that one, but it's more money (not significantly, though)

I just don't know if I should be comparing stuff like all copper vs copper insert, etc. So if anyone knows to "avoid this or that" plz tell me.