Hi All,

I recently upgraded the proc on my E520 to a Q6600 (Intel Core 2 Quad @ 2.4Ghz). The Q6600 generates 105W vs. the E6600 I was running that generated 85W. So I have been looking for an aftermarket cooler (even though technically I am within acceptable temp ranges with the stock one). I have not had any luck on that front, but I did discover something pretty interesting last week. Stock HSF's for the E520's are not all the same. Specifically, the huge copper block that came with on main computer (E520) is different than the one I found in another E520 I run at my office.

 

So I did some testing, and sure enough the alt version HSF cuts temps by about 10-15% overall. From idle around 115 degrees (F) to 100 degrees (F), and 141 degrees (F) to 127 degrees (F) under load. I used Arctic Silver 5 in both cases, and did not allow for break-in of paste in either case (but did "prime" the HS with a think layer).

 

I am attaching pictures of the "other" HSF in case anyone out there is interested in trying to locate one for thier upgraded E520 rig.

 

I can attest that the "Other" heat sink assembly is a perfect match for the standard one (the big block), it snaps into the same "pivot" slots and the screw holes line up to the board as well. Pretty much a 1:1 upgrade.

Hope this helps!
cantedview