hi guys i collected this data from and listed the best performance coolers and their accompanying decibels CAK4-86 from Global Win Technology best 46c 72.6dB Swiftech's MCX-462U 2nd 47c don't get this doesn't come with fan AVC Z6M330 Frost 50c 51.2dB Coolermaster HAC-V81-X-Dream 50 65.2dB Those who opt for the VAC-81 should check beforehand whether there is sufficient space around the processor socket. Thermaltake Vulcano 7+ 50c 66.9dB c = celcius dB = noise measured in decibels (the higher it goes the worse it gets) and the assumption i get from this is the AVC is the best noise to performance cooler with fan. Can anyone disagree or elaborate; i am trying to get as much advise as possible before i spend what i consider to be a large amount of money. thanx for looking ;) shpanks