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If you want to replace the stock cooler for the Athlon 64, or want to overclock one, then the Silent Boost K8 from Thermaltake is worth serious consideration.
The unit looks well built and feels it too; this beast weighs a substantial 500g but still manages to fit in the standard heatsink retention frame.
Its copper base has some 46 fins soldered to it and, although it isn't polished to a mirror like finish, the sanding marks are shallow and easily filled by the supplied thermal grease.
On top of the aluminium frame sits an 80mm fan running on ball bearings and spinning at 2,450rpm, producing a quoted 27.5CFM flow of air at 21dB.
As well as the necessary thermal compound, Thermaltake comes with a useful colour installation poster.