I have a stock cooler currently on my cpu, its too loud and i want to replace it. Its just most coolers involve replacing the backplate on the motherboard which i dont really want to do. So if anyone knows of an easy to fit cooler for a K8 motherboard that would be appriciated.

Alex

in your case, zalman coolers are out of the question. you can find thermaltake models that fit into your socket without the need to take the board out. (www.thermaltake.com) you should be aware that higher performance hsf assemblies (made from copper i might add) weigh more and therefore most of them require a backplate, so if you wanted one without a backplate your cooling performance isn't going to get much better.