Final words

• The hardcore overclocker who wants maximum performance should go with Alpha. For motherboards with a socket, the FC-PAL6035 is the better choice (it is also cheaper than the PEP66). For slotket configurations the PEP66 is better, since it is less likely to block more than one DIMM slot. Alpha ships the heatsinks with Sanyo Denki fans, but many retailers ship them with YS Tech fans instead. In our opinion, the slightly better performance (0.5°C in our test) doesn't necessarily justify the much higher noise level of the YS Tech fans, so our recommendation is rather to go with the Sanyo Denki version. The disadvantage of the Alphas, as usual, is the high price.
  
  
• The budget-conscious overclocker can chose between the Global WIN FKP32 and the Thermaltake Aircooler ("Golden Orb"). The FKP32 will provide better cooling, but it is louder than the Golden Orb. The Golden Orb  is a good choice for anybody who wants above-average performance at a bearable noise level. Also, thanks to its compact design, it doesn't block any DIMM slots when used on a slotket.
  
  
• If you're not overclocking, but you're concerned about noise, then there's no alternative to the RDJD K715. Thanks to its temperature-controlled fan, it is the quietest heatsink we have ever tested.

From the cooling performance point of view, we have seen Alpha vs Global WIN duels many times. In previous heatsink comparisons, the Global WIN units always performed at least on par with the Alphas, but this time Alpha has clearly taken the lead. For how long? That remains to be seen - we have yet to test the successor to the FKP32, but as soon as it becomes available to us, we will be sure to see how it matches up with the Alphas.