Originally Posted by rallynavvie
The OEM cooling works, it has to in order for Intel to box it with its processors. It is flaky for Prescotts, but Northwoods are okay. The only thing I've noticed about OEM HSFs is the stock fan is kinda noisy.
Thanks r-n,

I did some looking on eBay, someone has a Northwood P4 3.0GHz for $159.00 + s/h, I emailed him and asked if he was sure it was Northwood and not Prescott. I don't want to get stuck with a Prescott, and no way to return it. I'm waiting to hear back from him. If it's for real, I may go ahead and buy it, as I don't think I'll beat that price anywhere for a retail box CPU w/HSF.

Good to know you haven't had any problem with the stock cooling. Then I'd probably just stick with that unless I begin to get heat problems. As long as it's not too noisy, it's fine with me.

Well, we'll see what happens if and when he contacts me about this.