486 Processor CPU Cooler - Heatsink + Fan

This is basically a new/old stock item. The fan was made more than 20+ years ago. Back then, most 40mm fans were really loud (for their size) as is this model. It's not so loud as to annoy everyone in the room. It's just loud enough to let people know that a computer is definitely on.Also the clip that holds it to the CPU is very hard plastic (ie. equally brittle) and you must be careful when installing or removing it so as not to snap off one of the legs.It works well and with few cooling options for higher speed 486's, its worth getting. 100Mhz and higher 486's need active cooling and this gets the job done. It's just louder and more delicate than it needs to be.If you have a better, more modern 40mm fan then consider swapping it out. Really what your buying here is a heatsink with a clip that should have it's old fan replaced.A bit of a pita, and costly to do, but if you're running a faster 486, it's an ok option. DX50' s and under simply don't need this, as they don't get that hot. This will do little to nothing to extend the life of a slower 486.Also, it does not need a TIM to be effective. If you plan to use any sort of TIM, then consider a pad of some sort. A regular thermal pad or graphite pad is perfect for this heatsink. Don't use grease/paste. Between the rough heatsink surface and the typical ceramic package of most 486's, it will make a hard to clean mess that helps trap air bubbles and gives poor performance.Even an AMD DX4 120 will be cooled enough using this without any TIM at all. As long as it's properly installed, it will make plenty of contact with the top of the CPU and do it's job. TIM's with heatsink's simply aren't needed until you get into Pentium era CPU's so don't worry about it on a 486.