AMD new stock Athlon 64 HSF:Change is good; as long as the change is for better, otherwise, don't bother. AMD has made a lot of changes in recent years when most of us have noticed all of which are better than previous. This time, AMD has the time to redesign its retail pack HSF, FINALLY. This new cooler came with my Retail Pack Opteron 165.
There are many factors to consider when designing a Retail Pack HSF; or to choose a design. While cost factor is important, others such as size, weight and ease of installation in meeting logistics, system integrators and different form factors amongst many must be considered. AMD has taken the first step to integrate heat pipes into its heatsink design; and within months it increased the number of heat pipe from two to four. In doing so, the size of the fan has increased the second time (from its humble beginning using 60mm fan) from 70 to 80mm.
The heatsink has 8mm thick copper base, measures ~90mm x 75mm first to last alum fins. It sits a bit off-set as the picture shows.
With the fan removed, AMD is making sure some finer detail in getting as much heat to the heatsink as possible (see center fins).
The fan is 80x20mm; Delta, reaches up to ~5,200 RPM, inclusive a temp sensor to auto regulate its speed.
I think that the 80mm used on the stock heatsink is thinner than the normal 25mm fans, resulting in less air pressure. I would also like to see that 92mm in 80mm frame from silverstone on it.