Top verses side of the heatsink cpu cooler

[donald]

What are the pros and cons and which is better?

[Tolemac]

What do you mean exactly when you say "side"?

[donald]

On top of the heatsink or mounted on the side of the heatsink.

[Sabrewings]

Typically the "side" mounted heatsinks are taller and more of an extremist solution. They tend to be heavier and put more stress on the motherboard.

The "top" mounted are your more typical heatsink and can deliver very good performance without all that extra weight or lost space.

I'd say stick with the traditional style and if you need more go ahead and get water cooling.