big question

[Wisenos]

should i keep my ocz vendetta 2 (actual cooler)
or install the stock AM3 cooler that is coming with my phenom II x4 965?

 

[Slug]

I don't know the Vendetta 2 but if it will fit in your case I'd go with it over the stock HSF. The latter's smaller fan is noisy when the CPU is under load, and the top-down design isn't as efficient as a tower cooler.