Question on heatsinks in a MicroATX case

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freestylar02

freestylar02

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Apr 18, 2013
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Hi all,

I am looking at over clocking an Intel Core i7 3930K on an Asus Rampage IV Gene X79 MB in an Inwin BR 665 case. The case has 4 fans stock and can support 4 more on the side panel if needed.

My question is which would be the best option for CPU thermal control in relation to the cases size?

( Air Cooled) - A Prolimatech Genesis Black with 2 fans on the fins?

Or

(Water Cooled) - An Antec Kuhler H2O 920 that’s mounted externally?

I am open to adding fans on the cases side panel if need be of if it would be beneficial.

Any feedback or experience with either of these coolers would be great.

Thanks in advance
 
Solution
DarkSable
You can do pretty well in a small form factor - I'm just barely able to handle the heat of a GTX 670 an an i5-3570k overclocked to 4.4 GHz in a micro itx enclosure that's roughly the size of most mATX enclosures. You just have to keep it in mind and plan airflow with good fans.

That's beside the point, though. I don't know much about the genesis, but if it's got good reviews, is in your price point, and will fit in your case, then go for it!
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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Air cooled, period, unless you get real watercooling.

The reason for this is that it's going to be quieter, cool just as well, be cheaper, and be far, FAR more reliable. When a liquid CPU cooler fails catastrophically, it spews conductive liquids all over your computer. When an air cooler fails catastrophically, neutral plastic goes flying, and then there's still a metal heatsink to allow your CPU to downclock safely.
 
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freestylar02

freestylar02

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Apr 18, 2013
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Awesome thanks for the info, would the Genesis be a good choice in that case? Or should i consider using the extra fan spaces?

I haven't built a Micro before so I'm not sure of its airflow needs all being in so close and tight.

I have a Slot fan on my GPU hoping it helps with the limited space!
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

Judicious
Sep 27, 2012
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You can do pretty well in a small form factor - I'm just barely able to handle the heat of a GTX 670 an an i5-3570k overclocked to 4.4 GHz in a micro itx enclosure that's roughly the size of most mATX enclosures. You just have to keep it in mind and plan airflow with good fans.

That's beside the point, though. I don't know much about the genesis, but if it's got good reviews, is in your price point, and will fit in your case, then go for it!
 
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Solution
freestylar02

freestylar02

Honorable
Apr 18, 2013
23
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10,510


Thank you. Your input has been very informative and helpful to me.

I will go with the the Genesis air cooler with fans and see how it handles the heat, if need be ill put the 4 high flow 79 cfm fans into the side panel. I may also upgrade the exhaust to a 140mm high flow from the 120mm that is there already.

Once again, thanks DarkSable.
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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I'm glad I could help!

Just two things I'll throw out there:

1) Keep in mind the difference between fans with high static pressure and high airflow. Most people think that because you can "feel" the air from further away, a fan must be better. That's not true - it's keeping the air in a stiffer column, meaning it has more pressure; it means it's a great fan for forcing air through a heatsink or radiator, but not so much for a case input, because it leaves pockets of dead air all around. Contrary-wise, a high-airflow fan might not be felt more than a few inches away from the blades, but it's a far better pick for a case input, because it doesn't leave dead air and will be better at increasing overall pressure within the case.

2) I recommend upgrading any fan you can to a larger size, simply because larger fans don't have to spin as quickly to produce an equal volume of air moved, which means they're quieter.
 
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