I'm sick of this... Just help me decide about the right cooler ;(

Shawn221

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Ok. I have an FX-8350 that I want to OC to 5ghz with. (I don't need a tutorial, I know how to overclock) I need a cooler anywhere from 0 - 150 USD. It can be air or water. I'm sick of moving around deciding which cooler to use.

Here is my path ( ">" means "and then"):

H100i>Kraken x60>H100i>Eisberg 240l

I read bad stuff about all of them as far as noise and problems with Corsair link, and performance. People keep saying that AIO solutions suck, but I can't afford a custom loop and am afraid of leaks. I'm also too lazy to do maintenance :p

So here are my needs for a cooler (In order of priority)
1. Able to get the 8350 to 5ghz stable
2. Quiet as a whisper.
3. In my budget of 0 to 150. I can stretch to 170 or 180 MAXIMUM.
4. I would like it from Newegg since all of the other parts will be ordered from there.

I'll add here if I think of anything else so be sure to check this!
 
Solution
Yea it is. AIO solutions are a sweet spot, not for hardcore overclockers. A custom loop will always be better. The noctua NH-D14 is an awesome quiet air cooler, its huge and ugly though. I personally like Corsair AIO. Id get the h100i and get some decent fans or the h110 and get some decent fans.

mourice12

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H100i is good could use diff fans and dont use the corsair link. the x60 is awesome and outperforms the h100i but the fans suck. So id get one of those and pick up some better fans like scythe gentle typhoons, noctua NFF-12, Corsair SP quiets.
 

Deus Gladiorum

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Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo. On my FX-6300 I've overclocked to 4.6 GHz at 1.428 V and my temps under gaming or stress testing have never exceeded 51 (or was it 52?) degrees.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
 

Shawn221

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Yeah. I was gonna get 2 SP120 fans with the Eisberg... Any opinion on that?
 

jldevoy

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Your cpu may be incapable of doing 5gz and i'd hazard its impossible to seriously overclock AND stay quiet as a whisper with normal hardware. I gave up a decent overclock to get the quiet as a whisper.
 

Shawn221

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And I wanted 5ghz... And the 8350 uses more power and generates more heat...
 

Shawn221

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Well here's the thing... I read certain cons and pros with each one of them... I wish there was one that was just perfect :( It's so hard to decide and balance each pro and con...
 

mourice12

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Yea it is. AIO solutions are a sweet spot, not for hardcore overclockers. A custom loop will always be better. The noctua NH-D14 is an awesome quiet air cooler, its huge and ugly though. I personally like Corsair AIO. Id get the h100i and get some decent fans or the h110 and get some decent fans.
 
Solution

Shawn221

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The thing that pushes me away from the H100i is that EVERYONE on the Newegg feedback section complains about noise and the accursed Link. I can get 2 SP120 fans with it, but I've seen it get up to 60db And there is no way to do a custom loop on a 150 budget right?
 

Shawn221

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Well actually, I just skimmed through some benchmarks and the difference between the H100i and 110 is minimal. The H100i is also a newer version so it's built sturdier and easier to install. And you didnt answer my other question: Is it possible to get a custom loop for under $170(fans and everything)?
 

Shawn221

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I think I'll stick with an H100i. I don't want to deal with maintenance and everything. I'd rather have a leak warranty and everything. SO thanks for all the help. :D