Questions about CPU coolers! Will select best answer.

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LoliElin

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Sep 15, 2013
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1. How much do I have to spend to get a CPU cooler that's just better than Intel's stock heatsink? My CPU is running at max 78C at full load with the stock heatsink. I'd like to bring that down below 70 and maybe 65.

2. Which companies make the best CPU coolers?

3. Can you recommend me a specific LGA 1155 low profile (under 80mm) cooler? Not looking for the best, just one that's better than stock.
 
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vmem

vmem

Splendid
Feb 17, 2012
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1. you don't have to spend much to get something that is significantly better. only around $20-30. both the cooler master 210 evo, and the new Raijintek Themis gets the job done at a very low price

2. if you want the very best, go with Noctua or phantek. tho they are expensive

3. honestly, for low profile cooler, I don't think it's worth it getting something different. 78C max temp really isn't that bad, and I don't know of any 80mm cooler than can bring it down to 65C. BTW, what are you using to measure max temps? prime 95? also what's your ambient temp?
 
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gbryan101

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May 28, 2013
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While most aftermarket coolers offer some benefit over the stock cooler, the offerings within a single company can vary widely. For the height you gave, I would suggest you look at the Noctua NH-L12, the smaller Zalman CNPS coolers, or a Scythe Kozuti. The Noctua is probably the best of the bunch.

Also, you might consider a closed-loop liquid cooler.
 
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vmem

vmem

Splendid
Feb 17, 2012
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I have the Noctuah-L12 on my HTPC. the problem with that cooler is the little fan at the bottom really doesn't push a lot of air, and adding a fan on top for push-pull increases the hight to 90+mm.

and I'll second the recommendation on a closed-loop liquid cooler. it would be his best bet to get low temps (tho it'll cost $60+ easily)
 
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LoliElin

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Sep 15, 2013
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Yeah I'm using prime 95 for max temps. Ambient temperature is pretty low. When it was hotter, prime 95 was taking the CPU to 82 C

Can you recommend a low profile CPU cooler ?
 
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vmem

vmem

Splendid
Feb 17, 2012
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Best is the Noctua-L12 in my experience (hence why I bought it). but still, for below 80mm operation, it won't beat the stock cooler by much, which is why I originally said it wasn't worth the money. also, 82C on prime95 is by no means bad, since prime95 is more intensive than any typical load, your day to day loading temps would probably hover around 75C. you might be able to improve that to ~72C by buying a new cooler, but almost all reviews I've read on super low profile coolers suggest that they're not too different from the stock cooler intel gives you.
 
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