CPU fan recommendations

obochoman · Nov 12, 2013

I am looking for some recommendations on a new cpu fan/heatsink. I currently have a coolermaster N520, but it isn't the best for overclocking and the fans are a bit whiny (being only 92mm). I'm looking for something that will keep temps down (as I would like to overclock), is quiet, looks good, and won't break the bank (over $100). My cpu is an intel i5-4670k.

Thanks!

HeyyScott · Nov 12, 2013

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO or Plus $30~

Onus · Nov 12, 2013

In the $60-$80 range, Phanteks and Noctua have some excellent models. Not quite in that league, but a lot cheaper, is the Xigmatek Gaia; that's the one I use and recommend over the more frequently parroted but slightly inferior (and noisier, which seems to matter to you) Hyper212 EVO. I overclock with the Gaia, but my overclocks are mild. If you want something higher, check out Phanteks, like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709019 or Noctua, like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608040

rvilkman · Nov 12, 2013

Scythe 4000 also a good choice. And for under $100 you can get pretty much any air HSF you want. You can also get many of the closed loop liquid coolers on the market.

Onus · Nov 12, 2013

Oh...supporting links...
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/07/07/review-xigmatek-gaia-sd1283/7/
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/11/27/review-cooler-master-hyper-212-plus/4/

Unlike the Hyper212 EVO (ignore the URL; it IS the EVO they tested), the Gaia never throttled, although it wasn't always the coolest depending on the fan used. The Gaia is usually cheaper as well, although its price appears to have been recently jacked. Neither of these is bad; the Gaia is slightly better. It also comes with the noise-isolating pegs needed to mount a second fan (already included with the two higher-end ones I listed).

obochoman · Nov 12, 2013

I do like the noctua products, but I'm not sure which of theirs would work best for me. I don't think i want something as big as the DH-14, as it would interfere with my ram (corsair vengeance).

Onus · Nov 12, 2013

They have some 120mm models as well, such as the one I linked.

obochoman · Nov 12, 2013

Is there much of a benefit with a 140mm fan on the heatsink vs a 120mm?

Onus · Nov 12, 2013

Well, it may cool a little better, but it will almost certainly be quieter.

Dark Lord of Tech · Nov 12, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103189

Cooler Master V8 GTS - High Performance CPU Cooler with Horizontal Vapor Chamber and 8 Heatpipes

Calculatron · Nov 12, 2013

If you have the room, the Thermalright True Spirit 140.

After that, the Phanteks PHTC14PE is still on sale for $75. It's one of the "big three" of air cooling, and you can't really go wrong with it.

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CPU fan recommendations

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