Which CPU Cooler?

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stryder77

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Sep 23, 2013
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Hi,

I am going to be building my first rig ever in a couple weeks however, I have not been able to decide on a CPU cooler. I cannot decide if I should get an air cooler or a closed-loop water cooler.

I like the aesthetics of the closed-loop cooler but I also like the quietness of an air cooler.

Am I missing something? What kind of cooler would you recommend for my build? I plan on doing slight to moderate overclocking on the CPU but nothing extreme.

I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

Here is my rig:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2hNiJ
 
Solution
Andy11466


I agree. Single Rad closed loop coolers are not worth it.
Perform the same or a teeny bit better. 1-3c for an extra $40-60

if you want a close loop invest in a larger rad cooler (h100i)
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Nuclear101

Nuclear101

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Jun 11, 2012
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A liquid cooler is almost always quieter than an air cooler. If you want air cooler, the best right now is the Noctua NH-D14, the best bang-for-buck is the CM Hyper 212 EVO. For an AIO cooler, get the Corsair H80i or H100i (Depends on how much cooling you want).
 
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PCDave

PCDave

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May 22, 2013
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Since your doing moderator overclocking- and you want it to be dead slient.

As stated above, the NH-D14 is a GREAT choice.

It is also compatible with your case, and RAM* so it will be 100% fine.

*(http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_ram_gen&products_id=34&lng=en#DDR3_G.Skill)

The fans are a bit ugly- but since you don't always look in your system its fine- you can always swap em out though.

However, I wouldn't as Noctua fans are awesome.

Dave.

 
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Calculatron

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Any Phanteks brand cooler should suit you very well. You could invest in some Ares style (as opposed to Ripjaws X) G.Skill RAM; it's low-profile, so it shouldn't give you any issues with any cooler, if that is a concern.

The before-mentioned Noctua NH-D14 is a top-tier cooler. The Noctua NH-U14S is an ultra-quiet single-tower solution, as is the Thermalright True Spirit 140.

Be Quiet! also makes some good coolers. They're a bit more expensive that what one would like, but they're solid performers that really are quiet. I managed to snag a Shadow Rock 2 that was on sale on NCIX for $35, and I am experimenting with that now.
 
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jeffredo

jeffredo

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You'll need something beefier than a 212 Evo with that i7 Haswell if overclocking. The Noctua and Phanteks mentioned are good. Another good option that's a little cheaper would be the Thermalright True Spirit 140. I own two, they're excellent for the money. Great cooling capacity, very quiet 140mm fan.
 
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PCDave

PCDave

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May 22, 2013
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I dont like single fan rad for AIO, it just isn't worth it- the NH-D14 will come very close to that.

If I had to to- I would pick up a Noctua NH-D14 or an Swiftech H220 (H100i is also fine if you cant get that)
 
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Andy11466

Andy11466

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I agree. Single Rad closed loop coolers are not worth it.
Perform the same or a teeny bit better. 1-3c for an extra $40-60

if you want a close loop invest in a larger rad cooler (h100i)
 
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RobCrezz

RobCrezz

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Mar 14, 2013
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Are you sure about that? Liquid coolers are usually louder than regular air coolers
 
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Andy11466

Andy11466

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No one cooler is quieter. It's the fan you're using.
if y ou have a noctua on both h80 or evo 212, the sound would be the same.
 
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stryder77

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Sep 23, 2013
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Thanks for the advice gentlemen, I ended up taking Andy11466's advice and went with a large rad cooler (the Kraken x60 to be exact). After reading reviews and seeing that it was beating other AIO coolers on silent mode while the other coolers were on extreme it made my decision simple.

I only wish the Kraken Control software was as well featured as Corsairs.
 
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Andy11466

Andy11466

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Software that the corsairs use (corsair link) is VERY buggy still.

Fans don't change sometimes and is not responsive at times.

Probably the only thing I hate about corsair closed loop coolers
 
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