Best CPU to pair with 7970 TF

footbrake4life

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Jan 28, 2013
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Hey guys!

I am coming to the community to ask for opinions of the best CPU to pair with my 7970 Twin Frozer. At the moment my build is as follows: CPU AMD 8120, MOBO Asrock Extreme 3, 16GB ram, GPU 7970 TF, and 650W PSU. I can run BF4, Assasins Creed 4, and many other games on Ultra with no lag but it seems when I play much less graphically challenging games (ex. Minecraft) my build lags uncontrollably. Maybe my solution is just to put an aftermarket cooler on my CPU and see what happens, but thats why I am here. Please if you have any info to share with me on what would be best. Also when I run anything from BF4 to minecraft my CPU is ungodly hot at 60-65c. But it never gets so hot that it shuts off. BTW I have 6 120mm case fans and stock cooler on my CPU.
 

footbrake4life

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youssef 2010

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You apply a small drop in the middle of the CPU and then use the base of the cooler to flatten the thermal paste. You may need to do that a number of times and add a very small amount of thermal paste to make sure that the entire CPU heat spreader is covered with an even layer of thermal paste. I sometimes wrap my finger in a plastic bag and spread the paste after flattening it with the cooler. It's not difficult and after you do it for the first time, you will stop worrying about it. Another good advice is to take your time with the cooler installation.
 

youssef 2010

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I've used the V6GT CPU cooler on my AMD phenom II 955BE. It's a fairly loud cooler but it keeps my motherboard cool and has served me well since I first installed it in 2010. I currently have it on my 3770K and it's been working properly for the last 4 years. But even the cheaper heat sinks will do a much better job than the stock cooler
 

footbrake4life

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I would just buy a cooler and overclock first before I buy a new CPU, but I'm not quite sure how all the voltage multipliers work. I am on a graphical bios so it will be easier than not having one but I just don't want to ruin anything.
 

footbrake4life

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I just read a ton of the How to article on overclocking AMD cpu's and it makes much more sense now. Does anyone know what thermal I should use? I read the entire article that was posted on the site that had tested about 30 different thermals. I can't quite remember but I think the MX-5 or MX-6 was the best?