Help with system cooling for MSI Z97i Gaming AC motherboard

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Apolus

Apolus

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Jul 17, 2014
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Hello from Paraguay!

First of all sorry for my english.

I've been reading the forum for 1 year and really found answers to several questions I had.

But today I am with a question and read a lot but I still was not clear so I request your experience and recommendation.

I recently purchased the following:
Motherboard: m-ITX MSI Z97i Gaming AC
CPU: Intel Core i7 4770K (this was a gift :))
Case: BitFenix Prodigy

Parts already had from a previous build:
RAM: 2 x 4GB Kingston 1300
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 650 Ti 1Gb
PSU: XFX Pro 750W non modular
Drive: Seagate 500gb HDD x1 for OS
Seagate 1Tb HDD x1 for mass storage

I want to use this build for video editing and a lot of gaming.

Never attempt to OC and I want to do now.

I wonder which cooling system I need for the MSI Z97i Gaming AC, considering that I want to OC.

I want a quiet system if possible!

Please note that the motherboard is an m-ITX and I think not all heatsink will go because they cover or the PCI-e or RAM.

Thanks!!
 
Solution
C12Friedman
One thing to note is that the XFX Pro 750W is 170mm deep which is 10mm deeper than BitFenix suggests to use in the Prodigy. I believe it will fit but it'll be a tight fit. This video although in English, may be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKIsrwS3fX4
On to the CPU cooler, your best bet may be an all-in-one liquid cooling system, the prodigy can handle up to a dual 120mm like the Cooler Master Seidon 240M (Newegg link used for descriptive value). The advantage of a water cooling system in that build is that the CPU waterblock will not interfere with anything nearby (ram or graphics or...). Something I should point out is that if a 240mm water cooling system is used, the optical drive needs to be taken out - you might...
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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One thing to note is that the XFX Pro 750W is 170mm deep which is 10mm deeper than BitFenix suggests to use in the Prodigy. I believe it will fit but it'll be a tight fit. This video although in English, may be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKIsrwS3fX4
On to the CPU cooler, your best bet may be an all-in-one liquid cooling system, the prodigy can handle up to a dual 120mm like the Cooler Master Seidon 240M (Newegg link used for descriptive value). The advantage of a water cooling system in that build is that the CPU waterblock will not interfere with anything nearby (ram or graphics or...). Something I should point out is that if a 240mm water cooling system is used, the optical drive needs to be taken out - you might want to look at another option if wanting to keep an optical drive in the build
 
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Solution
Apolus

Apolus

Reputable
Jul 17, 2014
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Thanks C12Friedman for the fast reply!

Yeah, I was just seeing if it would fit the XFX and the truth is that fit tight. I was looking to buy a G Series Seasonic 650w

Thanks for the recommendation of the all-in-one liquid cooling system. Every time I am more convinced that this is the only way out, as the air cooling system have quite large heatsink and obstructs the PCI-e port.

I noticed the CM Hyper 212 Evo and this not going to obstruct the PCI-e port but as I want to OC a little heavy, I think the heat would saturate the Evo.

I would like to clarify that I prefer closed loop for liguid cooling system because I have no patience for maintaining liquid cooling built besides running the risk of spilling the liquid on the motherboard.

I was looking at different liquid cooling system for sale but do not know what would be the best considering that I want a system where possible silent and obviously keep the cpu away from dangerous temperatures, considering that I want to OC a little heavy.
 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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Overclocking a 4770k really needs a custom loop (IMO) but the Seidon 240M should get you near that performance I would think. I agree that the Hyper 212 EVO probably wouldn't provide the performance you'd want.
To keep something like that as quiet as possible, I'd look to Corsair's SP 120 quiet edition fans to replace the stock radiator fans (but the stock fans may be quiet enough, I don't know)
 
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