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Alternative to Cooler Master 212 Evo

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  • Cooler Master
  • Cases
  • CPUs
  • Evo
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October 1, 2014 6:53:36 AM

Hello all,

So I recently put together a new PC -- low and behold, the Cooler Master 212 is too big for my case (it's maybe ~3cm too tall). Slightly annoying because according to stated specs on both, it should fit.

I have a Rosewill Legacy case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...) and am running an Intel i7 5820k processor.

Can anyone recommend a good alternative to the 212 Evo?

More about : alternative cooler master 212 evo

a b à CPUs
October 1, 2014 6:56:50 AM

Switch to an h2o AIO kit. That will give you the flexibility you need. Most of the kits out there are decent too.
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a b à CPUs
October 1, 2014 7:17:22 AM

Coolermaster also makes the Hyper TX3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...), which is essentially a slightly scaled down version of the 212. Unfortunately, it's still 138mm tall. If you only have 125mm or so to play with, that makes this a little difficult.

I run a Zalman CNPS-8900 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...) in my HTPC. It's not a super high end solution, but it's low profile and cools better and quieter than stock. If you have heat spreaders on your memory, this may not fit. It's also something of a nightmare to install, and it doesn't come with LGA 2011 hardware.

Zalman also makes the CNPS-9500(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...). Their solutions are unorthodox, but they tend to actually be pretty effective, and they look neat i guess. Again, no mention of 2011 hardware, but i bet you can make it work.

An AIO water loop is not a bad idea, assuming you have radiator space (you need space for a radiator and mounted fans to get good gains). Another possible option would be to ditch the case and pick up one that will fit your needs. It might actually be easier than finding a good, moderate budget, low profile solution that will actually mount on 2011 (i think most kits will mount onto 2011 by default, but i'm not sure).

If you do look for a cooler, look for something with a 92mm fan. That should get you the clearance you need by saving 3cm on fan height. You won't get CM Hyper 212 evo performance, or even price, but it'll be better than stock.

I'm, of course, assuming that price is a determining factor. You already bought one heatsink, you don't really want to spend big bucks on another. Noctua currently is running a deal on Newegg on their NH-U9B SE2 92mm cooler (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...). That might actually be your best bet. I've not seen any proper benchmarks on Noctua's small stuff, but their high end stuff is cream of the crop, and their fans are generally extremely high quality. Again, you wont be seeing top end performance, but it will be better and cooler than stock.
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October 1, 2014 8:15:21 AM

blue,

thanks for all of the suggestions. i had thought about getting a larger case, but my wife and i just bought a new desk, and the mid tower fits perfectly. path of least resistance, i guess.

small typo in my original message - the 212 evo is maybe 3mm too big (not cm). the gold tips just barely touch the side of the case. it's enough, however, to create some pressure. the specs on the rosewill case list a max heatsink height of 160mm, so i was a bit puzzled when i found out it didn't fit.

since it's going to be tough to find a good heatsink that fits, i am thinking of going with the enermax liqmax (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...). there's a 120mm rear case fan that i assume i can swap out for the radiator. enough room in the case right now; the only issue has been the height of the cooler master.
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a b à CPUs
October 1, 2014 10:12:46 AM

^ Good final choice. Yes the fan on the kit can replace your case fan at the rear of the case.
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October 12, 2014 9:12:01 PM

mlamb, I was told that it does not hurt if the Top part of the 212 evo touches the side of the case - Have you tried running it in your case? if it runs fine I would just keep it
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