Overclocking I5 2500k on a Cooler Master Elite 120

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Tristtan

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Jul 19, 2014
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Hey guys, i know the case isnt ideal for overclocking but right now it would be very complicated for me to replace it, as in my country it isnt very easy to get Mini ITX cases and it would be too expensive to import just a case.

So, i was hooping to get some recomendations to do the best possible with my I5 2500K overclocking considering the Elite 120 is not that good in space and airflow (and for what i´ve read, there are no liquid cooling systems i could fit in there).

Then, which would be the best coolers i could fit in the case? Should i install the PSU fan facing up or facing the motherboard? Which frequency should i be able to reach without going into the danger zone?

Anything you guys might have to say would be appreciated.

Thx a lot.
 
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Darkbreeze
Nope. That helps a lot. So it absolutely DOES support a 65mm tall cpu cooler.

You want to install the Power Supply with it's intake facing the vent at the top of the case, not down into the case where the heat is at.

There are two case fans that matter. The front 120mm and the side 80mm. I'd try to fit a 140mm where the 120mm is (Many 140mm fans have 120mm mounting holes and are the same thickness so space is the only question here. I'd also replace the 80mm fan with a 120mm fan if possible, or, better yet, if possible, flip it around to use as an intake and mode the case to fit a 120mm fan as an exhaust elsewhere, again, if possible. Seems the case does not have great air flow on the articles I've read on it.



Here is a decent...
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Is it the Elite 120 advanced or an older version? I'm not sure there even is an older version but usually when they add things like "advanced" or V2, it's because there is a previous version they've made improvements to. I just want to know for sure about specifications and configurations prior to making recommendations.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Well, for your configuration with that case, which specs indicate can support a 65mm tall cooler, I would suggest the Scythe Big Shuriken which is 58mm tall and is probably about the best low profile cooler available under 60 bucks. I would check my own measurements if I was you, just to verify that a 58mm cooler will IN FACT fit since sometimes the manufacturers are known to fudge their specs a bit from time to time, but it seems by a few other forums threads that it's been used with success in that case.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Scythe BIG Shuriken 2 Rev. B 45.5 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($32.89 @ NCIX US)
Total: $32.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-01 22:19 EST-0500

Any of these might work as well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS8900 Extreme CPU Cooler ($38.98 @ Directron)
Total: $38.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-01 22:29 EST-0500


Or this one by Thermalright which is a top performer as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Thermalright-AXP200R-AXP-200R/dp/B00G8CIP5Q

 
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Tristtan

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Ok my friend, thanks a lot.

Regarding my other particular concerns, do you think i should install the PSU with the fan facing the board?

Considering the coolers do fit, do you think the airflow would be enough for it to work properly?
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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It's very hard to find any information on the Elite 120 NON-advanced model, any chance you can post some pics with and without the cover on? Generally you want the PSU installed, in most cases, with the intake fan facing toward the vent side of the case so it draws cool air in and blows hot air out the back, but I'm unfamiliar with the configuration of that case in the model that is not the advanced edition. I also need to see exactly where there ARE fans and where there COULD be fans, to give you any good advice.
 
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Tristtan

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I am very sorry, but just took a look at my case at amazons orders and it IS THE ADVANCED VERSION (Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced) I bought it on 2012 so i assumed it was the old version.

So, would you still need the pictures?? hehe.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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Nope. That helps a lot. So it absolutely DOES support a 65mm tall cpu cooler.

You want to install the Power Supply with it's intake facing the vent at the top of the case, not down into the case where the heat is at.

There are two case fans that matter. The front 120mm and the side 80mm. I'd try to fit a 140mm where the 120mm is (Many 140mm fans have 120mm mounting holes and are the same thickness so space is the only question here. I'd also replace the 80mm fan with a 120mm fan if possible, or, better yet, if possible, flip it around to use as an intake and mode the case to fit a 120mm fan as an exhaust elsewhere, again, if possible. Seems the case does not have great air flow on the articles I've read on it.



Here is a decent review of your case, that may be both helpful and informative to you:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6110/cooler-master-elite-120-advanced-case-review-little-in-almost-every-way/2
 
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