First PC gaming rig, don't understand how heatsinks and fans work

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cloudropis

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Jul 17, 2013
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I'm planning on buying this: http://it.pcpartpicker.com/guide/tYgXsY/great-gaming-build
Before seeing this, I've been always told that with a CPU/GPU setup as powerful as what I intended to buy (i5 4690k, GTX 970) I needed a pretty pricey heatsink/fan and just add to the case the fans that usually come with it. And that's what this build does too, 100€ heatsink/fan and other fans with the case.
However, I asked around about this specific build, and many think that the way to go is cheap 30€ heatsink/fans like the Cooler Master 212 Evo, and (I assume) buy additional fans separately.
I'm confused. What should I do? Buy a pricey h/f and just stick with the fans that come with the case, or buy a cheap one like the 212 EVO and additional, specific fans separately? Keep in mind I'll probably overclock in the future.
Also, any suggestions in particular about that build? People seemed divided about the PSU too, saying it's not very high tier for that price.
 
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addtional cooling is generally not needed unless you overclock. So, if you are going to do it in the future, you may want to consider it. Depending on how much you overclock, you may want to think about a closed water cooling system. Even if you dont plan on doing any crazy high overclocking, you cant go wrong with one of these watercooling systems.

For general purposes, it is good to have front fans intaking cool air, and the top/back exhausting it. if there is side air, those generally bring more air as intake.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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The 212 EVO is fine.
For the case fans, all they need to do is move air through the case. Cool air in the front/bottom, hot air out the top and back.

Only add more case fans if the system needs it. And you find out if you need it by building it, running it, and monitoring the temps. If it is still too hot, add a fan or two.
 
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cloudropis

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What's the point of costly h/f like that one if a 30€ one is fine for such high-tier components then?
I'd really not want to find out I don't have enough fans after I receive the parts, how do I check if the case comes with fans? How many may I need (I know it's a bit specific, but I have no idea), more or less?
Oh yeah, what temps should my components get? I see many gaming enthusiast keep them at even sub 5 degrees, but seems a bit excessive.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Case fans, direct from Fractal Designs:
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/core-series/core-3500

"Support cooling system: 7 Fan positions (2 fans included)"
Add more only if the system really needs it.

More expensive CPU coolers may be somewhat better, or prettier, or quieter....
But the Hyper 212 EVO will work.


I see many gaming enthusiast keep them at even sub 5 degrees, but seems a bit excessive.
Click to expand...

That cannot happen, unless you are in a walk in freezer.
 
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melonhead

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addtional cooling is generally not needed unless you overclock. So, if you are going to do it in the future, you may want to consider it. Depending on how much you overclock, you may want to think about a closed water cooling system. Even if you dont plan on doing any crazy high overclocking, you cant go wrong with one of these watercooling systems.

For general purposes, it is good to have front fans intaking cool air, and the top/back exhausting it. if there is side air, those generally bring more air as intake.
 
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