Is CPU cooler needed for a new PC build?

Goku_Nex · Feb 9, 2015

I am a new PC builder. I want to build a gaming PC with 3,2Ghz core i5 and MSI GTX-960 with PSU-450W. Is CPU cooler is needed for better gaming performance or is it optional? If i buy it after 3-4 months after i buy my new PC will it hamper my CPU and my processor even if i overclock my GPU?

Rynhe · Feb 9, 2015

you will be ok with the stock cooler the aftermaker cooler is optional but recommended... there are some aftermaker cooler that are cheap like enermax ets-t40-W (around 40$ most the times) and cooler master 212 evo 30-35$ average) if you can afford them right now i would suggest to buy it if you cannot then you can do it in 3-4 month your pc will be alive harmless in 3-4 month just make sure to check your temps once in a while and if you see the temps hits 90°C then it is time to change the pre-applied intel thermal paste

IamTimTech · Feb 9, 2015

Cooler Master TX3 is a sub $20 cooler that works great for processors at stock speeds, if you want to overclock the Cooler Master T4 (a revised less expensive Evo) can be had for $23. If you want to spend more then your cooling options become limitless.

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr910htx3g1

synphul · Feb 9, 2015

Not sure where you're located. If in the u.s., the 212 evo is $26 right now.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2

There are plenty of other decent coolers and if you're not overclocking there's no need for a $40 cooler. $20-30 coolers will cool it much better and likely be quieter in the process. Like Rynhe said, not necessary but recommended. About all that can be said for stock coolers is 'they work' and "good enough" is what's implied. If nothing else, use the stock cooler and use a program like hwinfo64 to monitor your temps. You can leave it in the background running and it will keep track of your current, min and max reached temps as you use your pc. When you get done gaming, maximize the program and take a look at the temp readings. If you're happy with it and if the fan doesn't annoy you then just leave it. If you want lower temps or a quieter cooler then you can always add one later.

HomerThompson · Feb 10, 2015

I wouldn't buy a CPU cooler right away, especially if the i5 you're getting is Haswell Refresh. I almost bought a Hyper 212 EVO with my Xeon E3-1231v3 (Haswell Refresh CPU very similar to an i7-4790 minus 200MHz and integrated graphics), but once I tried the Xeon I was glad I didn't. Even on Crysis 3 Very High system spec it never went above 55C on the stock cooler in a couple of hours of gameplay and I have never even seen it run at its 3.4GHz stock frequency (it's always at least 3.6GHz quad core turbo). You hear horror stories about Haswell temperatures, but both Haswell Refresh CPUs I have had ran very cool (Pentium G3258 and Xeon E3-1231v3).

I'd wait to see if your CPU runs hot or if the stock cooler is too loud for your tastes before spending $30+ on a cooler. An aftermarket cooler is a must if you get an overclocking chip like a 4690k, 4790k, 5820k, etc, but if you get a decently binned locked i5 it might just be a waste of money.

IamTimTech · Feb 10, 2015

HomerThompson :

This is a good point, and just goes to show that you don't have to buy a cooler to replace the stock one if running without an overclock. But I would like to offer that the Cooler Master Tx3 can be had for about $17 most of the time, and sometimes less with promos and mail in rebates, and will keep the chip even cooler and will run quieter. Not to mention it looks cooler than the stock cooler

Goku_Nex · Feb 10, 2015

HomerThompson :

I wouldn't buy a CPU cooler right away, especially if the i5 you're getting is Haswell Refresh. I almost bought a Hyper 212 EVO with my Xeon E3-1231v3 (Haswell Refresh CPU very similar to an i7-4790 minus 200MHz and integrated graphics), but once I tried the Xeon I was glad I didn't. Even on Crysis 3 Very High system spec it never went above 55C on the stock cooler in a couple of hours of gameplay and I have never even seen it run at its 3.4GHz stock frequency (it's always at least 3.6GHz quad core turbo). You hear horror stories about Haswell temperatures, but both Haswell Refresh CPUs I have had ran very cool (Pentium G3258 and Xeon E3-1231v3).

I'd wait to see if your CPU runs hot or if the stock cooler is too loud for your tastes before spending $30+ on a cooler. An aftermarket cooler is a must if you get an overclocking chip like a 4690k, 4790k, 5820k, etc, but if you get a decently binned locked i5 it might just be a waste of money.

I am buying Intel Core i5-4590 Haswell.. Do i need the cooler right away?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116991

IamTimTech · Feb 10, 2015

The stock cooler will work just fine, especially out of the box. In fact I strongly recommend you use the core i5-4590 with the stock cooler as you build for the first time anyway so that if something goes wrong it is one less thing to have to troubleshoot. Build your computer, load up your games and start playing! If you notice that your cooler is running louder than you like than give consideration to buying a new one. If you never notice it then don't worry about replacing it. And if you do replace it you won't need anything too fancy, a sub $40 cooler will give you all the cooling you need and plenty of cool looking options. It is 100% perfectly safe to use your stock cooler and game. The stock cooler is designed to get the job done no matter what the processor is doing at stock clock speeds. If, and only if you had the K variant and intended to overclock right away would an aftermarket cooler be deemed necessary.

HomerThompson · Feb 10, 2015

Goku_Nex :

That's a Haswell Refresh CPU, so I'm betting the stock cooler will be plenty quiet based on my experience with Haswell Refresh CPUs. That CPU is 3.3 GHz base, but I'm guessing it will run mostly between its 3.5GHz all cores turbo and its 3.7GHz dual core turbo if you select the Performance power preset in Windows.

Goku_Nex · Feb 10, 2015

HomerThompson :

So do i need to buy another cooler for my CPU even if i overclock it or the stock cooler will be plenty?

HomerThompson · Feb 10, 2015

Goku_Nex :

You can't overclock the i5-4590, and the stock cooler is more than likely going to be great for it.

Goku_Nex · Feb 10, 2015

HomerThompson :

Thank u HomerThompson

IamTimTech · Feb 10, 2015

Goku_Nex :

The way you can tell if you can overclock your processor is if it has the "k" at the end of its name. For instance you are purchasing an i5-4590, its multiplier is not unlocked; therefore you cannot adjust its frequency. If you purchased a i5-4590k and a board which supported overclocking you could go into your bios and adjust all the settings necessary to ramp up (or down) your clock speed. If you intend to overclock AT ALL then you would need an aftermarket cooler absolutely without question. It is "possible" to do a slight overclock on a stock cooler but this is ill advised.

Goku_Nex · Feb 10, 2015

IamTimTech :

Goku_Nex :

The way you can tell if you can overclock your processor is if it has the "k" at the end of its name. For instance you are purchasing an i5-4590, its multiplier is not unlocked; therefore you cannot adjust its frequency. If you purchased a i5-4590k and a board which supported overclocking you could go into your bios and adjust all the settings necessary to ramp up (or down) your clock speed. If you intend to overclock AT ALL then you would need an aftermarket cooler absolutely without question. It is "possible" to do a slight overclock on a stock cooler but this is ill advised.

So i can't overclock a non-k version. but can i overclock my GPU MSI gtx-960 with MSI afterburner in i5-4590(non-k)? Someone advised in the past stock overclock with afterburner is really safe and it won't harm my GPU is it true?

IamTimTech · Feb 10, 2015

This is correct. The GPU and processor overclock independently of one another. It is a much simpler task to overclock a GPU than it is the processor and while both can potentially harm or damage your component, it is easier to avoid damage of your GPU than your CPU/motherboard. Before you overclock anything I would look at several videos about benchmarks and overclocking before you try it (I'm sure you have already).

Goku_Nex · Feb 11, 2015

IamTimTech :

i want to overclock my GPU using MSI afterburner. i will only use default overclock, i wont complex my settings which will harm my GPU. Will default overclock can harm my GPU?

IamTimTech · Feb 11, 2015

You are better off playing with your own settings as the default overclocker often sets voltages a little higher than they need to be. You can start with it's auto-overclocking and then play around from there. It is highly unlikely that you will harm anything, you will just experience poor performance and freezes and perhaps blue screens (if you are bad) with a bad overclock. It would really benefit you to do a lot of research on all overclocking before you base any decisions on it.

Goku_Nex · Feb 11, 2015

IamTimTech :

Thank u JamTimTech

IamTimTech · Feb 11, 2015

No problem, my pleasure! Tech on my friend.

Is CPU cooler needed for a new PC build?

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