- Mar 29, 2014
- 10
- 0
- 4,510
To one of the best communities out there, I'm posing this question.
I'm building my first system and I've decided on everything except for the CPU cooler.
I'm using an AMD-FX8350 processor with a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 motherboard.
My GPU is a Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 from my current system until I can afford something better (Cyber Monday is coming! In a while..)
RAM is 2x 8GB Kingston Hyper Fury X, 1866
The case I'm using is an NZXT Phantom enthusiast full tower case (black/green trim) with a clear paneled side window.
Now, I've checked on Noctua's website, and they do list both the motherboard and the RAM as "compatible" with the D15, but I'm still leery of it blocking the first PCI-e slot on the motherboard. I'm not PLANNING on setting up an SLI , but I'd like the option should I change my mind.
Would either of the other two air coolers have an issue? Or if everything will fit with a d15, will it fit with both the Phanteks and the Be Quiet?
Here are the factors that are important to me, ranked in no particular order. They're all important.
1. Effectiveness - I know paying 70-100$ for CPU cooling is going to get me something good regardless, and I'm definitely going to be overclocking some. I'm new to it, so not much at first, but I know for a fact I'm going to try and get it up to 4.5 Ghz or higher eventually.
2. Aesthetics - the entire reason this thread is here and I haven't purchased the d15 yet. I'm doing everything in a black / green theme (all green LED fans, green case interior lighting, green backlit LED mouse / keyboard) Both the Be Quiet and Phanteks come in black, which fits, and the H100i even has a green LED option in the software. Noctua, why do you drive people away from your products like this??? I AM willing to sacrifice a couple degrees of performance to have something pleasing to the eye.
3. Noise Level - I definitely don't want something with a distracting noise, and I'm willing to sacrifice some performance for a quieter experience. I'm also NOT willing to swap out fans that come with a base product, because the price tag for one of these 4 options is pushing my budget to begin with.
4. Installation ease - it's my first time, after all!!!
Right now, I'm kind of on the fence with these. At this moment, the choice would be the Phanteks because of its 70$ price as opposed to 90 for the other three. But I need some input on these, seeing as I've never owned or used any of them. The CPU I have now doesn't even have a fan. I know that this being a tech website, there will be a lot of people who will disregard aesthetics completely for what's the most effective (the d15 is the obvious winner there) but it IS important to me that the black / green theme be kept mostly intact.
Thank you for your help, it's appreciated!!
I'm building my first system and I've decided on everything except for the CPU cooler.
I'm using an AMD-FX8350 processor with a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 motherboard.
My GPU is a Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 from my current system until I can afford something better (Cyber Monday is coming! In a while..)
RAM is 2x 8GB Kingston Hyper Fury X, 1866
The case I'm using is an NZXT Phantom enthusiast full tower case (black/green trim) with a clear paneled side window.
Now, I've checked on Noctua's website, and they do list both the motherboard and the RAM as "compatible" with the D15, but I'm still leery of it blocking the first PCI-e slot on the motherboard. I'm not PLANNING on setting up an SLI , but I'd like the option should I change my mind.
Would either of the other two air coolers have an issue? Or if everything will fit with a d15, will it fit with both the Phanteks and the Be Quiet?
Here are the factors that are important to me, ranked in no particular order. They're all important.
1. Effectiveness - I know paying 70-100$ for CPU cooling is going to get me something good regardless, and I'm definitely going to be overclocking some. I'm new to it, so not much at first, but I know for a fact I'm going to try and get it up to 4.5 Ghz or higher eventually.
2. Aesthetics - the entire reason this thread is here and I haven't purchased the d15 yet. I'm doing everything in a black / green theme (all green LED fans, green case interior lighting, green backlit LED mouse / keyboard) Both the Be Quiet and Phanteks come in black, which fits, and the H100i even has a green LED option in the software. Noctua, why do you drive people away from your products like this??? I AM willing to sacrifice a couple degrees of performance to have something pleasing to the eye.
3. Noise Level - I definitely don't want something with a distracting noise, and I'm willing to sacrifice some performance for a quieter experience. I'm also NOT willing to swap out fans that come with a base product, because the price tag for one of these 4 options is pushing my budget to begin with.
4. Installation ease - it's my first time, after all!!!
Right now, I'm kind of on the fence with these. At this moment, the choice would be the Phanteks because of its 70$ price as opposed to 90 for the other three. But I need some input on these, seeing as I've never owned or used any of them. The CPU I have now doesn't even have a fan. I know that this being a tech website, there will be a lot of people who will disregard aesthetics completely for what's the most effective (the d15 is the obvious winner there) but it IS important to me that the black / green theme be kept mostly intact.
Thank you for your help, it's appreciated!!
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