Best CPU cooler for $80 or under?

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gerr

gerr

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My current case & CPU cooler just isn't up to the task of keeping my i7-4790k cool enough to OC. I currently have a FD Core 3000 case and CM Hyper-212 EVO cooler. Even with a 2nd fan added to the cooler and a good after market thermal paste applied(rice method), AIDA64's stress test takes my stock temps into the low 80's, so OC'ing is out of the quesiton.

I plan on getting the FD Arc Midi R2 case, but now need to pick a better CPU cooler and $80 is my budget, after MIR's. I don't care if it's air or AIO, just what ever cools the best. I also don't mind adding better fans at a later time, just can't afford that at the moment. Some of the coolers I am considering are...

1. CM Nepton 140XL
2. CM Seidon 240M
3. Corsair H75
4. Noctua NH-D15S (once it's released)
5. Noctua NH-D14
6. Phanteks PH-TC14PE

Which of these would cool the best, or is there another CPU cooler that I should consider?
 
Solution
Karadjgne
For that you'll need cooling muscle, no ifs, ands or buts. H100i or bigger, d15, X61 etc.

HT is one of those iffy things. Some games use it, some don't. Running with HT enabled playing Skyrim is pointless, for example, as it'll only use 2-3 threads, so you are heating up the cpu for no return. Games like BF4 multi-player, however, will fully utilize 8 threads, so then is when an i7 shows its metal.

You can run multiple profiles, maybe run 4.4/1.2v/+HT, and 4.7/1.3/-HT. End result will be good performance and manageable temps.
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TechyInAZ

TechyInAZ

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Strange, the CM 212 EVO should do way better than that. I suggest watching a CPU installation video then reapplying thermal paste and putting the CPU cooler on.

But if that doesn't work then make sure the vcore isn't at 1.2 or something that high.

If both don't work then your cooler probably is defective.

If it is defective then any of those will do, I think the Noctua's or the CM 240M will cool the best. If you want a top of the line CPU cooler then get the Corsair Hydro H105 (I have it) and it works wonders. My 4690K at 4.5ghz will get 30C idle and 50-55C maxed out with the radiator fans at an extremely low 750rpm.
 
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gerr

gerr

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Problem is while that site says the Nepton 140XL is the best, if you look at other sites, they will rate them differently and you will have a different #1.

For example, that site rates the CM Seidon 120V & Noctua NH-C14 as some of the top coolers while most other sites put them in the middle of the pack. That alone makes me question this site.
 
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gerr

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Here are my thoughts on my short list of coolers...

1. CM Nepton 140XL - my leading AIO choice, great reviews, just a bit on the expensive side, and might have to replace the fans at a later time.
2. CM Seidon 240M - another good choice and the only 240mm AIO in my budget, but the Seidon series is CM's lower cost series and that worries me.
3. Corsair H75 - good quality AIO with mixed reviews. Some sites place this really high while others place it in the middle of the pack at best.
4. Noctua NH-D15S (once it's released) - I like the offset nature of this and I could easily add a 2nd fan later, making it as effective as the normal D15.
5. Noctua NH-D14 - proven cooler that always does well in the charts. But why buy old tech if something newer works better for the same money.
6. Phanteks PH-TC14PE - basically a copy of the D14, but tends to be cheaper after MIR, so is also a good choice.
 
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gerr

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Not a bad choice, but like the H75, gets mixed reviews. Some sites place it as one of the best coolers, other sites place it more middle of the road.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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The hyper212 is good for @4.3GHz under aida64/p95 26.6. The i7 4690k is by far the hottest running Haswell at turbo 4.4GHz with HT. Disable HT and your temps will drop.

I have a Corsair H55, 3750k @ 4.3, 1.14v and see 70°C after 1/2 hr test p95 26.6. This is equitable to a hyper212.

The 4790k honestly doesn't need any OC other than turbo, but if you are going for that, then a larger air tower or larger clc is warranted. What you are looking at is a d14, PH-TC14PE, Raijintek, Cryorig R1 equivalent, or h80i, h90, h100i equivalent.

2 last things, adding a 2nd fan to a hyper212 is practically useless, it'll drop temps about 2°C on average, and check your vcore voltage. Stock voltages are notoriously high on Intel cpu's, so instead of looking to replace the current cooler immediately, you may want to start with dropping the stock voltage some.

My stock voltage was 1.232v @ 3.4GHz. Currently 1.14v @ 4.3GHz. Net temp drop was 9-12°C depending on core.
 
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gerr

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Disabling HT removes the benefit of the i7, so not doing that. My goal is to hit 4.6Ghz on turbo on all cores, bit if it maxes out at 4.5 or even 4.4, as long as the vcore is below 1.3v and the temps are no higher than mid-70's during a stress test, I would be OK with that.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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For that you'll need cooling muscle, no ifs, ands or buts. H100i or bigger, d15, X61 etc.

HT is one of those iffy things. Some games use it, some don't. Running with HT enabled playing Skyrim is pointless, for example, as it'll only use 2-3 threads, so you are heating up the cpu for no return. Games like BF4 multi-player, however, will fully utilize 8 threads, so then is when an i7 shows its metal.

You can run multiple profiles, maybe run 4.4/1.2v/+HT, and 4.7/1.3/-HT. End result will be good performance and manageable temps.
 
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