Looking for CPU cooling suggestions

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bebrigg

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Oct 27, 2013
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I recently built my third computer, and I am having CPU cooling issues. Here are my system specs:

4790k (no overclock, yet)
GIGABYTE GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK (rev. 1.0)
CORSAIR Dominator Platinum 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866
MSI GTX 970 GAMING 100ME
Mushkin Enhanced ECO2 240GB ssd
Seagate Barracuda 1TB hdd
CORSAIR CXM series CX500M
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540

I originally had a corsair h100i on my cpu, but I was having problems with it. I had to update firmware etc. to get corsair link to work. Then the LED stopped doing what it was supposed to do. Also, the h100i was allowing my CPU to get up to 100 degrees in prime95 small ffts. I tried remounting it several times and changing fan configuration with no improvement in temperature, so I returned it.

I decided to steer clear of the h100i so after doing a little more research I decided on the swiftech h220x. I read all kinds of amazing reviews on the swiftech. However, I couldn't find one for sale except for an open box item at gigaparts.com. Against my better judgement, I went ahead and ordered it. I came with scratches and dents on the block and the coolant level was below minimum. When I added coolant to the reservoir, I noticed that the reservoir itself was filthy. There was brown cloudy stuff floating in it. I am returning it tomorrow.

Needless to say, I am a bit frustrated with the situation. Hilariously (and sadly) the best cooler so far has been the stock intel cooler, but I want to do some overclocking. I love everything about my new rig, but the stock intel cooler just isn't very cool/prevents me from overclocking.

I would really appreciate some suggestions on a new cooler. I don't really care if it is air or water at this point, but do keep in mind that I have the dominator platinum ram which is pretty tall ram. It somewhat limits the air coolers I can use. If anyone has great experience with the h100i or h220-x, I might consider trying one again. Maybe the ones I got were just duds.

Thanks in advance,
Brad
 
Solution
Sensei Gamer


Yeah a hyper 212 EVO is excellent. and really cheap too. This is actually one of the best air coolers out there, But I don't think that it will stand OCing as much as the Noctua though. Still It is a very valid option. I love Hyper 212 EVO :) PRICE PER PERFORMANCE the best
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farnell121

farnell121

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May 17, 2014
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Honestly, I'm running a 4670k, have been running it stock for over a year now but am getting that overclocking itch myself. I went with a Cooler Master Seidon 120M as at the time I was able to get one on NewEgg for about $30 with all the rebates. I was really wanting a dual radiator to keep the temps really low and to future proof my overclocking.

I stuck with the single radiator and recently I put two 120mm fans on it at 12v/0.9A a fan and that thing idles at about 22-24 degrees Celsius. Saves a bunch of space in my case and I'm able to exhaust the air out the back versus the top of my case. I found two 12v/1.6A fans I am thinking about putting in and that would drop it well below 20 degrees I'm sure. There's also CoolLaboratory Liquid Ultra I just got in and going to apply that to the processor as well.

If you do decide to stick with the dual-radiator I still suggest getting some stronger fans, but ones that ARE speed controlled by the board. They can get loud as they draw way more power than most fans out there but if you like to have the ability to keep your CPU nice and frosty for benchmarking that is definitely something to consider regardless of the Liquid Cooling solution. You got the review part down, just do not go open box with those items, I've read way more negative than positive, I have no clue what people have tried to do before they send them back in under the warranty...
 
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Sensei Gamer

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In my opinion I prefer air cooling to AIO water cooling solution. They tend to have lots of problems, like the pump might stop working, Coolant leakage, pump noise, etc. Air cooling is much easier to mantain, The heatsinks need to be cleaned from dust and that's it. You could get a Noctua NH-D15. It's a big and beefy air cooler though but its very silent. see this benchmark and try finding the Noctua NH-D15. this cooler can compare even with the best AIO watercooling kits. price is I think around $93 kind of expensive for an air cooler. Link Below :) But I think that it won't fit. beecause you have a high profile RAM... Oh wait!! you can raise the fans like this XD - http://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6876.jpg

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/6795/swiftech-h220-x-all-in-one-cpu-cooler-review/index7.html
 
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KKAW

KKAW

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Apr 29, 2015
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If you want slightly better temps 2 degrees better a hyper212x should do better. If you dont mind a slightly more noisier but better cooling a seidon should do you fine. All your parts are lovely except the psu. If you plan on overclocking at all with cpu or gpu you should get a better psu. CX isnt gaming grade. A seasonic 600w+ or other tier 2 psu should be great.
 
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Sensei Gamer

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Yeah a hyper 212 EVO is excellent. and really cheap too. This is actually one of the best air coolers out there, But I don't think that it will stand OCing as much as the Noctua though. Still It is a very valid option. I love Hyper 212 EVO :) PRICE PER PERFORMANCE the best
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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_________________

That's why I threw in the 4.6, Above that normally want something better, and the 4690K can OC higher, but don't really see that many people push them above that
 
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Sensei Gamer

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You're right though, because most people would go with custom water cooling and stuff like that if they want to overclock even much higher
 
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Sav4

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Jul 30, 2013
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I have the h240x and it's a good cooler. In regards to the brown stuff in the coolant mine had it to it is the coolant dye clumping for some reason on shipping.it won't cause any issues contact bram at swiftech he will confirm this.
If you can live with the cosmetic issues keep the h220x good cooler. If you want simple use a air cooler like the evo212 phantek series or noctua all make quality coolers .
 
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farnell121

farnell121

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May 17, 2014
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I'm pushing a Cooler Master Seidon 120M, two high speed fans, Arctic 5 for the thermal compound. Processor idles at room temp. Got it for $30 on a new egg sale with 30% off plus mail in rebate. Just make sure the reviews are good as there are some really underrated accessories out there.
 
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