What's the Best Cheap CPU Fan For Overclocking

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Hi I'm looking to overclock my i7-920 but I'm worried about doing it with the stock fan I do have 7 fans running that are on my case but I really need a better cpu cooler, I had a look at the hyper 212 evo and x but I'm just wondering if there is anything better, also do I have to take my mobo out to install a new fan?
If anyone can reply thank you so much!

Barty1884 · Sep 18, 2016

The Cryorig H7 is one of the new 'budget' friendly CPU coolers. Seems to be limited to the US (for the most part), increasing cost of import/shipping if you're elsewhere.

Otherwise, the 212 EVO is the best 'bang for your buck' cooler.

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Yeah I'm in Australia so that's not really an option for me also does it really matter if I use the stock intel fan?

Barty1884 · Sep 18, 2016

Yeah, I'm in Canada so the H7 was never viable for me either.

For overclocking, the stock cooler isn't going to give you much headroom (if any at all), so it's not recommended.

The 212 EVO is the best 'budget' cooler that's available around the world.

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Well I guess I'm gonna go with the 212 evo, thanks for your help

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Just another question if you can answer it, do I have to take the mobo out to put the fan in?

Barty1884 · Sep 18, 2016

It depends on the case.

The 212 EVO uses a backplate (i believe, I haven't used on in a while). If your case has a cutout for the backplate, you could do it in the case - realistically though, it's just an easier/smoother process removing the board first.

One other thing - ensure your case has sufficient clearance for the 212 EVO, it is quite tall, which can present issues in some cases.

Karadjgne · Sep 18, 2016

Depends on your case. Some cases have a solid motherboard tray, so needing to remove the motherboard, some cases have a huge hole behind the socket, so doesn't require removing.

A cpu cooler is made up of a heatsink and a fan, its not the same thing, so literally, No, you'll never have to remove the mobo to change the fan is different than Yes, you might have to remove the motherboard to mount the heatsink (cooler)

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Oh I was completely unaware of the backside of the pc having a place to put and remove stuff, as for the height of the fan I should be fine, my case is massive

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

Okay so I'm gonna attempt to upload a screen shot of the back of the motherboard in my PC

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

https://i.gyazo.com/b48f57717e6b209ca03ae2dbf8c81084.jpg
Okay so that's the back, does this mean I'll be able to install the whole thing without taking my mobo out

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

You've got a big tray cutout so yes mate you will.
It is hard fitting it in the case as you have to to everything vertically - another pair of hands just to hold the backplate while you bolt it would be handy.

The 212x is the newer revision & also cheaper & slightly better than the evo.
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/PJYXsY/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212x20pmr1

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

You gave to take the gammaxx 300 into consideration here though too.

Its incredibly cheap, its not a million miles off the 212 performance wise. It uses the stock Intel mounting & has paste Pre applied.

Essentially a 5 minute swap job to fit.

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/product/JHV48d/deepcool-cpu-cooler-gammaxx300

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Yeah I'm wondering which one I should get now, I'm gonna use the overclocking to hold a gtx 1060 but I don't think it'll matter with either one I go with, plus the gama looks smaller, but I'm not sure cause I'm new to all this stuff

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

You could probably top out at 3.5/3.6 with the el cheapo gammaxx with respectable temps still depending on if your 920 is c0 or d0.
C0 require more vtage, run hotter & have far less overclocking headroom (CPU z will tell you your chip revision).

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Alrighty I'm gonna go and check the version of my CPU I'll be back shortly if not tomorrow ten am Sydney time

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

That's like 1am here so forgive me if I don't respond straight away ;-)

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Revision is c0/c1 so I'm not sure if this is good or bad and if I should go with the gammaxx

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

You need to do some temp & stress testing with your stock cooler now at stock speeds.

If you can top out low 70s while running Intel burn test then the gammaxx will be Good for 3.4ghz or so in my estimation (its better than a stock Intelcooler by 14-18c generally )

The c0 revisions have been known to hit close to 90c in some cases.

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Alright I'll have to get back to you tomorrow on that cause it's like 11pm here, quickly what program do I use to do the internal tests/ do I just play a game like dayz or Arma 3 as they are known to be CPU intensive

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

I'm not sure if this will effect anything but I have 7 case fans running aswell

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

Good case cooling will always help .

madmatt30 · Sep 18, 2016

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/intelburntest.html

That will stress your CPU & temps to 100%.

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Alright I'll do that in a bit and post back asap ty for your help so far!!!!!! Have a good one

No0b_with_pc · Sep 18, 2016

madmatt30 :

Okay so I did the standard and high tests and the stock fan held up to 70 degrees constant on the standard and on the high it was an average of 76 degrees so what's the next step now, should I get the gammaxx or the hyper?

What's the Best Cheap CPU Fan For Overclocking

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