CPU cooler for FX 8350

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for advice on a new cooler for the AMD FX 8350 processor. The idle temp is currently 30 degrees, but it shoots up to around 78 when gaming. The stock fan is also horribly loud.

I was looking at some block fans, but unfortunately it seems the back of my case isn't designed to accommodate fitting them without removing the motherboard (which I'm not really looking to do if I can avoid it).

So, can anyone recommend any flat fans (or fans that don't require screwing in from the back of the motherboard) that would do a good job?

Please note I'm not really looking for liquid cooling in any capacity.

For reference, I have a Bitfenix Neos case and an MSI Gaming 970 mb. I believe my cpu clearance is 150mm.

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

According to pictures on: https://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/neos it has rectangular opening in the back plate in the place where processor should be.

spdragoo · Sep 20, 2016

Before investing in a CPU cooler, have you made sure that you have added extra case fans? I notice that your case came with a single 120mm fan for the rear (https://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/neos#support), but has room for 2 additional fans in the front. It could be that adding those additional fans will improve air flow within the case, & better airflow = cooler-running CPUs.

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

I am going to be getting two additional case fans for the front, but I feel an upgrade on the cooler should be explored as the one I'm using was the stock for my fx 4100 that I had.

And in regards to the backplate...this is the issue I mean:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bqle26syydrz744/20160920_092820.jpg?dl=0

You can see that I cannot actually get to all of the screws, which is a pain. Given that I've literally just built this pc, I'm not in the mood to take the motherboard out again to be honest.

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

Don't be lazy than, replacing stock cooler would be worthwhile and you don't have to do it often. Using a good paste should be good for 3 years and more. Or if you could get hold of new AMD "Wraith" cooler that is much better than old ones and fits in original holder.

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

I'm guessing the AMD Wraith cooler is a flat one, as per my original question? Because if so, I am unable to locate any where that actually sells it, so that doesn't seem a viable option.

So, surely there must be other CPU coolers out there that people have tried that aren't massive blocks of over-the-topness? I'm not overclocking, so I'm just trying to find a cooler that will stop the CPU hitting 70 / 80 degrees.

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

Better cooing also means bigger heat sink and quieter operation means bigger fan. As far as I remember, there used to be some coolers that go in same place and mount same as original but they were no better than stock ones. If you want a good flat one, look at Noctua lineup.

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

I was actually looking at a Noctura one originally:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Noctua-NH-L9a-CPU-Cooler-Socket/dp/B009VY1R9O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474382819&sr=8-2&keywords=noctua+am3

However, I was put off when reading up about it. In topics around the internet, people have asked the exact question "will this CPU work with an FX 8350" and the answer usually seems to be "not very well, no".

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

Also, although I said I wasn't interested in liquid cooling earlier, what are the general thoughts on this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Performance-Liquid-Cooler-Radiator/dp/B009VV56TY/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1474383130&sr=8-17&keywords=cpu+cooler+am3

The only reason I'm put off by it is the question of if the radiator would actually fit in my case - I looked at some videos on YouTube, and the one that put me off was a dude drilling new holes into his case to fit it in as they didn't align...really don't want to have to do something like that.

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

About that first one, they are probably right, 2 pipes and small fan, can't be any better than original plus it obviously has to be mounted with screw from the back.
That corsair may also be at small side.
I would suggest this one http://www.corsair.com/en-us/hydro-series-h60-high-performance-liquid-cpu-cooler it does use backplate but you may just be able to use your original one instead. It also screws on from the top. Those smaller liquid coolers are practical for mounting as radiator and fan just instead of rear exhaust fan and do both duties.

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

It is starting to sound like I'm going to have to just use the one I initially outlined. Argh, I don't really want to dismantle my whole setup again ...I wonder if I can get away with just unscrewing it with everything plugged in so I can secure the screws through the back...

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

Been there, done that, It would be easier to take everything out, whole bunch of cables are going to get in the way. I believe that single radiator water cooler is easiest to mount and less obtrusive.

Last_Approach · Sep 20, 2016

Thanks for your help CountMike - in the mean time, if anyone else can think of any other suggestions then do please let me know. I won't be buying anything until payday at the end of the month, as I already spent far more than I would like to admit on this PC

g-unit1111 · Sep 20, 2016

CountMike :

That cooler isn't any better than a strong air fan. A Noctua D15 or a Phanteks TC-14PE would be a far better purchase for the same money. Most closed liquid loop coolers - especially single fan ones - don't provide any better cooling than the strongest dual tower air fan does.

CountMike · Sep 20, 2016

But he explicitly said that he desn't want anything bulky and d15 is enormous.

magneezo · Sep 20, 2016

I'm using an aftermarket cooler on my FX 8300 you might want to check this out
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OLA0BOA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It doesn't require tools and snaps on like the OEM. My temp is a steady 15c at idle/Whisper quiet
It has thermal paste but I also ordered some:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D0S7H8Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and for case fans the Rosewill 120mm 4 pack is super quiet. I have these helping out:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200072 They have both 3 pin and molex attached

g-unit1111 · Sep 20, 2016

CountMike :

Yeah but the H60 is on the very low end of the spectrum for a liquid cooler. Honestly a Noctua U12 would be a better purchase than an H60: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/wjmLrH/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhu12s

There's thin dual towers out there but I can't seem to find any at the moment.

Last_Approach · Sep 21, 2016

magneezo :

Thanks for that; I will check it out, as it looks promising. Not available on Amazon.co.uk though, but I'm sure I could find it somewhere...

I really wish the one I was looking at would come with a clip like this one...just makes life easier when you have a case window that was designed to troll users with it's uselessness.

g-unit1111 · Sep 21, 2016

Last_Approach :

That DeepCool cooler is on the very very low end of the spectrum. The Cryorig H5 is only $10 more and it is a far better unit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UF2DZ6565

Last_Approach · Sep 21, 2016

g-unit1111 :

Ideally I would still like the Cryorig, but as mentioned it's really inconvenient to fit. I'm sure I'll probably end up getting it anyway, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't a decent other option that's better than the stock cooler (even just quieter, not necessarily cooler as I don't think 70 degrees is all that bad) that uses a clip rather than the bracket in the back of the MB.

g-unit1111 · Sep 21, 2016

Last_Approach :

I'm not sure I understand the problem here - your case can support a full tower CPU cooler up to a Noctua D15. Are you looking for a horizontal tower like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/KrkD4D/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14cs

Or maybe this: http://pcpartpicker.com/product/PP4gXL/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl12

logainofhades · Sep 21, 2016

This is an excellent cooler, for the money.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Reeven Justice 82.1 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($42.00 @ Newegg)
Total: $42.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-21 10:58 EDT-0400

Rogue Leader · Sep 21, 2016

Last_Approach :

I've been where you are, there are no really "good" coolers that don't use a back plate. I have a Coolermaster Hyper T2 on my Phenom and its just about passable. But the 8350 runs hotter it needs something better. it sucks but you have to suck it up and pull the motherboard, even just enough to get the back plate in place. I had to do the same thing when I got my Noctua cooler on my server, and then again building my wife's PC because I had the same window issue, it was just a bit off.

70 degrees on an 8350 is not great, it throttles at 72. The Cryorig is the best way to go.

Last_Approach · Sep 21, 2016

g-unit1111 :

The issue isn't whether it would fit (I have a 158mm clearence, so the one I linked in my initial post will fit in) - the issue is that the window on the outside of the case has been designed by a three year old with a crayon, so none of the screws align - see my dropbox picture - meaning you cannot actually get to half the holes to screw it in.

I'm really not in any kind of mood to completely dismantle the PC I literally just put together, and given that it's really only the noise that's putting me off (not over all cooling issues or problems), I just wanted to explore the more convenient options. Otherwise, I will put it off for a few months before eventually going for the Cryorig cooler.

logainofhades · Sep 21, 2016

If you want something better than stock, that uses the stock mounting system, the coolermaster hyper T4 is probably your best option.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper T4 70.0 CFM Rifle Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $22.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-21 11:22 EDT-0400

CPU cooler for FX 8350

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