Which of these CPU coolers should I choose?

Hazlazm

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Jan 27, 2017
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Hey all.

I have an i7 7700k that I'm going to run in Turbo Mode (4.5Ghz) and I'm going to buy a new CPU cooler to mitigate the temperatures. I'm wondering which one of these will give me the most cooling. I don't really care for noise, as long as it isn't too high.

Noctua NH-U14S

Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212

Noctua NH-U12S

Be Quiet! Dark Rock 3 - I'm uncertain whether it will fit on my motherboard without blocking/interfering my RAM/RAM slots.

I know that U14 is a successor to the U12 but U12 might be enough for my purpose. U14 cost 10€ more.


Which one of these would you recommend and is sufficient in cooling the 7700k 4,5Ghz?

Thanks in advance for replies!
 
Solution
Yes it is, if you aren't going to OC then you would be fine with a 212 evo. But if you want the really good Temps and over clocking room go Noctua

jty0yt

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Sep 3, 2014
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I'm using a U14S and blimey is it an amazing cooler! I've got a i5 4690k OC'd to 4.5ghz, 25c idle, under 40c at full load! I love it.

The 212 evo is an good cooler but not really meant for enthusiast chips that are oc'd. Haven't heard much about the dark rock so I'd definitely recommend the U14S
 

Hazlazm

Commendable
Jan 27, 2017
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1,530
Right now I've got temperatures of 60-65 with peaks of 70 degrees celsius sometimes when playing Battlefield 1, For Honor Beta, Dishonored 2, CS:GO etc. One game that is much more visually appealing than CS:GO has been at 50-55. This is with Turbo Mode OFF. People have said I have an undersized cooler for my i7 7700k, I have an Noctua U9B SE2. I want temperatures around 50 when gaming, with a maximum of 60 and be able to use Turbo Boost ON with those temperatures. So maybe I'll go for a U12 or U14. U12 is 10€ cheaper than U14 tho.
 


You run Prime95 with only small FFTs or Intel burn test and your OC'd 4690K stays at or under 40C? Ambient temps?

 

jty0yt

Reputable
Sep 3, 2014
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If I remember correctly then yes, this was years ago and I don't have access to my PC right now! I'm probably wrong :p
 


:p I've not seen a normal air or AIO closed loop water cooler that can offer that kind of cooling. I'm not just someone who just asks questions either. I'm also a client!! Anyways, I use the 4690K so when I saw your statement it sent out a ray of hope that was immediately extinguished by a shadow of doubt. I've been very satisfied with the Evo 212 even when Oc'd to 4.4GHz while gaming. So when I saw your claim my curiosity was piqued.

One more question. Can you please run the Intel Burn Test and post a screenshot of HwMonitor that was open during the test so I can see the min and max numbers(remembering to offer ambient temp.) including your GFX card's temp? I'd prefer the 4690K to be at stock which is where I am. If not, no big. I simply want to see that cooler in action. Wouldn't be hard to sell this 212 to belay the cost of that cooler if it offers better cooling.