Upgrade CPU cooler question: is this difficult?

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bradenthefirst

bradenthefirst

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Dec 25, 2012
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I built the following system a couple months ago:
-Intel i7-8700
-Asus TUF Z370 Plus Gaming
-G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) Desktop Memory Model F4-2666C15D-16GVR
-MyDigitalSSD BPX 512GB SSD
-Samsung 850 EVO 1TB SSD
- WD Black 4TB HDD
- Corsair 200R Case

Right now I am using the stock cooler, which has not presented any overheating problems so far, but it does wind the fan up pretty high at times.

I am considering an upgrade to the cooling, perhaps a Hyper 212 or Noctua NH-U14S or NH-D15 or similar. I am not interested in liquid cooling at this time.

Question: Is this a huge pain to do? Do i risk damaging the chip as I remove the old thermal paste and try to install new? What are the tips and tricks that will lead to success? I am a bit nervous about taking a machine that is working fine for now, and breaking something just to get the core temps down a bit.

I use the machine for office work and some light gaming (Civ6, etc)

Thanks!
 
Solution
geofelt
hyper212 is not the easiest to mount.
OTOH, the noctua coolers are very simple to install I can't imagine anything easier.
The fans are top quality and quiet.

The coolers you listed are very good, but probably much more than you need for a non overclocked processor.
I would look at the NH-U12s. It will come with some low noise adapters which I think you could use and still get good cooling.
Here is a link to your options, check out the height available to install the cooler.
https://noctua.at/en/tdp-guide

On your concerns.

1. Run the cpu a bit before shutting down. That will soften the existing paste and make it easier to remove the old cooler.

2. Do not remove the cpu from the socket.

3. Clean off the old paste with...
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ThatVietGuy

ThatVietGuy

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Nov 6, 2007
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It is a very straightforward task.

Your case makes it even easier because there's a cutout beneath the motherboard that allows you access behind the motherboard so you can mount the backplate that is required with the coolers you've mentioned without having to remove the motherboard.

As long as you work slowly and use some common sense you shouldn't break anything. And, as always, follow the provided instructions or watch YouTube videos so you can know what's coming next.
 
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aquielisunari

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Mar 31, 2011
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First off, let's not call this procedure breaking something. We know if it isn't broke you usually don't fix it. Because you're worried about noise Be Quiet's Dark Rock Pro 3 https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13C-001F-00002 is an option. The Cryorig H7 is a less expensive option that will keep temps under control. It's a little better than the 212.

Is it hard to install? The 212 Evo is probably one of the most difficult. It is however keeps my 4690K nice and happy OC'd or not. All I can recommend is that you watch a how to install video, or 3 over at YouTube prior to installing the cooler. To install the 212 the user needs to pick the right frame for their CPU's socket type. There are 3 little notches that represent different Intel Socket types. Not exactly easy getting that right. Then it's just a matter of pushing through 4 bolts through a supplied backplate
WIN_20160925_15_02_43_Pro.jpg
and getting it tight enough but not too tight.


As far as thermal compound application I used the thin plastic clamshell my 4690K came in. I applied a long grain rice amount and spread it on the base of the 212. I then installed it. Some put a pea size dab and squish spread it without lifting or turning the heatsink. My temps. are fine so I'm happy with the way I did it. Still others apply it differently.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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hyper212 is not the easiest to mount.
OTOH, the noctua coolers are very simple to install I can't imagine anything easier.
The fans are top quality and quiet.

The coolers you listed are very good, but probably much more than you need for a non overclocked processor.
I would look at the NH-U12s. It will come with some low noise adapters which I think you could use and still get good cooling.
Here is a link to your options, check out the height available to install the cooler.
https://noctua.at/en/tdp-guide

On your concerns.

1. Run the cpu a bit before shutting down. That will soften the existing paste and make it easier to remove the old cooler.

2. Do not remove the cpu from the socket.

3. Clean off the old paste with alcohol, 92% is very good.

4. Use something lint free. I use paper coffee filters.

5. apply a bit of alcohol and wipe off what you can. Do it again until all the old paste is removed.

6. Follow the noctua instructions, they are quite good. No need to remove the motherboard.
You have a nice opening into which to place the bottom plate.

 
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