Hello, when Threadripper came out, there was no cooling system that could cover the entire large CPU surface. More than half a year has passed, which is the best cooling system for the Threadripper these days? I am very sensitive to noise so a quiet system would be very desirable. However, if possible, I try to stay away from self-installed water cooling system as I worry that the water might leak and damage my system.
Best cooling system for Threadripper
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- Oct 6, 2014
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It has a huge base compaired to most processors.
I would probably get this for air unless your looking for a AIO water cooler.
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3/specification
I would probably get this for air unless your looking for a AIO water cooler.
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3/specification
feelinfroggy777
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Enermax makes 3 AIO coolers that have full coverage over the threadripper IHS and Noctua makes a special design cooler.
http://www.enermax.com/home.php?fn=eng/product_a1_1_1&lv0=109&lv1=118&no=370
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3.html
Here is a comparison between the Enermax, Noctua and standard coolers. The Enermax wins hands down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FffaOYQpI6k
http://www.enermax.com/home.php?fn=eng/product_a1_1_1&lv0=109&lv1=118&no=370
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3.html
Here is a comparison between the Enermax, Noctua and standard coolers. The Enermax wins hands down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FffaOYQpI6k
Thanks. Am I right that if I use the Noctua NH0U14S-TR4-SP3 Premium cooler, I have to choose the motherboard and ram modules carefully to avoid the large cooler block the components? It seems that some people have problem in installing a secondary fan. Somebody also mentioned some kind of "black" fan. What is that?
feelinfroggy777
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I don't own the Noctua cooler so I cant comment for certain, but the NH-14S-TR4 is a big air cooler. It is the 140mm cooler. Noctua also makes a the NH-U12S-TR4 and the NF-U9-TR4 coolers. One is a 120mm and the other is a 92mm. I don't think I would recommend the 92mm Noctua cooler if you are planning on overclocking, I don't think it would do the job. In fact, I don't think I would get the 120mm either and expect a big overclock.
Here are the Noctua workstation coolers. You can see the TR4 coolers they have.
https://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-workstation-server
I have the Enermax 240mm AIO. It works great for me. I have several AIOs and never had one leak, so I would not worry too much about it. But, anything you put in a threadripper system is gonna be expensive, so I can understand why you would feel more comfortable with an air cooler.
Thanks. Are those Enermax AIO coolers completely silent? Do they block GPU or RAM modules like some Noctua uers experience?
Anybody heard of story about leaking of water cooler? So far I have not heard leakage from these AIO coolers. I guess leakage could happen when users bend and adjust the water pipes that warp around several components.
Anybody heard of story about leaking of water cooler? So far I have not heard leakage from these AIO coolers. I guess leakage could happen when users bend and adjust the water pipes that warp around several components.
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Maybe you should stick to a single thread. I know they are slightly different questions, but all related to HEDT CPU choice and cooling.
AIO coolers basically don't block anything, you just have some hoses to deal with. The radiator will be mounted to the case somewhere.
Only a passive cooling system would be silent, but the wattage that HEDT chips produce is too much for standard passive cooling. There are a few solutions out there, but it would cost a lot to get that.
I have had an AIO leak, it shut the computer down, it got the top of a GPU slightly wet (one without a backplate) and a quick cleanup and everything was back to normal. Sans the cooler, one of the o-rings had shrunk enough to let liquid out. It is fixable, but they thing is way past its expected operating hours.
Typical failure mode is simple pump failure, CPU overheats, cooler is replaced, back up and running. They just don't have a lot of passive capability as compared to air coolers.
AIO coolers basically don't block anything, you just have some hoses to deal with. The radiator will be mounted to the case somewhere.
Only a passive cooling system would be silent, but the wattage that HEDT chips produce is too much for standard passive cooling. There are a few solutions out there, but it would cost a lot to get that.
I have had an AIO leak, it shut the computer down, it got the top of a GPU slightly wet (one without a backplate) and a quick cleanup and everything was back to normal. Sans the cooler, one of the o-rings had shrunk enough to let liquid out. It is fixable, but they thing is way past its expected operating hours.
Typical failure mode is simple pump failure, CPU overheats, cooler is replaced, back up and running. They just don't have a lot of passive capability as compared to air coolers.
Thanks. Do you mean overtime, the o-rings in those AIO systems could get old and liquid could leak out.
I watched the comparison video of Noctua and Enermax. If I interpret it correctly, it seems to be that the Noctua system is just a few degrees hotter but it is less noisy as the Enermax cooler. However, depending on the motherboard one uses, the Noctua cooler could block the GPU or RAM modules. So, if I want to use 4 GPU or max the RAM, that might be a problem?
Don't know why in the video, the S in NH-U14S was missing. I guess they are the same product as there is no Noctua NH-U14. As for the Enermax, is the higher the number the better? i.e. Enermax 360 is better than the 240.
The AIO leak seems to be scary. If one puts the computer under the table, the water could damage the components in the system. By the time the user is aware, it could be too late?
I watched the comparison video of Noctua and Enermax. If I interpret it correctly, it seems to be that the Noctua system is just a few degrees hotter but it is less noisy as the Enermax cooler. However, depending on the motherboard one uses, the Noctua cooler could block the GPU or RAM modules. So, if I want to use 4 GPU or max the RAM, that might be a problem?
Don't know why in the video, the S in NH-U14S was missing. I guess they are the same product as there is no Noctua NH-U14. As for the Enermax, is the higher the number the better? i.e. Enermax 360 is better than the 240.
The AIO leak seems to be scary. If one puts the computer under the table, the water could damage the components in the system. By the time the user is aware, it could be too late?
feelinfroggy777
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An o-ring is an elastic band in the pump. It is basically a gasket or a rubber band. It keeps the liquid from going places you dont want it.
Here is a comparison video of all of the Noctua coolers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQnti_Q5Ei4&ab_channel=Jarrod%27sTech
The NH-U14S will block your first PCIe slot, at least it does on the ROG Zenith Extreme motherboard. The smaller coolers did fine at stock temps, but they will hold you back when overclocking.
To me, if your not going to overclock, then you should go with one of the smaller coolers. If you are going to overclock, then you should look AIO solution. Maybe other motherboards will fit the NH-U14S, but the socket is so big on the TR4 that there is just not much space for the PCIe x16 slots without being right next to the CPU.
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Every mechanical device is rated for a set number of hours. My friend ran my old h80i for something like 3 years nearly 24/7. I previously lightly used it for about a year. (I moved on to custom cooling)
I suspect it was more due to the way it was mounted. There was quite a bit of stress on the hose to reach the rear fan mount. This o-ring in particular was the seal between the hose fittings and the pump body. It didn't pour out, just a slow leak. We aren't sure if the computer thermally throttled on the CPU, or if it actually shorted something out on the GPU and tripped the power supply.
Either way it was a minor issue.
Personally I would trust a custom water cooling solution, where you have a hand in the assembly, then some all in ones. 2/3 failures for the ones I have owned, the other was just pump failure.
But there are some nice ones out there, the high end Corsair, NZXT, or even Enermax, are going to be great for cooling. Though that Enermax has a leg up since they made the base for the socket in question.
I suspect it was more due to the way it was mounted. There was quite a bit of stress on the hose to reach the rear fan mount. This o-ring in particular was the seal between the hose fittings and the pump body. It didn't pour out, just a slow leak. We aren't sure if the computer thermally throttled on the CPU, or if it actually shorted something out on the GPU and tripped the power supply.
Either way it was a minor issue.
Personally I would trust a custom water cooling solution, where you have a hand in the assembly, then some all in ones. 2/3 failures for the ones I have owned, the other was just pump failure.
But there are some nice ones out there, the high end Corsair, NZXT, or even Enermax, are going to be great for cooling. Though that Enermax has a leg up since they made the base for the socket in question.
- Oct 6, 2014
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That is not true you can use all the slots. That is one motherboard their always exceptions
Card used in the top slot. The spacing from the memory to the slot is just like it should be.
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/m4P323
In your other post. I have the Enermax 240mm AIO
That is not what's listed in your build!
From: https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3/comp
It looks like only the ROG Zenith Extreme has problem about blocking. Should check with the manufacturer just to be sure.
About 10 years ago, I bought a PC using Asus motherboard. I recall that in the control penal on screen, I could click a button to overclock automatically. Is it the same these days? I am not an over-clocker. I have no plan to overclock at the moment but I may. Not sure yet.
It looks like only the ROG Zenith Extreme has problem about blocking. Should check with the manufacturer just to be sure.
About 10 years ago, I bought a PC using Asus motherboard. I recall that in the control penal on screen, I could click a button to overclock automatically. Is it the same these days? I am not an over-clocker. I have no plan to overclock at the moment but I may. Not sure yet.
- Oct 6, 2014
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All the AIO coolers are louder than air unless you change the stock fans.
Over 50 sound level for the Enermax coolers, again the loudest parts in your PC.
https://www.hardocp.com/article/2017/10/04/enermax_liqtech_tr4_aio_liquid_cpu_coolers_review/4
If you Buy Corsair LPX memory their no clearance issues.
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/m4P323
All 8 slots are used and the top video card slot.
feelinfroggy777
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I said that at least for the Zenith Extreme it would block the top PCIe slot. If you watch the video review of the NH-U14S-TR4 on the ROG Zenith Extreme the reviewer shows video of it blocking the PCIe slot and verbally indicates that it blocks the top slot. So yeah, it is true bud.
I am glad that you found him another board that would work. The Zenith Extreme is awfully expensive. I chose it because I already had the RAM and the RAM I had was on the Zenith Extreme's QVL list. TR4 does not have great RAM compatibility. So I wanted to avoid the issue. There are other boards that are much cheaper and will do the job just fine.
Sorry, I was kinda busy at work and I made a mistake. But I am afraid you caught me red handed. I dont have the Enermax Liptech 240mm. I have the Enermax Liptech 280mm. I was just trying to help someone make an informed purchase by sharing my experience with the hardware.
It almost seems like you think I am telling a lie about my rig. So I took a photo for you to serve as objective evidence. https://imgur.com/EXWqOGn
It is a 1950x, ROG X399 Zenith Extreme, Enermax Liptech 280, 32gb (4x8gb) GSkill 2666 DDR4 RAM, MSI 1080ti Founders Edition (removed the FE cooler and added a EVGA Hybrid cooler) 960 EVO, 850 EVO and 4 4tb HDD. I have a Seasonic Focus Gold PSU, but you cant see that in the pic because the PSU shroud from the Fractal Design Define R6.
The TR4 is my workstation, but I also have another build I use for gaming. Here is a pic of it for the record. https://imgur.com/qGyJ3zx
It has a 8700k, Gigabyte Z370 Gaming 7, Corsair H115i, 16gb (2x8gb) 2400 Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR4 RAM, MSI 1080ti Founders Edition (removed the FE cooler and added a EVGA Hybrid cooler) 960 EVO, 850 PRO, and several 850 EVOs, and a EVGA 1000 watt G2 PSU. But it is hidden in the pic as well from the PSU shroud in the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe case.
I know what you are thinking, a 1000 watt PSU is way too much for that system, I was running SLI and I just got tired of the poor support. I found that most of the time SLI was disabled because it would have a negative impact. So I split up the twins.
Maybe you can forgive me for making a mistake between the 240mm cooler vs the 280mm cooler! I have a lot of parts in two machines and I was never very smart to begin with.
I am considering the Threadripper 1900X, NH-U12S-TR4 and the ROG Zenith Extreme motherboard in a Be Quiet Dark Base Pro 900 case.
feelinfroggy777 mentioned that he or she would not use the NH0U12S-TR4 if over clocking.
It looks like Enermax has two new products namly Liqtech TR4 280 and 360. Are those better than the 240 also also do not block the GPUs and the RAM? Will they be noisier in the Be Quiet case?
If I use the G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 64GB in this system, do I have to over clock to achieve 3200? If not, at what speed will the RAM be running by default? Is the performance of the system at 3200 RAM speed noticeable faster than the same system with lower default RAM speed? I see this RAM Kit listed in some partpicker builts but it is not listed in either ASUS nor G.Skill QVL.
feelinfroggy777 mentioned that he or she would not use the NH0U12S-TR4 if over clocking.
It looks like Enermax has two new products namly Liqtech TR4 280 and 360. Are those better than the 240 also also do not block the GPUs and the RAM? Will they be noisier in the Be Quiet case?
If I use the G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 64GB in this system, do I have to over clock to achieve 3200? If not, at what speed will the RAM be running by default? Is the performance of the system at 3200 RAM speed noticeable faster than the same system with lower default RAM speed? I see this RAM Kit listed in some partpicker builts but it is not listed in either ASUS nor G.Skill QVL.
feelinfroggy777
Glorious
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You can overclock with the NH-U12S-TR4, but it will hit thermal barriers sooner than the larger Noctua or the AIOs.
As for the Enermax units, the 360 will cool the best, then the 280, and then the 240. The 360/280/240 refers to the size of the radiator on the cooler. The larger the radiator, the better cooling it will provide. If you have room, the 360mm will cool the best, but it does take up a lot of room. You will need to see if your case will support a 360mm radiator, and then make sure it can support it with your preferred configuration. For example, some cases will support a 360mm radiator, but you will have to remove HDD cages in order to use it. You may need those HDD cages, so it just depends on the case. If you go with the Be Quite Dark Base Pro 900 it will easily fit the 360mm radiator. It is a great case.
If you go with a AIO cooler, you wont have to worry about clearances for GPUs or RAM. The AIO pumps have a much smaller footprint around the socket than a big air cooler. Where AIOs have issues as it relates to size is installation of the radiator. But again, with the Be Quite case you have chosen, this wont be an issue.
I think the 280mm AIO is a sweet spot for most cases as typically you wont have configuration issues with most decent cases and it does a good job cooling. I have the 280mm Enermax and at 3.7ghz under full load my temps are 51C.
As far as noise is concerned the case will play a major role in how loud your system is. Be Quite! makes some good cases and they are designed to keep sound to a minimum, but I cant confirm how it will sound because I dont have that case. I have a Fractal Design R6 and it is also designed to keep noise levels low and it is very quite with the Enermax 280mm.
Here is a good review of the Define R6, but you cant go wrong with Be Quite! either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaxLG2hCgo&ab_channel=HardwareCanucks
When you install your RAM and boot your machine it will run the RAM at 2666mhz as this is the native speed for Threadripper. So in order to get the 3200mhz speeds you will need to overclock the RAM. Pending on the application that you are using, running running RAM speeds at 3200mhz over the 2666 will make a big difference in performance. But in other applications, it wont be as noticeable.
The biggest issue with Threadripper and Ryzen for that matter is memory support. The Zen architecture has real issues with RAM compatibility. In fact, the reason I went with the ROG Zenith Extreme was because I already had the RAM and it was the only motherboard that I could find that it was listed on the QVL. Given RAM prices I chose the higher motherboard other than taking the risk of it not working.
With that being said, it looks like the Gskill Trident Z G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 32GB kit is listed on the QVL. So it may be worth the risk because you will be getting the same RAM, just at a higher capacity of 64gb. If you do go that route, then make sure you get the RAM from a vendor that accepts returns, just in case.
There are several 64gb kits of 3000mhz speed RAM that are on the QVL, but I dont know how much they are because RAM prices are nuts right now.
Good luck man and I hope you enjoy it.
As for the Enermax units, the 360 will cool the best, then the 280, and then the 240. The 360/280/240 refers to the size of the radiator on the cooler. The larger the radiator, the better cooling it will provide. If you have room, the 360mm will cool the best, but it does take up a lot of room. You will need to see if your case will support a 360mm radiator, and then make sure it can support it with your preferred configuration. For example, some cases will support a 360mm radiator, but you will have to remove HDD cages in order to use it. You may need those HDD cages, so it just depends on the case. If you go with the Be Quite Dark Base Pro 900 it will easily fit the 360mm radiator. It is a great case.
If you go with a AIO cooler, you wont have to worry about clearances for GPUs or RAM. The AIO pumps have a much smaller footprint around the socket than a big air cooler. Where AIOs have issues as it relates to size is installation of the radiator. But again, with the Be Quite case you have chosen, this wont be an issue.
I think the 280mm AIO is a sweet spot for most cases as typically you wont have configuration issues with most decent cases and it does a good job cooling. I have the 280mm Enermax and at 3.7ghz under full load my temps are 51C.
As far as noise is concerned the case will play a major role in how loud your system is. Be Quite! makes some good cases and they are designed to keep sound to a minimum, but I cant confirm how it will sound because I dont have that case. I have a Fractal Design R6 and it is also designed to keep noise levels low and it is very quite with the Enermax 280mm.
Here is a good review of the Define R6, but you cant go wrong with Be Quite! either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaxLG2hCgo&ab_channel=HardwareCanucks
When you install your RAM and boot your machine it will run the RAM at 2666mhz as this is the native speed for Threadripper. So in order to get the 3200mhz speeds you will need to overclock the RAM. Pending on the application that you are using, running running RAM speeds at 3200mhz over the 2666 will make a big difference in performance. But in other applications, it wont be as noticeable.
The biggest issue with Threadripper and Ryzen for that matter is memory support. The Zen architecture has real issues with RAM compatibility. In fact, the reason I went with the ROG Zenith Extreme was because I already had the RAM and it was the only motherboard that I could find that it was listed on the QVL. Given RAM prices I chose the higher motherboard other than taking the risk of it not working.
With that being said, it looks like the Gskill Trident Z G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200C14 32GB kit is listed on the QVL. So it may be worth the risk because you will be getting the same RAM, just at a higher capacity of 64gb. If you do go that route, then make sure you get the RAM from a vendor that accepts returns, just in case.
There are several 64gb kits of 3000mhz speed RAM that are on the QVL, but I dont know how much they are because RAM prices are nuts right now.
Good luck man and I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for the suggestions.
How do I know if the Ram Kit does not work out? Will the system crash,fail to boot? I plan to use Ubuntu Linux most of the time.
If I make a mistake in over clocking or the Ram is not compatible, will the system components be damaged or even result in fire hazard? I read that some people need to set the voltage manually in the BIOS. Is this dangerous to the system as well as the user?
How do I know if the Ram Kit does not work out? Will the system crash,fail to boot? I plan to use Ubuntu Linux most of the time.
If I make a mistake in over clocking or the Ram is not compatible, will the system components be damaged or even result in fire hazard? I read that some people need to set the voltage manually in the BIOS. Is this dangerous to the system as well as the user?
feelinfroggy777
Glorious
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If the RAM does not work the system wont post. It will probably just go into a boot loop trying to post. Even on my rig I had an issue when I first turned on my machine and I had RAM on the QVL. I got a boot loop. So I ran one stick and go the machine to boot. Then I installed the other 3 sticks and it booted just fine. So go into it expecting issues so you wont be discouraged if you have trouble. It is just growing pains with a new platform for AMD.
No, your not going to burn your house down overclocking RAM. You may not even have to adjust voltage or timings. It can be just as easy as changing the frequency to 3200mhz in the bios. If you have problems, which you may, then just google ROG Zenith Extreme RAM Overclocking and find a video. It will show you step by step how to do it. From what I have heard, 3200mhz is not too difficult, typically speeds beyond 3200mhz take some tinkering.
Also, if you have problems overclocking your RAM, first do a bios update. Newer bios will improve RAM compatibility.
No, your not going to burn your house down overclocking RAM. You may not even have to adjust voltage or timings. It can be just as easy as changing the frequency to 3200mhz in the bios. If you have problems, which you may, then just google ROG Zenith Extreme RAM Overclocking and find a video. It will show you step by step how to do it. From what I have heard, 3200mhz is not too difficult, typically speeds beyond 3200mhz take some tinkering.
Also, if you have problems overclocking your RAM, first do a bios update. Newer bios will improve RAM compatibility.
Thanks. What is mean by 'post'?
When the motherboard arrives, should I install all the components to make the computer. Then update the bios and then install the OS or if nothing goes wrong, don’t update the Bios as it might slow down the system due to meltdown and Spectre patches?
On G.skill webpage, they have Trident Z RGB and Trident Z RGB (for AMD). What is the difference? Shouldn’t they work for both Intel and AMD platforms?
I may move to high end Intel platform later once they have removed Meltdown and Spectre issues at hardware level. I might reuse the RAM Kit later. So getting one that is compatible with both platforms is ideal. Not sure if Intel is really moving to 6-channel RAM system by then. May need to buy a new RAM set to guarantee achievement of high performance.
https://www.gskill.com/en/catalog/desktop-memory
When the motherboard arrives, should I install all the components to make the computer. Then update the bios and then install the OS or if nothing goes wrong, don’t update the Bios as it might slow down the system due to meltdown and Spectre patches?
On G.skill webpage, they have Trident Z RGB and Trident Z RGB (for AMD). What is the difference? Shouldn’t they work for both Intel and AMD platforms?
I may move to high end Intel platform later once they have removed Meltdown and Spectre issues at hardware level. I might reuse the RAM Kit later. So getting one that is compatible with both platforms is ideal. Not sure if Intel is really moving to 6-channel RAM system by then. May need to buy a new RAM set to guarantee achievement of high performance.
https://www.gskill.com/en/catalog/desktop-memory
feelinfroggy777
Glorious
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As a best practice, I dont update the bios unless there is an issue. There are risk in updating the bios as if you can brick the bios is you put the wrong one on the motherboard. With that being said, I have updated a lot of bios and never had an issue. So dont let it frighten you off.
I would build the system and install you OS. Then try overclocking the RAM. If it works, then you can choose if you want to update the bios. I have not done a lot of research on the bios and OS patches and how it impact threadripper. Most of the performance loss impacts Intel more than AMD, and performance loss really only happens when using certain applications in certain instances.
I would build the system and install you OS. Then try overclocking the RAM. If it works, then you can choose if you want to update the bios. I have not done a lot of research on the bios and OS patches and how it impact threadripper. Most of the performance loss impacts Intel more than AMD, and performance loss really only happens when using certain applications in certain instances.
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