Recommended CPU Cooler

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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Hello all,

I am currently thinking of going ahead with this build:

CPU: Intel i7-8700K overclocled to 4.8GHz
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Superclocked Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card
RAM: Corsair-Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
SSD: Kingston-UV500 480GB 2.5'' SSD
HD: Seagate-Barracuda 2TB 3.5'' 7200RPM Internal HD
Case: Focus G Window Midi-Tower Case - Black

I am only worried about keeping it all cool. I will replace the front two 120mm fans with 140mm ones, get two 140mm fans for the top, one 120mm fan for the rear and one 120mm fan for the bottom. What cooler would be recommended for keeping my cpu cool? I have a height limit of 165mm.

Thanks!
 
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xxxlun4icexxx
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned the Noctua NH-D15 would be a good cooler, but that it's right on the 165mm limit. That shouldn't cause any issues should it?
 
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xxxlun4icexxx

xxxlun4icexxx

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Jun 13, 2013
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Are you against using an AIO liquid cooler?
 
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Not really. What are the pros and cons of a liquid cooler as opposed to a fan cooler?
 
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Jwpanz

Jwpanz

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Apr 17, 2016
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Pros: Eliminates height restrictions that air coolers come with, usually takes longer for heat to saturate the radiator due to effective cooling by liquid, can be mounted to top, rear, or front of case depending on size of radiator.

Cons: Can be more expensive, possibility of leaks (low risk, but still a risk nonetheless), not all cases support mounting points.
 
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xxxlun4icexxx

xxxlun4icexxx

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Jun 13, 2013
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Well, usually they don't protrude on top of the cpu as much, they can cool the cpu more efficiently if you decide to OC more, and also can run quieter as well. Downside is they cost more. For the most part though they're pretty easy to set up too. It'd take up two of your 120mm fan slots though. Usually people either put them on the top or front of their case. You'd have 2 of your 120mms attached to the radiator blowing air through it.
 
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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I see. Thanks for your help guys. If I did go for the cheaper option of the Noctua NH-D15 fan do you think that, with the combination of four 140mm fans and two 120mm fans be enough to keep the temperature down to a reasonable level with my Fractal Design Focus G case?
 
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xxxlun4icexxx

xxxlun4icexxx

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Jun 13, 2013
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Yeah no worries I think you'd be fine man. You can always move to a liquid cooler down the line if you decide you want some more cooling power. From what I hear the 8700k is a very power efficient cpu so it most likely won't toss out tons of heat.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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Use the NH-D15s instead.
It takes only 160mm and cools equally well.
Plus, the s variants are high compatibility versions which have no ram height restrictions and are offset to clear graphics cards in the first slot.

Your plan on using 140mm fans as intakes is a good one. Any cooler needs a source of fresh air to do its job.
Whatever air comes in the front will exit somewhere, taking cpu and gpu heat with it.
Beware of too much exhaust capability. A single 12omm rear exhaust is sufficient to direct airflow past your parts.
If you use anything stronger it will draw in unfiltered air from adjacent openings and your parts will not stay clean.
 
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Thanks for the info! One other question (I'm a bit of a noob at this) how do the four 140mm, two 120mm, and the CPU fan connect to the motherboard? The motherboard I'll be using is an Asus ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming ATX LGA1151. Will all of the fans be able to connect to it?
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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One way or the other, you can connect all the fans you want.
Some fans have 3 pin connectors which is what the motherboard wants.
Some have molex connectors which is connected to the psu.
Some have both.
Motherboard fan connectors allow motherboard managed speed control.
Then, you can buy splitters so you can connect two fans to a motherboard header.
It is easy to change things around.
I would start small and see how you do.

The more fans you have, the noisier you get.
If you have two 140mm front intakes and a single 120mm exhaust you can use a good air cooler to cool both the 8700K overclocked as well as a hot graphics card.
 
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Is an air cooler needed? My budget is stretched about as thin as it can get. Would the temperature remain within a reasonable level, or am I best getting an air cooler? I would presume if I got an air cooler that has two fans that it could be mounted at the top of the case, where I was planning on putting two 140mm fans?
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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A K processor does not come with a cooler.
Yes, you absolutely need one.
How good depends on overclocking.
You might get away with a simple tower type cooler with a 120mm fan.
$35 buys you a scythe kotetsu which is about the best. OK for running at stock.
If you want to overclock, the noctua NH-D15s will be about $80.

If budget is an issue, consider deferring on the hard drive until you actually need the space.
Or, for gaming, buy a i5-8600K instead. You will game about as well as the 8700K and the $130 price savings will buy you the good cooler you need.
 
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xxxlun4icexxx

xxxlun4icexxx

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Jun 13, 2013
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I think you mean liquid cooler not air cooler? Air cooler is what you're looking at getting.

Liquid cooler you would have two fans attached either below, or on top of radiator. When you take off the top panel of a p.c. case, generally there is a metal panel with cutouts that you sit either put the radiator on, or the fans on. Then, you put screws through it which attach to either the radiator or fans on the other side of the panel.

You'll be fine with an air cooler, which is the type that sits right on top of your CPU. And yes, the noctua fan you are referring to is an air cooler. You only need that.
 
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lukemurtagh1995

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Oct 7, 2017
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Sorry, I think I've made a mistake. I thought the air cooler was different to the Noctua NH-D15s. I was worried you meant get another item as well as the Noctua. I presume the Noctua NH-D15s is an air cooler?
 
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