Need a new cooler

[sptmaster]

Hi, I just recently acquired an i7-870, and I am using the stock heatsink. During prime95, my cpu tops out at about 90c, and I think this is quite a bit too high, so I want a new cooler.

I'm not too concerned about noise, but I'd prefer if the cooler wasn't gargantuan sized. I am also on a budget of $45 or less. I don't really want to take my motherboard out, so something with the push pins is a plus.

I do not plan on overclocking, I just want something to keep it from going over 70/75c in prime95.

Thanks for helping!!

 

[mrmez]

Why do you need to run Prime???

Sure its good to stress test, but what are you actually using the computer for?
You will find using it normally you will never get that hot. Not even close. Even in demanding games.

The only common uses/programs that have the ability to max all cores for a reasonable length of time are: FSX, and image and video editing programs.

 

[sptmaster]

Why do you need to run Prime???

Sure its good to stress test, but what are you actually using the computer for?
You will find using it normally you will never get that hot. Not even close. Even in demanding games.

The only common uses/programs that have the ability to max all cores for a reasonable length of time are: FSX, and image and video editing programs.

Gaming mostly.

It runs around 60-65c while gaming, thats not too hot is it?

What should the max temp be for 1-2 hours of continuous use?

 

[henydiah]

Spire thermax II elcilpse , Tuniq tower 120 Extreme, TOP 5 HSF CPU
www.frostytech.com

 

[rubix_1011]

Your CPU shouldn't reach those temps even with the stock heatsink. I'd look into your case airflow first.

Open the side of your case and blow a house fan into it; rerun your tests/benchmarks. If the temps go down and are reasonable, the cooler is fine...you just have crappy airflow.

If the temps remain the same, you have decent airflow and the cooler can't keep up.

Simple test to determine what you should focus on.

 

[tx-jose]

i would upgrade to the slightest....intel stock coolers suck IMO even if you are not OC 90* is too high on prime. as far as gaming your alright. anything under 70* C is nice and dandy for CPUs...

look into case flow first then upgrade the thermal compound....i saw Arctic Silver 5 at RadioShack for $10 lol repackaged and sold as "Radioshack Brand" lol


this thermaltake cooler is kinda nice and cheap

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106139

 

[tx-jose]

this one as well....its on my roomate's (Gekko Shadow) PC and it cools his OC Core 2 Quad pretty well for the OC he has from 2.5GHz upto so far 3.4GHz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887023

 

[abully]

Did you use a thermal compound or just the material what came in the stock heat sink??? that TIM S**KS.......... change it to any good Thermal Interface Material and you could see a good drop with the stock cooler..........

As far as coolers are concerned ignore all and go for a hyper 212 plus (yeah needs mobo removal)... but u gotta sacrifice something in return for longterm comfort..........

If you are still want push pins (which i again dont recommend) then go for the below

Scythe Katana 3
http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/cpu/041/scktn3000_detail.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185096

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 13
http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_42&mID=635

Core 92
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0322336

Akasa NERO V2
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/aknecoemuncp.html

 

[tx-jose]

^^ x2 i rather stay away from the stock thermal compounds i always go with Arctic Silver 5..... never let me down before

 

[rubix_1011]

Seriously, he needs to determine if its case airflow or the cooler before taking the next step. If you get a nice air cooler, it still might not do much better if you have low case air flow. No CPU should see temps like that unless its choking on no air or there is a problem with the mounting of the cooler.

 

[tx-jose]

hell pull the side cover off and stick a house fan close to it and if you getting better temps then their is your problem!!!!! air flow through out the case

 

[rubix_1011]

^That's what I have been suggesting this entire time...everyone always goes on and on about 'replace your hardware/cooler first' instead of some simple troubleshooting.

'Get this cooler, it will be amazing!' ...Not without good airflow it won't...

I say first see where your issue lies so you can determine the best course of action next.

 

[tx-jose]

yess sirrrr....can cool S**T with out the air flow!! some cases just dont flow like others

 

[sptmaster]

Thanks for all the advice.

I ended up getting a:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103064&Tpk=rr-910

via amazon for $20

Lowered my prime temps to 70c MAX, and idles in the 30s now.

I was using arctic silver thermal paste on stock cooler, case air flow is really good. I think the cooler just plain sucks (and the i7 is a hot processor).

 

[sptmaster]

Best answer selected by sptmaster.