Cooler and Fan Recommendations for i5-2500K

[boiler1990]

Hi guys,
I'm upgrading my build to P67 and have purchased the following components (haven't received them yet):
i5-2500K
Gigabyte GA-P67-UD4-B3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128478&cm_re=ud4-_-13-128-478-_-Product
G.Skill Ripjaws X RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

These will be going in my trusty Raven RV02.

I gave my Hyper 212+ to the guy I sold my X58 platform to, simply because it wasn't worth the hassle of taking apart and such. I also figured that if I can afford a new CPU cooler, why not go for it

I do plan on OCing, but not to extremes (probably just over 4GHz), and I'd like to spend in the ballpark of $50-75. I'd rather put together a LC loop but it's not worth it just to do the CPU.
I'd also like some recommendations on better fans if you guys have any.

Thanks!

 

[gracefully]

I'm about to suggest getting another Hyper 212+. I'm sure a lot of other people here will, too.

But since you have a bigger budget this time around (and I assume you haven't completely lost interest in LC solutions), I put forth the Prolimatech Megahalems/Megashadow, Scythe Mugen-2 Rev.B, and the Corsair H50/H70. The Corsair ones are LC, the rest are monstrous tower air coolers.

 

[boiler1990]

I've followed up on the H50/60/70 for a while, but just feel like I could put together a better loop (I've done a lot of research into LC for my old CPU/GPUs).

I've been looking at a TT Frio, but I'm not sure that it will clear the chipset heatsinks on the motherboard, or that it won't interfere with the RAM slots.

I'll look into the coolers you posted. I'm familiar with a lot of coolers; it's just that there are so many new coolers being released every few months.
Thanks

 

[gracefully]

You did mention that you don't plan OCing to extreme levels, so even the venerable Hyper 212+ will do the job. But you'll agree with me that the other coolers look better in your case, right?

 

[jprahman]

I'm not sure it's worth getting a H50/60/70, everything I've heard is that the high end aircoolers like the Megahalems or Mugen are just as effective. Like gracefully said, and I agree, a Hyper 212+ is plenty for a i5-2500K. Sandy Bridge CPUs run quite cool, and don't have nearly as high cooling requirements as the LGA1366 CPUs. I've heard of people overclocking up to 4.8+GHz with a Hyper 212+ with no major heat issues.

 

[boiler1990]

Yeah, I'm against the Corsair H-series coolers. If they were $20-30 cheaper, then maybe I'd get one.

My previous 212+ did well, but it's just so...boring looking...

 

[davcon]

Frio's are big and loud,why don't you try a Thermalright MUX-120.
It's not much different then a 212+ but it's dead quiet and you can fill all 4 dimms with Ripjaws no problem if you wanted too.
http://www.thermalright.com/products/index.php?act=data&cat_id=27&id=146
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2535.html
http://www.svc.com/mux-120.html
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_557_778&products_id=26904

 

[Bigmac80]

I would suggest getting the Noctua NH-U12P SE...Or any Noctua heatsink for that matter because they already come with some of the best fans in the market..

Noctua NH-U12P SE or Noctua NH-D14 would be my choice...Not sure if the NH-D14 will fit with the Ripjaws though...

http://www.svc.com/nh-u12pse.html

http://www.svc.com/nh-d141.html

Also if you wanna get a different aftermarket cooler and put some high quality fans on them instead of the Noctua fans get the Gelid wing fans...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835426018

-But your best bet imo is to get the Noctua U12P SE, Because the fans on that heatsink are amazing...It'll make your system run quite...

The Titan Fenrir is also a really good one also...To me it looks pretty cool...

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10058/cpu-ttn-04/Titan_Fenrir_Universal_CPU_Cooler_-_Limited_Edition_Red_TTC-NK85TZCS_RB_-_Socket_775_1156_1366_AM2_AM2_AM3_940_939_754_K8_.html?tl=g48c373s1232#blank

 

[boiler1990]

The NH-U12P SE looks pretty decent, and same with the Thermalright MUX-120. I just wish coolers came in more colors than just metallic

I had the Fenrir before the 212+, and I actually experienced a performance increase with the 212+. My fan clips also broke (they were like bobby pins), and couldn't find new ones so that forced me to buy a new cooler.

As for the Frio, I found one on Anandtech's forums for $45 shipped, and figured if it would fit, I would get quieter fans for it. I just need to get my motherboard so I can check the heatsink height.

 

[boiler1990]

Alright, so I went ahead and bought a 212+. I figured that I didn't need to spend an extra $20 on something about the same.

Now I'm looking for new fans to put on it. Looking for a good balance between noise and cooling ability. Willing to spend ~$15-20/fan if they're really worth it.

 

[gracefully]

You can put another CM Blademaster to match the fan that comes with it. That fan is pretty decent, I think.

X-bit labs had an article about fans recently. For your perusal: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/120mm-fan-roundup-2_16.html#sect0

 

[TopGun]

This probably wouldn't be the best "value" choice (especially since you just bought the 212+), but why not experiment with a WC system since you've already put the research in on it?

If you're gonna pimp your PC... really pimp your PC.

Lots of good links in this thread too guys. I'm definitely saving this.

 

[boiler1990]

Unfortunately I just don't have the money (nor the need, really) to invest in LC. I spent more of the money in the newer hardware and accessories.

 

[davcon]

Unbelievable, so to save $20 you'll spend $20 for new fans for a 212+ lol!

 

[Zorginator]

For the fans you'll want to take in to consideration static pressure more than CFM.

If it helps, I've just ordered a Frio and a couple of Gentle Typhoon 1850RPM for my 2500K, P8P67 and 4GB Ripjaws. I'm aiming to run at 4.5Ghz 24/7.