What cpu air cooler is the best?

[actuosity]

I want to overclock my i7 950 and i was wondering what cpu air cpu cooler would be the best? anything under 200$ is what im look for and also what thermal paste should I use?

Also is modding a case to mount a 120mm fan exhausting mobo backplate worth it?

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Noctua's nh d14 is widely regarded as 'the best' at the moment, obviously that depends on it fitting in your case, and being installed correctly
not to up on best thermal paste, arctic pro amongst others is good
And your case doesn't already have a mesh for a 120 at the back? what case is it?
Moto

 

[actuosity]

Im using the antec df-85 I was just wondering if modding an extra fan on the mobo backplate and the d14 should fit. doy ou know roughly how much cooler it runs?

 

[Motopsychojdn]

check some reviews out to get an idea of its capabilities,
but with 2x120's in the back anyway, I'm not sure adding another is going to do anything except increase noise levels hehe
try googling **Your current cooler vs Noctua DH14** see if anyones actually set them head to head
Moto

 

[actuosity]

ok thanks for helping me. Next thing to learn is how to oc.
haha

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Plenty of guides here on Toms as well as all over the net man,
but with expensive kit at stake, learn then do, or your next post will be a sad one
Moto

 

[davcon]

I'd buy a Thermalright Silver Arrow over a D-14 personally.
Pretty much the same performance but the SA is usually cheaper and comes with better fans.(quieter)
I would just use the supplied CF3 paste which is very good btw.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermal-interface-roundup-1_12.html#sect0
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermalright-silver-arrow.html
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/140mm-fan-roundup.html