Your CPU cooler recomendations?

[farhankhan]

Hi guys, I have a i7-920 cpu (LGA 1366 socket) and I wanted some recommendations for a good aftermarket cooler. I'm interested in overclocking. My budget is $100 - $150 but any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks for your help guys.

I'm currently looking at the Mugen 3 Rev. B ( http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/cpu-cooler/mugen-3-rev-b-pcgh.html ) but I know nothing about aftermarket coolers so I'm not sure if its any good.

 

[henydiah]

schynte mugen 2 is better than Mugen 3 ... if you can find it.
other Huge cooler NOctua NH-D14 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018

 

[joedjnpc]

What kind of clocks are you looking for? Is it a C0, C1 or D0 chip?

D0 overclocks very easy, I'm running 4.0GHz constant (1.275v) with a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

through normal gaming temps are between 55-60 Degrees.

 

[joedjnpc]

My point is there's no need to go for an insane aftermarket cooling solution to get high clocks, that 30$ cooler does just fine, diminishing returns kick in very quickly.

You'll be limited first by your chip, not the temperate it's operating at, put your money into something else. Unless you want to risk hitting 4.2Ghz, extremely high for a 920.

 

[farhankhan]

Thanks guys. I'm something of a noob so I'm not sure what c0 c1 and d0 means. I'm currently running at 40 idle temp and high 60s while gaming, overclocked to 2.8Ghz currently from 2.63. I want to reach clocks of around 3.3 - 3.5Ghz, and money is not a big issue for me so I'm willing to spend. The Noctua looks like a good option. I also like the NZXT Havik 140 ( http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/cpu_cooler/havik_140 ) , is that any good?

 

[jemm]

C0, C1 or D0 are the CPU versions -- basically changes are related to power issues. Find out which is your before to attempt to overclock.

You said that you overclocked it to 2.8GHz, however your I7 920 can do better than that if you just turn on the Intel® Turbo Boost Technology in the Bios. It automatically enables the processor to run above its base operating frequency -- the i7 920 it goes to 2.93GHz -- which is already more than your overclock. You can set it for one or the four cores.

With the Hyper 212 Plus someone suggested you, you can reach 3,6Ghz easily! Take the EVO version of the Hyper tough which is a bit better.

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

 

[beanoslim]

Heres a few good ones.

The Noctua's will help to keep your chipset cooler as they circulate air over the components, helpful with a steamy i7 920.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519&IsNodeId=1&Description=noctua&bop=And&CompareItemList=%2D1%7C35%2D103%2D099%5E35%2D103%2D099%2DTS%2C35%2D118%2D074%5E35%2D118%2D074%2DTS%2C35%2D106%2D150%5E35%2D106%2D150%2DTS%2C35%2D608%2D020%5E35%2D608%2D020%2DTS%2C35%2D608%2D018%5E35%2D608%2D018%2DTS

 

[farhankhan]

Thanks a ton for all the help you guys, really appreciate it. The Noctua CH-14 looks perfect to suit my needs.