CPU Cooler for an OC 2500k in a Lian Li pc-c60b

[thedemon1366]

Hi Guys,

I am currently using the following components:

Case: Lian Li pc-c60b
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=580&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62

CPU i5 2500k OC 4.3ghz
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Sandybridge-i5-2500K-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B004FA8NX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345398716&sr=8-1

Mobo: Asus p8z68-v pro gen3
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-P8Z68-V-Motherboard-Socket-Bluetooth/dp/B005T3TLM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1345398743&sr=1-1

CPU Cooler: Scythe Shuriken rev B
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scythe-Shuriken-Rev-B-Profile-Cooler/dp/B004CSUQPK/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1345398771&sr=1-5


Now when blend testing in prime95 my temps do get rather high, up into the 70s which is kind of annoying. I am putting it down to my cpu cooler being too small.
So I could really do with some awesome suggestions on CPU coolers.

The main problem is the height limit of my case, according to the lian-li site, the limit is 140mm. Now this could cause problems for cpu coolers only a little smaller than 140 which have a top mounted fan.
However the lian li case has a 140mm fan opening on the top of the case directly over the cpu location, so I think I would be able to install a dust filter there and then have a somewhat tall cpu cooler using this as a vent.
Another small criteria is that this pc also acts as a htpc so it could do with having a quiet fan, but this is less important...

To that end I have been looking at this cooler: Noctua NH-C14
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=37&lng=en

This is 130mm with a roof mounted fan.

What do you guys think? Love to hear some ideas.

 

[geofelt]

In the 70's for prime95 is normal for such a OC. During actual usage, you will be much less.
If things get a bit hot, so be it. The cpu will downclock to protect itself if need be.
I think I would leave it be.

The noctua NH-C14 is one of the better low profile coolers, But it may not be significantly better than what you have.
Another cooler is the Thermalright AXP-140.
Here is a review: http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=348709

 

[thedemon1366]

During game usage it is less, but not a lot less, I kind of feel that the heatsink isn't cut out for the job.

The Thermalright seems to perform well, would the Noctua still be a lot better?

 

[geofelt]

During game usage it is less, but not a lot less, I kind of feel that the heatsink isn't cut out for the job.

The Thermalright seems to perform well, would the Noctua still be a lot better?

There are two parts to the cooling equation.
a) how effectively the cooler gets the heat off of the cpu die.
b) how effectively the case gets rid of the heat to the exterior.

Most coolers do a good job of getting heat off of the die, but if the heat does not exit the case, then it builds up and raises temperatures. This is a problem with cases with restricted airflow.
Also, downdraft (aka low profile) coolers do not direct the heat anywhere.

I really don't like all-in-one coolers much, but in this case, you might be able to use a H40 or similar cooler, attaching the radiator to the top opening. You might want to experiment with orienting the radiator to draw in fresh air, as the instructions will say. That will cool the cpu well, at the expense of other components, particularly a discrete graphics card. If you orient it to expel heated air your cpu cooling might be a bit less, but on balance, I think you would do better.

 

[thedemon1366]

I've read that the H40 isn't so great.

The Lian Li has always gotten great reviews for shifting heat so (I'm hoping) it isn't that.

If I were to purchase a cooler that was sufficiently large such as the Noctua one I mentioned in the original post, the heatsink would expel the head directly out of the case, surely that would be a good approach?

 

[geofelt]

I've read that the H40 isn't so great.

The Lian Li has always gotten great reviews for shifting heat so (I'm hoping) it isn't that.

If I were to purchase a cooler that was sufficiently large such as the Noctua one I mentioned in the original post, the heatsink would expel the head directly out of the case, surely that would be a good approach?

Usually downdraft coolers direct the air down through the cooler so they can cool motherboard components too.
You could experiment with your current cooler and see if reversing the fan does some good.

While I think the noctua or the axp140 might be slightly more effective, I don't think the difference will be very large.

 

[thedemon1366]

So do you think the Noctua would not be worth the investment?

 

[geofelt]

So do you think the Noctua would not be worth the investment?

Worth is something only YOU can determine.
If the price does not bother you, then by all means try the Noctua. If you don't, then you will always be wondering.
I am doubtful that there will be a difference.

Regardless, remove the top opening and try reversing the cooler fan so it directs the hot air out the top.
I suspect you will do better.

If you do use the noctua, please post your results here. I have a lian li Q08 case that I am thinking of converting to a gamer, and it also has a cooler height restriction.

 

[thedemon1366]

I am wondering right now, I think I would rather just go ahead and try the Noctua, I have noticed though that the fans that come with the NH-C14 do not have PWM. Could you recommend some decent fans that I could connect up to the heatsink that do have PWM?

 

[geofelt]

I am wondering right now, I think I would rather just go ahead and try the Noctua, I have noticed though that the fans that come with the NH-C14 do not have PWM. Could you recommend some decent fans that I could connect up to the heatsink that do have PWM?

It might be dificult to control two fans with PWM.
Regardless, I prefer the constant drone of a fixed rpm fan to a constantly varying one.

The Noctua fans are very good, and come with a couple of different low noise adapters. You should be able to find one that gives you the best balance of cooling vs. noise.

At the very least, try the stock fans first. Who knows, you might like them.

 

[thedemon1366]

I like the option of being able to ramp up to max when needed but also slow down to keep it quiet when not in use, my pc is also a htpc, so PWM is kind of important for the fans.
My Mobo (Asus p8z68) has two cpu 4 pin fan-headers so it should be alright.