Looking for a Cooling Solution

[chris2341]

Hey,
I am new to this site and used to really be into all the computer upgrades but haven't done any research for about four years( I know that's a long time) and am looking to cool my pc I have been using for about five years. It still does the job it is just very hot. On ASUS Probe II it is running at 43 - 50 degrees C for CPU and 39 - 45 for the MB. On HWMonitor it is running at 50+ on all four cores and the graphics are at 51 -53 degrees. Assembly is 40 and SYSTIN is 39, CPUTIN is 42 and AUXTIN fluctuates from 3- 60. I have read that some of these readings are inaccurate. I am thinking a new case with some high quality fans will do the trick.

The PC is

Mobo - ASUS P5K SE
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 at 2.4ghz ( Thinking of overclocking if I can get the temps down)
GPU - NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT (Definitely needs upgraded any suggestions would be helpful)
RAM - 6 gigs I'm 90% sure its DDR2

The case is currently a big ugly box with some small holes on the front with an intake fan and then the back has a single small fan and the CPU has its fan and funnel out the side.

Looking for any suggestions don't want to spend much more than 125 on cooling but would consider up to 200 if it is a good deal that can support and would be worth using for a complete rebuild in the future.

I like newegg and amazon's prices but I can't get them to ship to Canada so if anyone knows a good site please let me know.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[davcon]

Use CoreTemp for cpu temps.
http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
32bit or 64bit depending on your o/s
Actually NCIX in Canada has cheaper prices then the US in alot of instances.
http://ncix.com/ = pricematch any instock item from other e-tailers Canada wide
http://www.canadacomputers.com/
http://www.newegg.ca/ = not the best prices i use it for shellshockers mainly
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/
A new case and an aftermarket cooler are your best options.
Bitfenix Raider Steel Black ATX - nice case i don't know what style you prefer-just a suggestion = has 4 USB 3.0 front ports
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=65970&vpn=BFC%2DRDR%2D300%2DKKN1%2DRP&manufacture=BitFenix
Good case alot cheaper
Antec Three Hundred AB
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=040477
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=64385&vpn=RR%2D212E%2D20PK%2DR1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER&promoid=1297
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125

 

[chris2341]

Thanks those sites are very helpful.
As for the case do you think a mid tower will be fine or should I pay the extra for a full sized? And would the stock fans be fine or should I swap them with another fan such as a scythe fan?

Do you know how a case with a large side fan like this:
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58307&vpn=CSAZ-301&manufacture=AZZA Technology

would compare to something like this with multiple fans:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=041865

Thanks for all the help,

PS. I am assuming my motherboard is an ATX size?

 

[davcon]

I've personally only used Antec or Coolermaster cases due to high quality build construction and very good included fans.= plus excellent customer support.
So it's obvious you like an led gamer style,i have 3 cases windowed and led fans.
I like that Antec ICE case = 3yr warranty and 4 fans included.
I'm not sure about AZZA being on the same level as Antec quality wise.
The price is good though.
Yeah i've never found a mid-tower to be undersized=plenty of room.
Yep your board is an ATX.

 

[chris2341]

Thanks for the trusted brands, I have heard good things about the HAF 922 cases, Are they any good? :
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=023780

Do you know how it would compare to something like this:
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=023144

I know this isn't a brand you mentioned but I like the integrated fan control panel it has three 120mm fans, would that be enough?
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5250568&CatId=1520

Thanks again for your time as well would it be worthwhile looking at a HAF 932?

 

[chris2341]

any thoughts on this case
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=035743

 

[chris2341]

I am planning to go get these parts tomorrow so any last info or tips would be great.
I am leaning towards the HAF 922 even though it doesn't have a window or fan control is this a bad idea? Are there any good freeware programs that will control multiple fans? As well is this a decent heat sink or would you recommend a different one?
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025125/[url]

 

[davcon]

Yep the HAF series is very good,just be aware they don't have filtered fan intakes(dust).
Apevia is junk imo.
My main case is the Antec 902 = excellent btw.
And the 212+ or EVO heatsink are excellent choices.
Fan controllers aren't really required on cases with high quality fans = Antec/CM

 

[chesteracorgi]

You do know that there is Newegg in Canada: http://www.newegg.ca/

 

[davcon]

You do know that there is Newegg in Canada: http://www.newegg.ca/

Yeah it stinks! lol! example
Antec Three Hundred Illusion
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066
Antec Three Hundred Illusion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[chesteracorgi]

Yeah it stinks! lol!

Compared to????

 

[davcon]

Compared to????

NCIX
Canada Computers
another 3 or 4 i could list.
Their shipping charges make them uncompetitive in Canada.
NCIX and Canada Computers also pricematch.

 

[chris2341]

I read that the HAF 922 has the air filters only on the front, does anyone know if this is true? No air filters could be a problem because I do have a large dog as well as a fair amount of dust because my PC is in the basement.
As well would it be worth spending the extra sixty dollars for the Antec 902? I do like the look of it better but heard it is more difficult for cable management?

I do plan on keeping this case and gradually rebuilding my PC. I plan on overclocking the q6600 to 3.0 or 3.2 depending on what temperatures I can get with the new heatsink and case. Hopefully swapping the graphics next (summertime) and eventually the PCU and Mobo in about a year or more.

 

[davcon]

Hey dude!
When i looked for a case i was originally going to buy a 922.
No it doesn't have any filters.
I shopped in person and right beside the 922 was a 902(what i bought).
The 902 has good cable management and great(quiet cooling)and solid build construction.
Do some comparison check-outs to determine shipping fees.
Remember NCIX and CC pricematch.
CC pricematch takes shipping fees into the pricematch),NCIX doesn't.
Here's some links for the 902(note there's two versions the original 902 and v3)
v3 has mobo cut-out and usb 3.0 pass through=not much difference really
Nine Hundred II V3
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/233007/NINE%20HUNDRED%20TWO%20V3/ANTEC/
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo Direct
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/237385/RR-212E-20PK-R1/COOLERMASTER/
Coolermaster Haf 922
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11130AC5964&vpn=RC-922M-KKN1-GP&manufacture=COOLERMASTER
Corsair makes some really good cases = worth checking out imo.

 

[chris2341]

I am going to Canada Computers in Whitby on Friday as it is only a half hour drive.
I'm liking the 902 V3 especially for the cutout, the USB 3.0 I am not too worried about as in the future I plan on adding a card reader or temp/ Fan control, a lot of options have USB 3.0 so that isn't a problem. Do you have the V3 version or the original? How many bays are exposed on the 902 with 2 x 120mm fans on the front?

Do you think it is worthwhile spending the 50$ to upgrade from the HAF 922 or *900*
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=011391

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=023780

to the antec 902 original
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=021159

to the 902 V3
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=035743

As well the antec 100 ice edition is tempting at 69.99, do you know if it is comparable to the other cases I am looking at?
[http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=041865[/url]

 

[chris2341]

Have you heard anything about the Antec Dark Fleet?
http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_112&item_id=032228

 

[chris2341]

Hey guys I went out and purchased everything today and met my goal it can to 120.76 after taxes and I have a ten dollar mail in rebate.

I went with the HAF 922 and the hyper 212 plus.

Core temps are now:
Idle is on the left and Stressed with OCCT and COD4 for 15mins on the right all in C

Core # 0 28 47
Core # 1 28 47
Core # 2 22 38
Core # 3 25 38

Systin 28 30
CPUTIN 20 38
Assembly 26 28

NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT 42 55 with my COD4/ OCCT CPU test it hit 65 with the OCCT GPU 3D test, I think it would have went higher but I put the threshold at 65 it hit in about 7minutes.

I have heard that better temps can be expected after the heatsink/Thermal Compound 'break' in?

As well I am thinking of Overclocking up to 2.8 or 3.0 any idea what temps I can expect/ want to stay under?

As well I don't know if you can help with this or not but I could not find a good answer on the forums. Is lowering the voltage good? Is it possible to get 8-12 degree drops in temperature?

Thanks again to everyone for helping with the case and recommending the 212 plus

 

[chris2341]

Best answer selected by chris2341.