Where to begin with cpu cooling?

[Zbryant]

Hi,
I've just bought myself an AMD fx-8350, and I reached the point where I realized I have no idea where to begin with proper cooling. What kind of cooling is considered the most efficient: a heatsink or a CPU fan? I'm thinking I might just buy a CPU fan... but where should I look to find the proper size fan?

 

[ksham]

Do you overclock? And if so, how far?

 

[xomm]

Well, heatsinks and fans go together. No reasonably powerful CPU nowadays can get by with just a heatsink. It'll all depend on your climate and the amount of overclocking you're going to be doing. If a 'moderate' overclock is all you're going for, generally the Hyper 212 EVO will take care of it with minimal cost. Anything higher and you're looking for something like the Noctua NH-D14 or a closed loop water cooler.

 

[Zbryant]

Do you overclock? And if so, how far?

No, I havent tried that before, but I want to on the 8350.

Well, heatsinks and fans go together. No reasonably powerful CPU nowadays can get by with just a heatsink. It'll all depend on your climate and the amount of overclocking you're going to be doing. If a 'moderate' overclock is all you're going for, generally the Hyper 212 EVO will take care of it with minimal cost. Anything higher and you're looking for something like the Noctua NH-D14 or a closed loop water cooler.

I think I would go for a moderate overclock on my CPU. Good to know the Hyper212 Evo is both, ill end up buying that. Thanks!

 

[ksham]

Yes; the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is more than sufficient if you're not going to overclock. It will also be quieter than the stock cooler.