Help me choose cooler for my i7 4790k

[LuisLiberty]

So I have almost ready to order my new build. What im still stuck at is what CPU cooler i should go with. I am thinking of the Phanteks PH-TC14PE or the Cooler Master V8 GTS. I will maybe do some minor overclocking in the future, but not a must.

 

[hapkiman]

I would not go with either of those coolers. Its still a Haswell and needs REALLY good cooling. I would use a close loop liquid cooler. I just made a Devils Canyon build myself, and went with a Corsair H80i, and its worked out great. Temps idle in the mid 20's (C) and hit mid 40's (C) under load. Even better is a H100 or H100i (not the H90).

My H80i it's very efficient and very quiet.

Keep these three points in mind as well.

1) Your case and what case fan set-up plays a big part in cooling as well, so that's why I went with a Corsair Air 540 with three 140mm fans (push/pull). So with the two H80i fans and the three case fans I have great air flow. If you dont have a spacious case with good air flow, youre gonna run warm.

2) TIM. Use good quality thermal paste and make sure you don't overapply. I used MX-4, but Artic Silver 5 is great as well.

3) Remember you GPU can generate a lot of heat. Again refer to #1 (case air-flow).

If you have to go with an air cooler for some reason (don't know why anyone would with DC), then this is a great choice. Better than your two picks:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Noctua/NH-U14S/

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608041

However, for $20 more bucks you could have an H80i. The air cooler has 50 some good reviews, and the H80i has over 400 positive reviews. Its a no brainer for me, but its your choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181031&cm_re=h80i-_-35-181-031-_-Product

 

[DubbleClick]

My mugen 4 runs it just fine. Not sure how these two coolers compete.

A h80I is far from a custom loop by the way and has worse performance than good air coolers.

 

[hapkiman]

My mugen 4 runs it just fine. Not sure how these two coolers compete.

A h80I is far from a custom loop by the way and has worse performance than good air coolers.

Of course there are "custom loop" set-ups that outperform the H80i. The H80i isnt even one of Corsairs highest-end CLCs. But the OP didn't say anything about setting up a custom loop system. He asked about two marginal (and older) air coolers, both of which the H80i would out perform.

And the air cooler I listed also outperforms his choices.

And although there are certainly a few air coolers that would out perform the H80i, there aren't that many, and they typically cost more $ for a very slight gain. And their fans can be as loud as a jet. To say it has "worse performance than good air coolers" - uh. maybe one or two- but not very many. The H80i is no slouch. I came from a Hyper 212 EVO to the H80i, and its WAY better.

But find one that beats an H100i. You can't.

Yes the Scythe Mugen 4 is a decent middle of the pack air cooler.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5504/scythe-mugen-4-tower-cpu-cooler-review/index7.html

But look how far below it is compared to Corsair H90 and the H60, both of which are beaten by the H80i. And lets not even talk about the H110 or Kraken X60.

 

[LuisLiberty]

Went for a h100i. Really happy with it! I was just really afraid of introducing liquid into my pc. It was my first build too. It turned out amazing and sucessful for my first build. I definently wouldn't do my FIRST build with a custom loop system. Thanks for the tips.

 

[hapkiman]

Went for a h100i. Really happy with it! I was just really afraid of introducing liquid into my pc. It was my first build too. It turned out amazing and sucessful for my first build. I definently wouldn't do my FIRST build with a custom loop system. Thanks for the tips.

Excellent choice. Good luck with the build!