Help selecting compatible cpu cooler?

[michaelscottgilbert]

Can someone describe how they woud go about finiding a compatible cpu cooler that fits their motherboard? I've filtered to socket type (LGA 1156) when shopping, however I don't know if the device will allign with the motherboard screw holes around the cpu processor to fasten in place.

My mother board is an Asus P7H55-USB3.

Thank you!

 

[tambeshakunt]

Well if the cooler is said to fit in your socket then it is GUARANTEED to align with the cpu.

to choose a cooler:

1) Check socket compatibility
2) Check clearance for max cooler height in your case
3) What CPU you have and what its TDP (wattage) is. A higher TDP needs a better cooler.
4) Find coolers matching your budget
5) For best results, also use third party thermal paste such as Arctic MX4.

 

[unknownofprob]

also to add to above, choose upon your needs. Take into consideration: No OC, light OC, Moderate OC and Heavy OC.

 

[tambeshakunt]

Ah yes, forgot to mention overclocking.

 

[michaelscottgilbert]

Ah yes, forgot to mention overclocking.

I have an i7 quad core that I want to OC from 3.5 to 4.0hz

 

[tambeshakunt]

Then I suggest the best option to be a Corsair H55 or H60 closed liquid cooling unit.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (£50.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £50.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:18 BST+0100



If you cannot fit a 120mm radiator:

1) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BL 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler (£37.34 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £37.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:20 BST+0100


2) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Advanced C1 50.5 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler (£40.97 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £40.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:21 BST+0100


3) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£48.79 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £48.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:21 BST+0100

 

[michaelscottgilbert]

Then I suggest the best option to be a Corsair H55 or H60 closed liquid cooling unit.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (£50.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £50.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:18 BST+0100



If you cannot fit a 120mm radiator:

1) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BL 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler (£37.34 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £37.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:20 BST+0100


2) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Advanced C1 50.5 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler (£40.97 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £40.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:21 BST+0100


3) PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£48.79 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £48.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-30 18:21 BST+0100

Do considerations have to be made about the case to fit the cooler? I have a Thermaltake Dokker.

 

[tambeshakunt]

With your case, the max cooler height is 162mm.

The beQuiet is too big but the Phanteks and Noctua JUST squeeze in with <10mm to spare.
You can go for these, they will fit although it will be a tight fit.

However, for best compatibility and performance, I would always recommend the H60. Go for the H60 if its in your budget.

 

[unknownofprob]

You can get by with cheaper CPU coolers, a 212 EVO, Thermalright Macho will both what you require.