Help me decide on an air cooler

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

Good day TPU!

I have an ASUS Maximus VII Gene and an Intel Core i7-4790k on the the way to replace my old mobo and processor which just recently decided to stop working. I've also found out that my Antec H2O 920's pump is making some weird noises so I would like to replace it as well. I would like to go back to air cooling but I only have limited options because the RAM I have has tall heat spreaders. I'm thinking of buying either a Noctua NH-U12S and running it in a push/pull config with 2 Corsair SP120's or a Noctua NH-D15 and running it with 1 fan in the middle. What would you think would be a better option? For +/- $20 more would the D15 be worth it? Or is there another option that you could suggest?

RCoon · Aug 8, 2014

Cryorig R1 Universal!
Or the NH D-14, the Phanteks TCHCSHAJSHDALSJD14 whatever it's called.

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

I would love to have the Cryorig R1 Universal or the Phanteks. Actually those were the first two I searched for. Unfortunately they're not available here.

RCoon · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
I would love to have the Cryorig R1 Universal or the Phanteks. Actually those were the first two I searched for. Unfortunately they're not available here.

R1 isn't available here either /sadface

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

The D14 would be cheaper than the D15 although, correct me if I'm wrong, it might block the first RAM slot.

RCoon · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
The D14 would be cheaper than the D15 although, correct me if I'm wrong, it might block the first RAM slot.

Switch the front fan to the back instead?

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

It still might block the first slot. The HyperX Beast heat spreaders are a bit tall.

RCoon · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
It still might block the first slot. The HyperX Beast heat spreaders are a bit tall.

I have HyperX beast, and they are a goddamn nightmare for CPU coolers. You have no hope in hell unless you're only running 2 sticks of RAM, in which case use slot 2 and 4. Only Tower cooler that would certainly fit is the Cryorig and the HR-02 and HR-22.

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

The NH-U12S has 100% compatibility with tall RAMS as it's thinner than other tower coolers and the NH-D15 does also if you only use 1fan (middle). Another option would also be the NH-U14S. I'm leaning more towards the D15 although it's a bit pricey. I guess I'm just wondering if it's worth the extra $$$.

RCoon · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
The NH-U12S has 100% compatibility with tall RAMS as it's thinner than other tower coolers and the NH-D15 does also if you only use 1fan (middle). Another option would also be the NH-U14S. I'm leaning more towards the D15 although it's a bit pricey. I guess I'm just wondering if it's worth the extra $$$.

Well the D15 probably has the highest performance, depends upon how much you intend to OC. I'd be tempted by the D15 for the big-balls look.

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

I've been reading around... I guess I'm gonna have to stick with the U12S. In the review I've been reading the cooler will block the first PCI-E slot.

Xzibit · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
I've been reading around... I guess I'm gonna have to stick with the U12S. In the review I've been reading the cooler will block the first PCI-E slot.

Most of them due. Alternative is to take the heatspead off the ram and run them bare. Should have clearance for anything after that.

El_Mayo · Aug 8, 2014

I'm building next week with Kingston Beast RAM and a 4790K, and I was so gutted to find the Cryorig R1 isn't available in the UK! Gonna go with the Dark Rock 3 as I'm only running 2 sticks though. Have you seen if the Scythe Ashura is available? I read that was good too in my research, might not be high-end enough for you tho

mstenholm · Aug 8, 2014

You can run both fans, just rise the front one a bit. I do that and then cooler is still great, a fair bit more quiet then the 14. The PVM fans are not running at full speed on top of my 4.7 GHz 4790K.

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

El_Mayo said:
I'm building next week with Kingston Beast RAM and a 4790K, and I was so gutted to find the Cryorig R1 isn't available in the UK! Gonna go with the Dark Rock 3 as I'm only running 2 sticks though. Have you seen if the Scythe Ashura is available? I read that was good too in my research, might not be high-end enough for you tho

The Scythe Ashura is available here. Based on the TPU review it might block the first PCI-E slot on the board.

Edit:

It seems all 140mm tower type coolers have issues with blocking the first slot on a mATX board. Even the U14S might be a problem.

El_Mayo · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
The Scythe Ashura is available here. Based on the TPU review it might block the first PCI-E slot on the board.

Edit:

It seems all 140mm tower type coolers have issues with blocking the first slot on a mATX board. Even the U14S might be a problem.

is your first slot a PCI x1 or x16?
I wouldn't miss a x1 slot haha

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

x16 for the ASUS Maximus VII Gene...

El_Mayo · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
x16 for the ASUS Maximus VII Gene...

NOPE that's no good

feel for you man

try and RMA your current AIO and see if you get a brand new one though I guess, or do you just not want water anymore?

mstenholm · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
x16 for the ASUS Maximus VII Gene...

Poor design but that what it is. The big air coolers is not for you sadly.

El_Mayo said:
NOPE that's no good feel for you man

try and RMA your current AIO and see if you get a brand new one though I guess, or do you just not want water anymore?

Same, if you are done with WC then the NH-U12S seems like a good choice. My setup is in a bench (no air flow acrouse the board) and my VRM were at 51 C untill I pointed a fan un it. With the U12S you get some (warm) flow at least.

MxPhenom 216 · Aug 8, 2014

Due to your memory I would opt for an AIO. Like Corsair H105 or NZXT Kraken X60/61

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

RMAs really suck here... I RMAed the board and processor the other day and they mentioned I'll be receiving it in approximately 3-4 months :eek:

. And they'll also be replacing the 920 with a 950 as the 920s are EOL I guess. The 920 also only lasted about 1.5 years and that's a bit too short for me. Atleast if I go back to air I won't have trouble with leaks or pumps dying.

El_Mayo · Aug 8, 2014

adulaamin said:
RMAs really suck here... I RMAed the board and processor the other day and they mentioned I'll be receiving it in approximately 3-4 months . And they'll also be replacing the 920 with a 950 as the 920s are EOL I guess. The 920 also only lasted about 1.5 years and that's a bit too short for me. Atleast if I go back to air I won't have trouble with leaks or pumps dying.

TERRIBLE. was it the processor or the mobo that died? Maybe the replacement mobo will differ slightly and you'll get a board that doesn't have a x16 in the first slot? Either way just sell your replacement 950 when you get it

adulaamin · Aug 8, 2014

El_Mayo said:
TERRIBLE. was it the processor or the mobo that died? Maybe the replacement mobo will differ slightly and you'll get a board that doesn't have a x16 in the first slot? Either way just sell your replacement 950 when you get it

Both are dead, mobo and processor. I guess when the mobo died it took the processor with it. And yeah, I'll sell the replacement for the 920 when it arrives.

Keullo-e · Aug 8, 2014

I have a HR-02 Macho rev. a and it has awesome price/performance ratio :toast:

Cost 43 euros and wins my old Antec Kuhler 620 v2 clearly

System Name	hmmm... / lappy (ASUS Scar III)
Processor	Intel Core i7-8086K / Intel Core i7-9750H
Motherboard	ASUS Maximus XI Formula / ASUS G531GW
Cooling	Noctua NH-D15s w/ 2 x Noctua NF-F12 PWM Chromax and 1 x Noctua NF-A15 HS-PWM Chromax Fans / Stock
Memory	4x16gb G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 3600mhz / 2x16gb Kingston Hyper X Impact DDR4 2666mhz C15
Video Card(s)	2 x EVGA GTX 1080 TI FTW3 / Nvidia RTX 2070 8gb
Storage	2 x Samsung 960 EVO Plus 1tb NVME/ 1tb Intel SSDPEKNW010T8 NVME + 2tb Samsung 860 EVO SSD
Display(s)	Acer Predator X34P / ASUS 15.6" Screen
Case	Fractal Design Meshify S2 White-TG + Noctua Chromax Fans / ASUS Scar III Case
Audio Device(s)	Onboard + Logitech Z623 / Onboard
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime Ultra Titanium 1000W + PROLINK PRO903WS / ASUS ADP-230GB B Power Brick
Mouse	Corsair Vengeance M65 PRO RGB / Logitech MX Anywhere 2S
Keyboard	Corsair K70 LUX RGB / ASUS Scar III Keyboard
Software	Windows 10 Professional x64 / Windows 10 Professional x64

System Name	HP Omen 17
Processor	i7 7700HQ
Memory	16GB 2400Mhz DDR4
Video Card(s)	GTX 1060
Storage	Samsung SM961 256GB + HGST 1TB
Display(s)	1080p IPS G-SYNC 75Hz
Audio Device(s)	Bang & Olufsen
Power Supply	230W
Mouse	Roccat Kone XTD+
Software	Win 10 Pro

System Name	hmmm... / lappy (ASUS Scar III)
Processor	Intel Core i7-8086K / Intel Core i7-9750H
Motherboard	ASUS Maximus XI Formula / ASUS G531GW
Cooling	Noctua NH-D15s w/ 2 x Noctua NF-F12 PWM Chromax and 1 x Noctua NF-A15 HS-PWM Chromax Fans / Stock
Memory	4x16gb G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 3600mhz / 2x16gb Kingston Hyper X Impact DDR4 2666mhz C15
Video Card(s)	2 x EVGA GTX 1080 TI FTW3 / Nvidia RTX 2070 8gb
Storage	2 x Samsung 960 EVO Plus 1tb NVME/ 1tb Intel SSDPEKNW010T8 NVME + 2tb Samsung 860 EVO SSD
Display(s)	Acer Predator X34P / ASUS 15.6" Screen
Case	Fractal Design Meshify S2 White-TG + Noctua Chromax Fans / ASUS Scar III Case
Audio Device(s)	Onboard + Logitech Z623 / Onboard
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime Ultra Titanium 1000W + PROLINK PRO903WS / ASUS ADP-230GB B Power Brick
Mouse	Corsair Vengeance M65 PRO RGB / Logitech MX Anywhere 2S
Keyboard	Corsair K70 LUX RGB / ASUS Scar III Keyboard
Software	Windows 10 Professional x64 / Windows 10 Professional x64

System Name	HP Omen 17
Processor	i7 7700HQ
Memory	16GB 2400Mhz DDR4
Video Card(s)	GTX 1060
Storage	Samsung SM961 256GB + HGST 1TB
Display(s)	1080p IPS G-SYNC 75Hz
Audio Device(s)	Bang & Olufsen
Power Supply	230W
Mouse	Roccat Kone XTD+
Software	Win 10 Pro

System Name	hmmm... / lappy (ASUS Scar III)
Processor	Intel Core i7-8086K / Intel Core i7-9750H
Motherboard	ASUS Maximus XI Formula / ASUS G531GW
Cooling	Noctua NH-D15s w/ 2 x Noctua NF-F12 PWM Chromax and 1 x Noctua NF-A15 HS-PWM Chromax Fans / Stock
Memory	4x16gb G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 3600mhz / 2x16gb Kingston Hyper X Impact DDR4 2666mhz C15
Video Card(s)	2 x EVGA GTX 1080 TI FTW3 / Nvidia RTX 2070 8gb
Storage	2 x Samsung 960 EVO Plus 1tb NVME/ 1tb Intel SSDPEKNW010T8 NVME + 2tb Samsung 860 EVO SSD
Display(s)	Acer Predator X34P / ASUS 15.6" Screen
Case	Fractal Design Meshify S2 White-TG + Noctua Chromax Fans / ASUS Scar III Case
Audio Device(s)	Onboard + Logitech Z623 / Onboard
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime Ultra Titanium 1000W + PROLINK PRO903WS / ASUS ADP-230GB B Power Brick
Mouse	Corsair Vengeance M65 PRO RGB / Logitech MX Anywhere 2S
Keyboard	Corsair K70 LUX RGB / ASUS Scar III Keyboard
Software	Windows 10 Professional x64 / Windows 10 Professional x64

Help me decide on an air cooler

adulaamin

RCoon

adulaamin

RCoon

adulaamin

RCoon

adulaamin

RCoon

adulaamin

RCoon

adulaamin

Xzibit

El_Mayo

mstenholm

adulaamin

El_Mayo

adulaamin

El_Mayo

mstenholm

MxPhenom 216

ASIC Engineer

adulaamin

El_Mayo

adulaamin

Keullo-e

S.T.A.R.S.

System Name	N/A
Processor	i7-4790K
Motherboard	Asus Z97-A
Cooling	Thermalright True Power 140
Memory	2 x 8GB GeIL Potenza 2400Mhz
Video Card(s)	MSI GTX 970 Gaming
Storage	2TB Seagate Barracuda
Display(s)	24" Samsung 1080p LED Monitor
Case	Phanteks Enthoo Pro
Power Supply	Corsair TX650W
Mouse	Logitech MX518
Keyboard	Corsair K70 (Brown MX)
Software	Windows 8.1

System Name	The work PC /2700x/5950x
Processor	3900X stock/ 2700x stock/ 5950x 4200 MHz fixed @ 1,056-1,08V
Motherboard	Gigabyte AORUS Master X570/2xMSI X470 M7 AC
Cooling	Custom WC XSPC RX480, Laing DDC, XSPC Laing DDC Top V3 and EK Velocity/NH15/NH-U12S SE
Memory	32 GB Viper 3600/14 /16 GB Trident Z F4-4000C18D-16GTZSW 3600 /32 GB G Skill Flare CL14 3400
Video Card(s)	2070 Super X MSI/GTX 970 MSI/ GTX 970 MSI
Storage	1 TB SSD+500 GB NVMe / 500 GB SSD/ 500 GB SSD
Display(s)	Dell UltraSharp U2518D/2408WFP
Case	Corsair 800D / Lian test bench/NZXT 500
Power Supply	AX 850 Titanium/AX 860i/AX 760
Software	Dual boot/Win 7 & 10 / Linux / Win 10

System Name	Ryzen Reflection
Processor	AMD Ryzen 9 5900x
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master
Cooling	2x EK PE360 \| TechN AM4 AMD Block Black \| EK Quantum Vector Trinity GPU Nickel + Plexi
Memory	Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem 2x16GB B-Die 3600 @ 14-14-14-28-42-288-2T 1.45v
Video Card(s)	Zotac AMP HoloBlack RTX 3080Ti 12G \| 950mV 1950Mhz
Storage	WD SN850 500GB (OS) \| Samsung 980 Pro 1TB (Games_1) \| Samsung 970 Evo 1TB (Games_2)
Display(s)	Asus XG27AQM 240Hz G-Sync Fast-IPS \| Gigabyte M27Q-P 165Hz 1440P IPS \| Asus 24" IPS (portrait mode)
Case	Lian Li PC-011D XL \| Custom cables by Cablemodz
Audio Device(s)	FiiO K7 \| Sennheiser HD650 + Beyerdynamic FOX Mic
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime Ultra Platinum 850
Mouse	Razer Viper v2 Pro
Keyboard	Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Software	Windows 11 Pro 64-Bit

System Name	4K-gaming
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X up to 5.05GHz
Motherboard	Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite
Cooling	Custom loop (CPU+GPU, 240 & 120 rads)
Memory	32GB Kingston HyperX Fury @ DDR4-3466
Video Card(s)	PowerColor RX 6700 XT Fighter OC/UV
Storage	~4TB SSD + 6TB HDD
Display(s)	Acer 27" 4K120 IPS + Lenovo 32" 4K60 IPS
Case	Corsair 4000D Airflow White
Audio Device(s)	Asus TUF H3 Wireless
Power Supply	EVGA Supernova G2 750W
Mouse	Logitech MX518
Keyboard	Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO
VR HMD	Oculus Rift CV1
Software	Windows 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	It runs Crysis remastered at 4K