Cooling a CPU

Toothless · May 13, 2014

So since my old fan won't fit on my new heatsink, I gotta get a new cooler for my FX-6300. Issue is that I have no clue what to go with. I'll be selling my old rig for about $100. That means I have $100 to either go with a spendy cooler, an SSD, or both. (Note the SSD will only be used as a boot drive)

Was looking at this combo.

Cooler:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

I am looking to OC the CPU. Maybe up to 4ghz.

Any advice?

EDIT: My case is this thing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

LaytonJnr · May 13, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
So since my old fan won't fit on my new heatsink, I gotta get a new cooler for my FX-6300. Issue is that I have no clue what to go with. I'll be selling my old rig for about $100. That means I have $100 to either go with a spendy cooler, an SSD, or both. (Note the SSD will only be used as a boot drive)

Was looking at this combo.

Cooler:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

I am looking to OC the CPU. Maybe up to 4ghz.

Any advice?

EDIT: My case is this thing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

Hello,

The Hyper 212 EVO is one of the most solid budget CPU coolers on the market - it has a great price to performance ratio. However, seeing as the Turbo on the FX 6300 is already at 4.0GHz, I think you still have quite a bit of headroom to go higher than that. I've read that some people have been able to get a stable 4.3-4.4GHz on the FX 6300 with the 212 EVO, so good luck. Once again, may the chip lottery every be in your favour.

Layton

GhostRyder · May 13, 2014

Like the above said, get a Hyper 212 because they are very good coolers at a great price. I have never had anyone complain about that cooler before.

I would suggest investing in a bigger SSD later just because using it only as a boot drive just makes it turn on and off fast and has limits to game installations. Its alot more fun to install games to it than just watching it boot up and shut down fast.

Norton · May 13, 2014

Mounting on that cooler really stinks for that case- consider a Phanteks tower cooler if you can swing it. It uses the Noctua style mounting (one of the best!) and 2 only screws to secure the cooler.

CPU swaps/TIM applications/cooler removals for dust cleanout with the Phanteks will only take 1-2 minutes plus

vs ??? minutes plus :banghead:

with the 212!

EDIT- this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709020
Comes with 2 PWM fans too.

Devon68 · May 13, 2014

Cooling a CPU

I was stuck with the same question:
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/which-cooler-to-choose.199847/
Thought about getting the Noctua NH-U12S but looking at the reviews the hyper 212 evo is just 1 degree hotter so why pay almost the double when I don't have to. I was even thinking about getting the NH-D14 so that I can future proof my cooling but realized it would be overkill for my cpu so I'm ordering the 212 evo tomorrow. Might change the fan on the 212 evo for a cooler master jetflow 120 or corsair AF120 or even a noctua NF-F12, but will see, probably wont need to do that.

R00kie · May 13, 2014

Hyper 212 EVO, hands down. I've used a similar priced cooler from another 'mother' :laugh:

, the Zalman CNPS10X Performa, it cooled the 8320 at 4.5 GHz no problem, so you might as well get the EVO.

Toothless · May 13, 2014

So we're looking at either the cooler or the SSD. Well considering my HDD is already a 7200rpm, I can trash the whole $100 budget on a cooler that'll last me. UNLESS I need a bigger case to hold a bigger, better cooler. Oh my cheesy nachos this is giving me a headache.

Kursah · May 13, 2014

If you have a good budget and want a very good air cooler, I highly recommend Noctua. My U14S has been badass for the past year. A single-tower design that competes with the dual tower D14. Can accept a 2nd fan if you need an extra degree or two shaved off. Runs quiet. Keeps my 4770 in check. Excellent warranty...6 years iirc. Also Noctua is known for shipping out brackets so you can adapt your cooler to a new socket spec. SWEET!

I also snagged a Samsung 840 128GB SSD for $79 last summer...great purchase. For $100 it depends..I'd get my cooling in-line first before getting a solid state drive in all honesty.

Toothless · May 13, 2014

Kursah said:
If you have a good budget and want a very good air cooler, I highly recommend Noctua. My U14S has been badass for the past year. A single-tower design that competes with the dual tower D14. Can accept a 2nd fan if you need an extra degree or two shaved off. Runs quiet. Keeps my 4770 in check. Excellent warranty...6 years iirc. Also Noctua is known for shipping out brackets so you can adapt your cooler to a new socket spec. SWEET!

I also snagged a Samsung 840 128GB SSD for $79 last summer...great purchase. For $100 it depends..I'd get my cooling in-line first before getting a solid state drive in all honesty.

Some people say that the fan has to be pointing either up or down for AM3+, is that the case or..?

Kursah · May 13, 2014

I don't know for AM3..you'll have to ask someone else as I'm using it on a S1150 Intel setup (see my sys specs).

I do have my exhausting up though...lines up with my 2 top exhaust fans, and the rear 120mm exhaust helps more with the GPU heat. Overall seems to work well.

Toothless · May 13, 2014

So should a new case also be in the budget? Something with a top exhaust?

Devon68 · May 13, 2014

Some people say that the fan has to be pointing either up or down for AM3+, is that the case or..?

No that is not true, it can be mounted either way, and I would stick with the hyper 212 evo and SSD rather then only a cooler.

R00kie · May 13, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
So should a new case also be in the budget? Something with a top exhaust?

It depends on how much you will be left with. It's not really common to have a very cheap case with a bottom mounted power supply and having some fan grills on the top, but I've spotted a SPEC series of cases from Corsair, which are like for a low-ish budget, take a look at those you might like them.

Toothless · May 14, 2014

So due to lack of air conditioning for the moment. This is my new cooling strategy.

LaytonJnr · May 16, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
So should a new case also be in the budget? Something with a top exhaust?

gdallsk said:
It depends on how much you will be left with. It's not really common to have a very cheap case with a bottom mounted power supply and having some fan grills on the top, but I've spotted a SPEC series of cases from Corsair, which are like for a low-ish budget, take a look at those you might like them.

Having seen your case from the image above, an upgrade to a better case may be useful for future support and upgrading. As @gdallsk said, something like the Corsair SPEC series or Fractal Design Core series are good budget cases to think about. But that's a novel solution to cooling! :laugh:

Layton

Toothless · May 16, 2014

LaytonJnr said:
Having seen your case from the image above, an upgrade to a better case may be useful for future support and upgrading. As @gdallsk said, something like the Corsair SPEC series or Fractal Design Core series are good budget cases to think about. But that's a novel solution to cooling!

Layton

I posted the case that I'll actually be using. It's an Antec III 500.

LaytonJnr · May 16, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
I posted the case that I'll actually be using. It's an Antec III 500.

Ah yes. I see now. If I was using that case, I would put in a front 120mm fan, to bring in some fresh air that the Hyper 212 EVO could use to cool the CPU down. Here would be my suggestion which is over your budget, but includes the cooler, a decent size and good SSD, and another front fan:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3L6x4

What do you think?

Layton

Hood · May 16, 2014

Even with a front fan, the Antec III 500 is terrible for overclocking. The front fan mount is actually on the rear of the drive cages, so it's not as effective as one mounted at the front of the case. Without side fans and top fans, and with it's top-mounted PSU, this case reminds me of old Dell cases that would get hot to the touch if used for gaming or overclocking. I second the vote for a new case, such as the Spec series or maybe a 400R (I had 11 fans mounted in mine and 240/120 rads). Good air flow is essential when OCing to avoid heat buildup. They don't have to be loud fans, just have enough of them to constantly replace the air in the case with fresh, cool air, and a case that flows air freely.

Tallencor · May 16, 2014

My Hyper 212 evo keeps my 3770k nice and frosty at a modest 4.3.(34c-36c idle 80c stress) And Samsung 120 SSD was my latest upgrade. I have not looked back. Total taxes in best $180(Canada) I have spent on upgrades.( SSD is boot and a few games only as well)
Having great flow with my HAF case as well. They are cheap now to boot.

LaytonJnr · May 16, 2014

Hood said:
Even with a front fan, the Antec III 500 is terrible for overclocking. The front fan mount is actually on the rear of the drive cages, so it's not as effective as one mounted at the front of the case. Without side fans and top fans, and with it's top-mounted PSU, this case reminds me of old Dell cases that would get hot to the touch if used for gaming or overclocking. I second the vote for a new case, such as the Spec series or maybe a 400R (I had 11 fans mounted in mine and 240/120 rads). Good air flow is essential when OCing to avoid heat buildup. They don't have to be loud fans, just have enough of them to constantly replace the air in the case with fresh, cool air, and a case that flows air freely.

Another good budget case is the NZXT Source 210, which has much better airflow than the Antec one. And its about $33, which isn't too expensive. But of course, this would mean that you are going to either extend your budget for the SSD, or wait to upgrade to an SSD in the future.

Layton

Toothless · May 16, 2014

Okay so the Antec case I have has two front slits and I have an extra 80mm fan I can ziptie right below the HDD rack. I used to have it but scrapped the idea when I put in my new stuff. I'll have to reinstall that. Sure did pull air.

As for cooling. I could order the NZXT 210 and the Hyper EVO but that means taking out all of my parts and putting it into another case. (I swear I've done this 4 times in the last month)

The Antec III 500 is amazing for cooling. I have a powerful 120mm fan on the back that can move air like no tomorrow. The only issue is having it in a push or a pull config. The case was a gift from my tech teacher, and he's the best teacher I've ever had.

LaytonJnr · May 16, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
Okay so the Antec case I have has two front slits and I have an extra 80mm fan I can ziptie right below the HDD rack. I used to have it but scrapped the idea when I put in my new stuff. I'll have to reinstall that. Sure did pull air.

As for cooling. I could order the NZXT 210 and the Hyper EVO but that means taking out all of my parts and putting it into another case. (I swear I've done this 4 times in the last month)

The Antec III 500 is amazing for cooling. I have a powerful 120mm fan on the back that can move air like no tomorrow. The only issue is having it in a push or a pull config. The case was a gift from my tech teacher, and he's the best teacher I've ever had.

It sounds like that case should be placed on a pedestal, to remember that awesome teacher. Unfortunately we have to upgrade sometimes - I know many people on here get sentimental about hardware.

I've realised that the Source 210 only has one 120mm exhaust fan (although plenty of scope for upgrading and airflow). For still under $50 you could get the NZXT Source 210 Elite or NZXT Source 220. Both have a second 140mm exhaust fan that will help a lot with cooling, the only difference is one has a mesh front, the other a more plain front panel. But its your call - you may want to add additional front fans too.

Layton

Toothless · May 16, 2014

LaytonJnr said:
It sounds like that case should be placed on a pedestal, to remember that awesome teacher. Unfortunately we have to upgrade sometimes - I know many people on here get sentimental about hardware.

I've realised that the Source 210 only has one 120mm exhaust fan (although plenty of scope for upgrading and airflow). For still under $50 you could get the NZXT Source 210 Elite or NZXT Source 220. Both have a second 140mm exhaust fan that will help a lot with cooling, the only difference is one has a mesh front, the other a more plain front panel. But its your call - you may want to add additional front fans too.

Layton

I have an extra 80mm and that 120mm I was talking about earlier. I could get the 210 and add in my old fans.

LaytonJnr · May 16, 2014

Lightbulbie said:
I have an extra 80mm and that 120mm I was talking about earlier. I could get the 210 and add in my old fans.

The case doesn't support 80mm fans, however you could use both 120mm fans (one from the Antec case) in the Source 210 - a front intake and another exhaust at the top. Sounds like a good plan, although I'd still be tempted to get the 210 Elite or 220. But your money, your call.

Layton

Ronnyv1 · May 16, 2014

http://www.dailysteals.com/heist/#heist/845 something to consider, hope u see this before the hour is up sorry

System Name	Veral
Processor	5950x
Motherboard	MSI MEG x570 Ace
Cooling	Corsair H150i Elite
Memory	4x16GB G.Skill TridentZ
Video Card(s)	Powercolor 7900XTX Red Devil
Storage	Crucial P5 Plus 1TB, Samsung 980 1TB, Teamgroup MP34 4TB
Display(s)	Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx + 2x AOC 2425W
Case	Fractal Design Meshify Lite 2
Audio Device(s)	Blue Yeti + SteelSeries Arctis 5 / Samsung HW-T550
Power Supply	Corsair HX850
Mouse	Corsair Nightsword
Keyboard	Corsair K55
VR HMD	HP Reverb G2
Software	Windows 11 Professional
Benchmark Scores	PEBCAK

System Name	Daedalus
Processor	AMD FX 6300
Motherboard	ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0
Cooling	Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO
Memory	8GB Kingston HyperX Genesis (2x4GB)
Video Card(s)	MSI R9 270X Gaming 2GB
Storage	1TB Seagate Barracuda
Display(s)	LG Flatron E2442 (main - 24in 1080p)
Case	NZXT Phantom 410 (Gunmetal Edition)
Power Supply	XFX Pro 650W
Mouse	Steelseries Siberia [RAW]

System Name	SnowFire / The Reinforcer
Processor	i7 10700K 5.1ghz (24/7) / 2x Xeon E52650v2
Motherboard	Asus Strix Z490 / Dell Dual Socket (R720)
Cooling	RX 360mm + 140mm Custom Loop / Dell Stock
Memory	Corsair RGB 16gb DDR4 3000 CL 16 / DDR3 128gb 16 x 8gb
Video Card(s)	GTX Titan XP (2025mhz) / Asus GTX 950 (No Power Connector)
Storage	Samsung 970 1tb NVME and 2tb HDD x4 RAID 5 / 300gb x8 RAID 5
Display(s)	Acer XG270HU, Samsung G7 Odyssey (1440p 240hz)
Case	Thermaltake Cube / Dell Poweredge R720 Rack Mount Case
Audio Device(s)	Realtec ALC1150 (On board)
Power Supply	Rosewill Lightning 1300Watt / Dell Stock 750 / Brick
Mouse	Logitech G5
Keyboard	Logitech G19S
Software	Windows 11 Pro / Windows Server 2016

System Name	Main PC- Gamer- Main Cruncher/Folder and too many crunching/folding rigs
Processor	Ryzen 5900X- Ryzen 5950X- Ryzen 3950X and etc...
Motherboard	Asrock X570 Extreme4- MSI X570S Tomahawk MAX WiFi- MSI B450M Bazooka Max and etc...
Cooling	Noctua NH-U14S (dual fan)- EK 360 AIO with push/pull fans- Corsair H115i RGB Pro XT and etc...
Memory	2x16GB GSkill FlareX 3200/c14- 4x8GB Corsair Vengeance 3600/c16- 2x16GB Team 3600/c18 and etc..
Video Card(s)	MSI Gaming RX 6800- Asus RTX 3070 TUF OC- MSI Ventus GTX 1660Ti and etc...
Storage	Main PC (1TB WD SN850- 2TB PNY CS 3040- 2TB Seagate Firecuda) and etc...
Display(s)	Main PC (2x24" Dell UltraSharp U2414H)
Case	Phanteks P600s- Seasonic Q704- Fractal Meshify C and etc...
Audio Device(s)	Logitech Z625 THX 2.1 speakers
Power Supply	EVGA 750 G3- SeaSonic DGC 750- EVGA P2 850 and etc...
Mouse	G300s
Keyboard	Corsair K65
VR HMD	N/A
Software	Windows 10 Pro or Ubuntu
Benchmark Scores	Why sit on the Bench when you can get in the game and Crunch!!!

System Name	Ryzen 2023
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 7700
Motherboard	Asrock B650E Steel Legend Wifi
Cooling	Noctua NH-D15
Memory	G Skill Flare X5 2x16gb cl32@6000 MHz
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Radeon RX 6950 XT Nitro + gaming Oc
Storage	WESTERN DIGITAL 1TB 64MB 7k SATA600 Blue WD10EZEX, WD Black SN850X 1Tb nvme
Display(s)	LG 27GP850P-B
Case	Corsair 5000D airflow tempered glass
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime GX-850W
Mouse	A4Tech V7M bloody
Keyboard	Genius KB-G255
Software	Windows 10 64bit

Cooling a CPU

Toothless

Tech, Games, and TPU!

LaytonJnr

GhostRyder

Norton

Moderator - Returning from the Darkness

Devon68

R00kie

Toothless

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Kursah

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Toothless

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Kursah

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Toothless

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Devon68

R00kie

Toothless

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LaytonJnr

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LaytonJnr

Hood

Tallencor

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LaytonJnr

Toothless

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LaytonJnr

Toothless

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LaytonJnr

Ronnyv1

System Name	Main / HTPC
Processor	Ryzen 9 5900X / Ryzen 7 2700
Motherboard	Strix B550i / B450i Aorus Pro
Cooling	Lian-Li Galahad 360 / Wraith Spire
Memory	Corsair LPX 2x16 3600MHz / HyperX Predator 2x8GB 3200MHz
Video Card(s)	RTX 3080 FE / ARC A380
Storage	WD Black SN770 1TB / Sabrent Rocket 256GB
Display(s)	Acer Z301c / 39" Panasonic HDTV
Case	Corsair 2000D / Cougar QBX
Audio Device(s)	Yamaha RX-V379 / Realtek ALC1220
Power Supply	Corsair SF600 / BeQuiet SFX Power 2 450W
Mouse	Logitech G900
Keyboard	Drop Sense75 with WQ Studio Morandi's
VR HMD	Rift S
Software	Win 11 Pro 64Bit

System Name	Kursah's Gaming Rig 2018 (2022 Upgrade) - Ryzen+ Edition \| Gaming Laptop (Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022)
Processor	R7 5800X @ Stock \| i7 12700H @ Stock
Motherboard	Asus ROG Strix X370-F Gaming BIOS 6203\| Legion 5i Pro NM-E231
Cooling	Noctua NH-U14S Push-Pull + NT-H1 \| Stock Cooling
Memory	TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32GB (2x16) DDR4 4000 @ 3600 18-20-20-42 1.35v \| 32GB DDR5 4800 (2x16)
Video Card(s)	Palit GeForce RTX 4070 JetStream 12GB \| CPU-based Intel Iris XE + RTX 3070 8GB 150W
Storage	4TB SP UD90 NVME, 960GB SATA SSD, 2TB HDD \| 1TB Samsung OEM NVME SSD + 4TB Crucial P3 Plus NVME SSD
Display(s)	Acer 28" 4K VG280K x2 \| 16" 2560x1600 built-in
Case	Corsair 600C - Stock Fans on Low \| Stock Metal/Plastic
Audio Device(s)	Aune T1 mk1 > AKG K553 Pro + JVC HA-RX 700 (Equalizer APO + PeaceUI) \| Bluetooth Earbuds (BX29)
Power Supply	EVGA 750G2 Modular + APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 \| 300W OEM (heavy use) or Lenovo Legion C135W GAN (light)
Mouse	Logitech G502 \| Logitech M330
Keyboard	HyperX Alloy Core RGB \| Built in Keyboard (Lenovo laptop KB FTW)
Software	Windows 11 Pro x64 \| Windows 11 Home x64

System Name	DEVIL'S ABYSS
Processor	i7-4790K@4.6 GHz
Motherboard	Asus Z97-Deluxe
Cooling	Corsair H110 (2 x 140mm)(3 x 140mm case fans)
Memory	16GB Adata XPG V2 2400MHz
Video Card(s)	EVGA 780 Ti Classified
Storage	Intel 750 Series 400GB (AIC), Plextor M6e 256GB (M.2), 13 TB storage
Display(s)	Crossover 27QW (27"@ 2560x1440)
Case	Corsair Obsidian 750D Airflow
Audio Device(s)	Realtek ALC1150
Power Supply	Cooler Master V1000
Mouse	Ttsports Talon Blu
Keyboard	Logitech G510
Software	Windows 10 Pro x64 version 1803
Benchmark Scores	Passmark CPU score = 13080

System Name	Francis
Processor	7700k @5.0 delid
Motherboard	Rog Maximus IX Code
Cooling	Corsair H100i V2
Memory	32 GB Gskill Trident Z RGB 3200 xmp
Video Card(s)	MSI RX 480 Gaming x 8G
Storage	Samsung960evo250GB os Samsung 860 evo 500GB (Games)Samsung 840 120 (Storage)
Display(s)	Viewsonic XG 2701 Freesync
Case	Corsair Crystal 570x
Audio Device(s)	On board Supreme FX
Power Supply	Evga 850 G3
Mouse	Logitech G900
Keyboard	Logitech G810
Software	Win 10 Home 64
Benchmark Scores	11+12=19?

System Name	Windforce
Processor	i7-4790K @4.4ghz
Motherboard	Asus ROG Maximus Gene VII
Cooling	Swiftech H220X
Memory	12GB Corsair Vengeance Pro
Video Card(s)	Gigabyte GTX 970 G1 Gaming
Storage	1x Western Digital 160GB 1x OCZ ARC 240GB SSD
Case	Corsair Carbide Air 240
Power Supply	Corsair TX750
Mouse	Roccat Kone Pure
Keyboard	Coolermaster CM Storm Quickfire TK
Software	Windows 10