Should i get an aftermarket heatsink?

[CDdude55]

Hey guys, (please read)

I was thinking about ditching my stock CPU fan currently on my Core i7 920 and just getting a nice aftermarket cooler. But i really don't know if i should, my CPU is already overclocked to a decent enough speed(3.2Ghz) and all i do is play games and go on the web. So im not so sure if it's worth it. My temps are pretty decent, @idle im in the low to mid 40c and at load it can get to about the mid 60c, so the stock fan has been doing it's job.(i also threw some MX-3 paste under the stock fan)

Also, i know that if i do go with an aftermarket cooler i will have to take the motherboard out. And i'm not sure what's the best surface to put it on when installing the heatsink, would a cardboard be best? or should i use that plastic clam shell my motherboard came in to support my motherboard during the heatsink install?

I am thinking about going with this:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N2JVEE/?tag=tec06d-20

Thanks.

 

[jasper1605]

that's a sweet cooler right there! One word of caution though, it's very tall. If it were me I would get it, but that's because I like my stuff to run as cool as possible. On my i5 at 3.8 it idles at 35ish and loads at low 60s. Heat is the number one enemy of all things electronic, so aftermarket coolers are your best bet to combat it

 

[DRDNA]

I would...it makes a huge difference over stock


I install on anti static bag with a bit of foam under it

 

[CDdude55]

Anyone else have an opinion on the matter?

 

[neoreif]

+1 on the Anti Static Bag as suggested by DrDna! You may also use an anti Static wrist strap during MB handling and if you cant, just remember to touch anything metallic to discharge any static electricity from your body before handling the motherboard!

And that new cooler your eyeing would definitely be a step up from stock as it would keep your CPU in much way lower temps and it would give you more headroom on higher overclocks!

 

[afw]

I suggest a scythe mugen 2 rev b. cooler ... cheaper and performs a bit better than NH-U12P ... only downside i can see is the size --> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OCPRQ0/?tag=tec06d-20

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/scythe-mugen-2-rev--b-cpu-cooler---scmg-2100.html

can add another fan for push-pull setup ... that would lower the temps a bit more

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2535-14.html

 

[CDdude55]

that's a sweet cooler right there! One word of caution though, it's very tall.

Think it'll fit in a CM690 well?

 

[niko084]

Another option is you could try to buy someones Intel HSF from the Extreme edition chips, it's quite a wonderful cooler and you can get it really cheap I'll bet.

 

[Deleted member 67555]

^^^^+1
I dunno I recently dropped my Xiggy DK out of my rig because it just wasn't worth it
major pain to switch cpu etc..I actually say do what niko084 says...Having a big loud cooler is only worth it if you have an OCing Monster

 

[mlee49]

Good thought, make sure it will fit before buying. My old CM Hyper Z600 was a beast and didn't fit my old casse. The temps your at right now are good, maxing out at 60C is very good imo. If your looking for headroom and don't mind spending $50 and taking an hour out of your day then by all means go aftermarket. The Cooler Master Hyper 212+ is a very nice price/performance ratio. I had one on my i7 and it worked very well while remaining very quiet.
If you use a cooler with a backplate then you will have to pull the board, its kinda a hassle pulling everything and getting thermal paste all over everything. Use the backeplate for sure, but when you pull the board change the heatsink on an Anti-Static bag or a cardboard box. I use my mobo box from time to time.

 

[marvelous211]

I always buy after market coolers. It's a must if you love overclocking.

 

[kid41212003]

Think it'll fit in a CM690 well?

It will fit, you will have to remove the top side fan though.

Sneeky has some good coolers @ dirt cheap price, you should go and check his FS thread.