The best cpu cooler

[Volatile]

Lately, I have been looking for a possible upgrade for my computer and after trying to determine what i could upgrade, I realized that i am still running stock fans for my Core i7. I haven't overclocked it yet because i was concerned about overheating. Simply put i would like to buy the best cooler for it possible, ive been doing research but most of the reviews ive found are 6+ months old and I am not sure if something knew has come out or whatnot.
If you see anything that you also reccomend i upgrade dont hesitate to let me know as well
Here are the system specs and the two that i have found so far:


CPU: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.67ghz @ 45 degrees celsiuis right now
RAM: 12.0 GB OCZ Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 535Mhz
Motherboard: ASUS P6t
Gfx: 2688MB GeForce GTX 260 @ 56 degrees celsius right now
HDD: 1TB WD
And this is the case: NZXT Tempest ATX Mid-Tower Case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...CODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE

1. Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...TC-Froogle-_-CPU+Cooling-_-Sunbeam-_-35207004
2.Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme CPU Cooler
http://www.xoxide.com/thermalright-ultra120-extreme.html

Thanks =D

 

[pantherx12]

I'd say get a corsair H50, costs the same as the true and if you put two fans on push pull it beats a true with fans in push pull.

Only just but still : ]

No big heatsink to block airflow as well so you can cool the Mosfets and NB better.

 

[[Ion]]

Prolimatech Megahalems
'Nuff said
Although the Corsair H50 (liquid cooling) is very good, as is some Noctua model (don't remember exactly), but it costs close to $90

 

[sneekypeet]

Prolimatech Megahalems
'Nuff said
Although the Corsair H50 (liquid cooling) is very good, as is some Noctua model (don't remember exactly), but it costs close to $90

its a NH-D14 and the mega will run you close to the same once you add a fan or two, that isnt supplied with a $70 cooler

 

[Volatile]

The NH-D14 looks very nice, is it worth the price though? Or would I only see a minor performance boost?

 

[vaiopup]

From what I have read the IFX? beats the True and the 'halems.........but then with a tri fan setup it should.

 

[sneekypeet]

The NH-D14 looks very nice, is it worth the price though? Or would I only see a minor performance boost?

Aside from a TRU which I havent had the pleasure of testing myself, the Noctua is the best performer I have had my hands on. I will limit that a bit though. Let's say best I've used out of the box.

 

[Laurijan]

The NH-D14 looks very nice, is it worth the price though? Or would I only see a minor performance boost?

It not only looks nice but performes also very well from what i have read from sneekypeets posts in the "Your PC ATM" thread...
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=1630729&postcount=4654
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=1630747&postcount=4660
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=1630907&postcount=4664

 

[vaiopup]

From what I have read the IFX? beats the True and the 'halems.........but then with a tri fan setup it should.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Ther...Intel-CPU-with-HR-10-backside-cooler-(No-Fan)

 

[pantherx12]

The NH-D14 looks very nice, is it worth the price though? Or would I only see a minor performance boost?

VS stock cooler you'd see a huge performance boost

The NH-D14 is the best air cooler out at the moment.

I'd still go with the Hydro personally though, I really don't like big heat sinks now I have domino A.L.C, I'm getting the same temps as I did with me true ( 2 fans on true) and I'm only using one fan on this until my case if finished being modded : ]

By the by, the A.L.C can perform the same as a hydro, but you do have to mod the A.L.C for it to you know, work decently

 

[sneekypeet]

In all honestly, if you are new to clocking and dont want to break the bank, that Sunbeam CCF is plenty enough cooler, and cheap too.

 

[pantherx12]

In all honestly, if you are new to clocking and dont want to break the bank, that Sunbeam CCF is plenty enough cooler, and cheap too.

Oh yeah, there is that too


Would an OCZ Vendetta be enough to cool i7?

Because they're even cheaper and get rave reviews.

 

[vaiopup]

Having all ram slots filled may limit clocking anyway.......I would just go for a decent midrange cooler and settle for 3 ghz or so.

Unless you are crunching you may not utilize the speed anyway.

 

[pantherx12]

Having all ram slots filled may limit clocking anyway.......I would just go for a decent midrange cooler and settle for 3 ghz or so.

Unless you are crunching you may not utilize the speed anyway.

I've never had this problem with any mother board or ram set up.

Is it really that common a problem?

 

[sneekypeet]

Oh yeah, there is that too


Would an OCZ Vendetta be enough to cool i7?

Because they're even cheaper and get rave reviews.

OCZ Vendetta, Sunbeam CCT and Xig 1283 are all the same cooler.

Also dont assume for 12GB all slots are full there are 3X4GB kits of ram. Corrected in the following post.

 

[Volatile]

All slots are filled, 2g *6.
Money is not an issue here as well, I am just looking for something that I could overclock to around 4ghz and keep it stable. Why would having all slots filled be an issue?

 

[vaiopup]

Not aware of any 3 x4 gb OCZ sets.

 

[pantherx12]

All slots are filled, 2g *6, Money is not an issue here as well, I am just looking for something that I could overclock to around 4ghz and keep it stable, why would having all slots filled be an issue?

It seams ALOT of people get reduced over clocking head room when they have all slots filled.

I've never had the problem and can over clock my ram and CPU to silly amounts even with all slots filled

Guess I'm lucky though.

4ghz you say?

Then you'll be wanting a pretty damn huge air cooler, IFX-14 or the Noctua for best results.

Or as said Corsair H50, when you get the H50 for best results remount the fan so it blows through the radiator and out of the case : ]

 

[Volatile]

I think i'm going to go with the NH-D14, will I have any problems fitting that in my case with the GTX260?

 

[Laurijan]

Also having all slots filled with high ram could make it impossible to install the Noctua like you can see in this pic..
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=1630729&postcount=4654

 

[sneekypeet]

As long as the spreaders arent tall it will work. Just makes swapping out the ram a PITA

 

[pantherx12]

Ram would have to be low profile to right?

 

[sneekypeet]

thats what I meant about the spreaders. There is a fair bit of room between my ripjaws and the cooler, but ram like Pi's or reapers just wont cut it. His OCZ Golds should be fine under it.

 

[pantherx12]

Ah I wasn't paying attention to what ram he had, yeah its pretty much standard height.

Your golden for the Noctua if that's what your going for!

 

[Volatile]

Yeah it looks good, thanks guys! One last question, where can I buy it? I don't see it on newegg...