Cooling Configuration

Caporegime
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
28,726
Location
London
I have tried searching previous threads for which HSF I should get for my new build but opinions seem to vary a lot. I though choosing a combination and seeing/hearing opinions might be better, here is what I am considering:

  • Cooler Master Hyper 612S
  • Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120mm 1850 RPM
  • Akasa Siliconized Rubber Fan Pins
  • Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound

I will be using these along with a Asrock Extreme 4, 3570K, Fractal Design R4 and Samsung Green memory. The R4 should have 170mm clearance and the 612S takes up 163 so shouldn't have any clearance problems. I plan to use the supplied 140mm fans and buy one/two BitFenix Spectre PRO 140mm fans. Not sure what configuration yet - any suggestions?

Will these config be good to get a 3570K (providing it clocks well) to 4.4Ghz+?
 
On closer inspection....is Arctic Silver not the top dog of thermal compounds any more? There seems to be so much choice these days.
 
Excellent, that's very useful. What about the Gentle Typhoon? I also hear good things about the Corsair AF120s. Hoping to order remaining components today :)
 
Slight alteration as the AF120s look amazing, what do people think?

Intel Core i5-3570K
Cooler Master Hyper 612S
Corsair AF120 Performance Series Low Noise High Airflow (for the 612S)
BitFenix Spectre PRO 120mm Fan Blue LED (for the exhaust case fan)
Arctic Cooling MX-2
Akasa Siliconized Rubber Fan Pins

Also how do you do the thing that automatically calculates the price and shows pictures of the items when compiling a shopping list?
 
Another question. I am using the AF120 with the 612S - is it better to have the fan pushing the hot air through the heat sink or pulling the air out?
 
You'd be better off with an SP120 as the AF120's are designed as case fans. The SP's provide better static pressure for heatsink use. It's usually better to have them pushing air through the heatsink, though you may not see that much difference.

The Gentle Typhoons would also be a great choice. Are you able to control 3pin fans with your mobo, or do you have fan controller? Any of the listed fans aren't horribly loud, but they will be quite noticeable if you're running them at full speed all the time.

Also, use these instructions to post your basket :)
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18371076
 
Ooops, my order is arriving today. I can just order a SP120 when my wallet is feeling less bruised and use the AF as a case fan. My case (Define R4) has a simple fan controller at the front - think you can plug three fans into it though not sure if you are restricted to specific fans in the case. Should I leave the fan provided with the 612S until I get a SP or use the AF until then?

Thank you for the guide :)
 
Not sure about the R4 fan controller. Worth a try at least if it has standard 3pin plugs.

I'd stick with the stock fan on the 612 and chuck the AF on the case somewhere, though there's nothing stopping you from finding out which works better on the cooler.
 
Got all my components :D

Are CPU serial numbers still relevant for knowing how well your CPU will overclock?

EDIT:

Spotted the Akasa 120mm Piranha today, thinking I might buy the following;

YOUR BASKET
1 x Corsair AF120 Performance Series Low Noise High Airflow - Single Pack £13.99
1 x Akasa 120mm Piranha high performance PWM air ripper blade fan £12.00
Total : £29.90 (includes shipping : £3.26).



Put the Piranha on my heatsink, use the two AF120s as front intakes and the Spectre Pro as a rear exhaust.
 
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Right, new system has been built. Easily got it to 4.4Ghz at the stock voltage, the system is fairly quiet but the loudest fan seems to be the AF120 on the heatsink. Decided against the Piranha as its around the same noise level as the AF120. I am now look at these:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Akasa Viper R High Performance S-Flow fan (14cm Blade on 12cm Fitting) £13.99
1 x Akasa AK-FN058 Apache Black Super Silent 120mm Fan - 4 Pin PWM £9.98
1 x Akasa AK-FN057 Apache Super Silent 120mm Fan - 4 Pin PWM £9.60
Total : £37.49 (includes shipping : £3.26).



The Viper R is my first choice but I have a question. The default fan for my Cooler Master 612S comes with a spare set of rail fittings allowing you to use another fan on the heatsink. Obviously these railings are straight - with the Viper R been circular; will they fit or obstruct the fan the from doing its job efficiently?

As it's all about static pressure for heatsinks; why does differ so greatly between the Apache Black SS/Apache SS (26.40 mm-H2O) and the Viper R (2.91 mm-H2O)?
 
My Apache arrived today :)

OcUK - you really need to change the typo on the static pressure stat ;)
 
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Right, new system has been built. Easily got it to 4.4Ghz at the stock voltage, the system is fairly quiet but the loudest fan seems to be the AF120 on the heatsink. Decided against the Piranha as its around the same noise level as the AF120.

It's noisey because you're using the wrong fan type, which you've already been told.
 
Yeah I made a bit of a boo boo getting that fan :o

It's currently out of the system. The amount of times I have to double take to make sure my computer is even on - a completely silent room is the only time you will hear it.
 
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