CPU cooler advice

Claire Drew · 28 Mar 2013 at 15:21

Hello folks,

I have purchased the below items and need some help in picking the right cooler to get a modest overclock of around 4.2 if possible higher.

I am in a trendsonic opera media case so must fit in with regards to hight.

Gigabyte Z68AP-D3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard Rev 2

Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail

I have read some reports Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is a decent cooler and to be honest a good price as dont want to spend a fortune.

whats your thoughts?

doyll · 28 Mar 2013 at 15:56

It's an okay cooler but the Alpenfohn Matterhorn £29.99 is better
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=hs-037-al&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2337

thermalright true spirit 120 £24.98 is better too
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=hs-107-tr&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2352
about 6c better
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/coolermaster-hyper-212-evo_5.html

If you can stretch to £55 the Alpenfohn K2 is £54.98 this week
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-020-AL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2337

And there's a *B Grade* Phanteks PH-TC14TC for £54.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BG-006-PT&groupid=595&catid=678

You can get by with any of the above. Especially as your CPU is only 77w. But I don't believe there is such a thing as overkill. The better the cooler the better you can overclock and the quieter and cooler your CPU will be.

I have used everything from stock to Noctua U12P, Zaward Vapor 120, True 120, HR-02, Cogage Arrow, TC14PE and Silver Arrow SB-E Extreme. The big twins (make sure they will fit in you case) are more money but they really to make a big difference. (quieter & 5-10c better)

I'm rendering graphics right now; can't hear it; had to look to tell if it's done or not.. >80% CPU load @ 46c & 950-1000rpm... can't year it at 950rpm.. 1000rpm is just loud enougth to hear.. just.

Claire Drew · 28 Mar 2013 at 16:04

Thanks for the quick reply...

The Thermalright True Spirit 120 REV A looks the best for me, in regards to cost as I have spend way more then i wanted to

and performance sounds good from your comments.

I am concerned Dimensions: L133 x W52 x H160 mm

My case via web specs say H190mm so whats the thoughts on this once sat on my CPU?

Don't want to order one that is to high for my case

Thanks

doyll · 28 Mar 2013 at 16:15

If you are worried about case clearance go for the True Spirit 120M

Call OcUK and ask which they are selling. True Spirit 120 Rev. A or True Spirit 120M because their product discription is

Built on the basis of Thermalright’s successful True Spirit 120, the True Spirit 120M is Thermalright advancement towards Silence, Performance and Compatibility. Made specifically for Micro ATX users, the total height is only 145mm

But product heat sink spec says

• Dimension: L133 x W52 x H160 mm

Or spend a little more and get the Macho 120. £29.99
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-102-TR&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2352

I'll look for review and add it
http://www.technic3d.com/review/kuehler/1459-thermalright-hr-02-macho-120/4.htm
http://www.ocaholic.ch/xoops/html/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=881&page=6

doyll · 28 Mar 2013 at 16:39

190mm case width may or may not accept a 160mm cooler. 8mm CPU is 8mm above mobo + mobo is 8mm above mobo mounting board = 176mm + whatever space is behind mounting board to side panel.

Claire Drew · 28 Mar 2013 at 17:00

Thanks for the input I have taken a punt and ordered the Thermalright True Spirit 120 REV A.

The lid on the HTPC clips in on top of the sides so this should be ok (I hope).

Thanks for the input and lets hope I can get a decent overclock out of it when all assembled

doyll · 28 Mar 2013 at 17:05

Please let us know. Always interested in hearing how it all works out.

Claire Drew · 8 Apr 2013 at 14:05

Right guys I am back, the above is way to big and sticks out of the top of my HTPC by a good inch or 2.

So looks like i need a low profile one.

Can anyone give my some advice on a good one for clocking by chip if one exists?
Or recommend an alternative?

Main problem seems to be the case

doyll · 8 Apr 2013 at 14:18

So which is it? 1inch or 2 inches?

Claire Drew · 8 Apr 2013 at 15:40

Result, I have just been given a Noctua-NH-U9B-SE2 of a friend who removed it from a Antec fusion case. He could not close the top with out a little force due to hight, 140mm were mine is 190mm. This should fit very nice and not have to force it closed

Just ordered the mounting kit of OCUK for £5 to fit my skt so well pleased

Thanks for reply doyll, not 100% sure as I just placed it at the side of the case as not started removing upgrade yet, It was massive was completely shocked when saw the size of it