CPU cooler

i7_860 · 1 Nov 2013 at 13:32

Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced Mini-ITX Case - Black

I built a friend a system a month ago using this case,
i5 4570+GTX670(ref), he said it's shutting down while he is playing games.
I told him to monitor the temps but he hasn't given any clear indication of the temperatures yet.

I suspected it's the CPU as the HASWELL ones are pretty hot.

I bought this CPU cooler but failed to fit it due to the closed end of the heat pipe contacting with the GPU.
Cooler Master GeminII M4 Low Profile CPU Cooler
So I resulted in leaving it with the stock cooler to see how it coped which was a bad idea.

There are limited CPU coolers for this case, but I need help on finding an air cooler.
I've seen a H60 fit in this but they had to remove the HDD bay.

VincentHanna · 1 Nov 2013 at 14:38

The stock Intel heatsink and fans are a piece of **** to be honest.

Usually these cases tell you the maximum height of a CPU cooler. It can also depends where the CPU is located on the motherboard though (Central, offside etc)

Could try a Noctua's NH-L12 or Cooler Master GeminII M4

R088ieS86 · 1 Nov 2013 at 15:35

It will depend on the motherboard. Some ITX boards have an off CPU placement, closer to the GPU slot than is ideal.

What mobo have you put in there?

cheesyboy · 1 Nov 2013 at 15:39

Sounds like the motherboard is the problem on this occasion.

Noctua have motherboard compatibility listed on their website, so you can confirm which ones fit the mobo there. For example;
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=37&lng=en#LGA1150

You would just need to check for height clearance in the case.

i7_860 · 1 Nov 2013 at 15:53

ah cooler blocks PCI-E slot for this too, might have to get a Kuhler 620 then.

cheesyboy · 1 Nov 2013 at 17:14

I wasn't recommending that cooler - I just clicked one of the Noctuas at random to demo their mobo compatibility list. I'm sure they will do one or two that will fit. This one will, for example;
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=50&lng=en

Though it's probably not much more effective than the stock cooler.

i7_860 · 1 Nov 2013 at 17:49

But I actually wanted to use the NH-C12/C14 and both block the PCI-E due to the WIFI mobo.

Yeah the L9i is essentially the stock cooler with better looking aesthetics, won't be going for that but thanks for the info

alexakasloth · 10 Nov 2013 at 08:26

Sounds like the 120s are too big with the GPU, have you looked at 90/92mm coolers? I have the same case and fitted a xigmatek praeton which leaves plenty of space between the PSU and fan.

Buttkicker · 10 Nov 2013 at 16:21

I have just bought one of these for my new build
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-105-TR&groupid=701&catid=2330
which is going in a Coolermaster elite 130 Mitx case

alexakasloth · 21 Nov 2013 at 22:18

If it's of any help a 92mm fan can be easily mounted with rubber screws on left hand side panel vents for extra intake. I've mounted a fractal r2 silent fan on the side like this and the rubber screws supplied with it act as vibration dampers.

Along with turning the 80mm fan around to act as an exhaust (it's installed as an intake fan) the airflow is improved.

Bart_Hunt · 21 Nov 2013 at 22:50

What's max height for you?
Silverstone nt-06 or Prolimatech Samuel could work.
Maybe even Silverstone NT-01 if you have 100mm clearance, and it should be better if you hsve back exhaust fan, if its top then other two I listed.

McstylisT · 23 Nov 2013 at 11:02

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-024-NC&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2346

This is what I'm using with the case. I think it's the best all round option. It's very compact and does not affect either the ram or gpu slots. Obviously in this case stressing components is always going to cause heat problems. It's took me a while but I've managed a 4.2ghz of on my 4670k @ 1.128v and it seems to top out around 77-80 on all cores. I'm not a huge gamer so can't compare gaming situations but I've Been stressing my overclocks and found this cooler does offer improved cooling controll in this small case.
Previously used a stock i7 2600 and h77 , with scythe shruiken rev b which is quiet big compared. But rubbish struggled on stock and obscured slots. Check the noctua.