mITX cooler suggestions.

Sindenization · 15 Oct 2017 at 16:13

I asked this recently but have varied my options since then. I'm looking at a mITX cooler, and have a few options.

* Silverstone NT06-plus
* Big Shuriken 2 Rev.B
* Cryorig C1
* Dark Rock TF

I want the best performance for the price, for a 8600k. So while the Dark Rock TF is most expensive, if the performance is significantly better, I would spend the extra money. I would also add a second fan to the NT06-plus if I went with that.

Any help is appreciated

benjii · 15 Oct 2017 at 16:45

What's your budget?

Sindenization · 15 Oct 2017 at 17:16

benjii said:
What's your budget?

Darkrock TF is as high as I'd go really, but would prefer to stay under £60

I know the Noctua ones are supposed to be good though, but aesthetic is a big thing for me and the Noctua fans are the wrong colour

benjii · 15 Oct 2017 at 21:24

You could always get an AIO.

Sindenization · 15 Oct 2017 at 21:28

benjii said:
You could always get an AIO.

I had considered AIOs but as I'm looking at the Nano S, before getting an even smaller case, such as the Metis or even the Node 202, a small air cooler would leave me with more options down the line.

doyll · 16 Oct 2017 at 17:22

Why are you looking at downflow/pancake coolers when Nano S has 160mm CPU clearance with good front to back airflow?
I would be looking at something like Cryorig H5, Alpenfohn Matterhorn or maybe even wider coolers if there is enough room from center CPU toward PCIe sockets. Really need to know what motherboard and RAM you plan to use. RAM height is limited in a case with 160mm CPU clearance to 25mm if you want a 140mm fan over RAM.

MrRockliffe · 16 Oct 2017 at 17:23

I’ve got a dark rock pro 3 in my mini it’s case. A real pain to install, and the instructions were pants, but it’s really quiet and I love the brushed aluminium top!

As you’ve got a Nano S, I recommend a tower cooler instead. Better performance.

doyll · 16 Oct 2017 at 17:49

I've found be quiet! instructions to be imaginal at best, but once we understand how to install their coolers it's not a problem at all. Key I found out long long ago is do a trial install without TIM to make sure I know where to position cooler so screw holes line up with screws. I always do this with new coolers or new mount designs .. even start and sometimes tighten screws just to be sure everything is right. Then take it off, apply TIM and re-install. Practice install only take a minute, a couple at most .. but can save all kinds of problems .. like does cooler block any headers, will any cables be a problem now or trying to install later, etc. 'Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' really is true.

Sindenization · 16 Oct 2017 at 17:49

doyll said:
Why are you looking at downflow/pancake coolers when Nano S has 160mm CPU clearance with good front to back airflow?
I would be looking at something like Cryorig H5, Alpenfohn Matterhorn or maybe even wider coolers if there is enough room from center CPU toward PCIe sockets. Really need to know what motherboard and RAM you plan to use. RAM height is limited in a case with 160mm CPU clearance to 25mm if you want a 140mm fan over RAM.

RAM is Vengeance LPX, and I'm waiting to order the ASRock Fatal1ty itx board.

The reason I'm looking at low profile is so I can get a smaller case next year when I move. The nano s is just temporary. No point spending loads of a big cooler only to sell it for a low profile in a few months time.

doyll · 16 Oct 2017 at 18:44

Why not get whatever smaller case you want now and build it once instead?

Sindenization · 17 Oct 2017 at 01:57

doyll said:
Why not get whatever smaller case you want now and build it once instead?

Already have the nano s, and I'm likely going to look for a more expensive case soon