I have recently overhauled my machine with almost everything upgraded and now run the following specs.
Core i5 3570k @4.6
Asus p8z77-v deluxe
16GB Corsair Vengance
HIS HD4850 1GB
OCZ 650w psu
Crucial m4 64gb SSD for W7
Crucial m4 256GB SSD for programs/games
WD green 2TB for media
This system runs on my tv rather than a monitor and is used for everything from gaming to htpc functions etc. As such I shifted the whole lot into a different room from the tv, this means the pc is now housed in a 18" x 30" cupboard, which is mounted on an external wall. I ditched the actual case, instead making up the needed mounting boards and brackets for the components in the cupboard to allow plenty of room for addition storage & backup drives, along with lots of room for airflow. Currently I still just use the stock intel fan but so far have mounted 4 120cm fans to the cupboard walls with outlet/inlet holes cut. I'm also intending on placing a commercial extraction fan designed for bathrooms into the side that faces the external wall.
So far after clocking up perhaps 50 or so hours work of gaming and media use on this machine I have never had a single hang or crash and find the cpu idle load (I do have a few background programs running but nothing intensive) Sits around the 24 degree mark.
I know my overhaul system cooling is perfectly fine for my needs but I'm wondering will I really notice much difference changing the stock cpu cooler? Can other coolers really shift heat from the cpu itself to the first few mm of air above the fan that much faster than stock?
Core i5 3570k @4.6
Asus p8z77-v deluxe
16GB Corsair Vengance
HIS HD4850 1GB
OCZ 650w psu
Crucial m4 64gb SSD for W7
Crucial m4 256GB SSD for programs/games
WD green 2TB for media
This system runs on my tv rather than a monitor and is used for everything from gaming to htpc functions etc. As such I shifted the whole lot into a different room from the tv, this means the pc is now housed in a 18" x 30" cupboard, which is mounted on an external wall. I ditched the actual case, instead making up the needed mounting boards and brackets for the components in the cupboard to allow plenty of room for addition storage & backup drives, along with lots of room for airflow. Currently I still just use the stock intel fan but so far have mounted 4 120cm fans to the cupboard walls with outlet/inlet holes cut. I'm also intending on placing a commercial extraction fan designed for bathrooms into the side that faces the external wall.
So far after clocking up perhaps 50 or so hours work of gaming and media use on this machine I have never had a single hang or crash and find the cpu idle load (I do have a few background programs running but nothing intensive) Sits around the 24 degree mark.
I know my overhaul system cooling is perfectly fine for my needs but I'm wondering will I really notice much difference changing the stock cpu cooler? Can other coolers really shift heat from the cpu itself to the first few mm of air above the fan that much faster than stock?