Need low profile and QUIET cpu cooler

implosiveturnip · 13 May 2013 at 20:04

Hey guys just wondering if someone could recommend/spec me a low profile cpu cooler for my HTPC?

It's going to be cooling an i3 2120 65w cpu, in an antec fusion remote black case. max height 70mm.

It needs to be as quiet as possible and capable of running 24/7, as it's also my media/torrent/minecraft server, and it will see some light gaming too.

I was looking at cm seidon 120mm and slapping another fan on there, but there's only two mount points in the case and I don't think it would clear the mobo :/

Thanks in advance!

Rooster212 · 13 May 2013 at 21:36

Do you have the stock cooler? As I'd try that first, and if it is too loud come back and we can try and spec a quieter one for you

Doomedspeed · 13 May 2013 at 21:57

Great cooler:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Thermalright AXP-100 ITX & HTPC CPU Cooler (Socket 775 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / 2011 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / FM1 / FM2) £39.95
Total : £45.92 (includes shipping : £4.98).

trickynickyuk · 14 May 2013 at 03:08

this one looks great as well

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-024-NC&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2334

ArchAndroid · 14 May 2013 at 05:10

Rooster212 said:
Do you have the stock cooler? As I'd try that first, and if it is too loud come back and we can try and spec a quieter one for you

I agree with Rooster. FrostyTech has a comprehensive list of coolers and the stock one is quite quiet whilst giving adequate cooling. It may be worth testing the Intel one before going aftermarket.

implosiveturnip · 17 May 2013 at 21:19

Ah sorry I just abandoned this thread! been busy at work! I'll just quickly read these....

The stock cooler is too loud for me. It's in my bedroom and I can hear it whirring away. Although not a particularly offensive noise, it's just enough to drive me slightly bonkers when I try to sleep.

implosiveturnip · 17 May 2013 at 21:22

I'm probably going to go with the noctua, unless someone has any experience with a Zalman Tech CNPS8000B and can tell me how loud it is. I can find reviews ect for Zalman Tech CNPS8000, but not the B version, which is newer.

Kei · 17 May 2013 at 21:53

The thermalright outperforms the noctua by a fair margin. (both noise and thermal performance) The zalman is just a revision of the same heatsink. The original 8000 worked with LGA775/AM2 etc and got replaced by the A which added 1366 & 1156 mounts. The B version changed to a PWM fan.

Noctua review
Thermalright review

implosiveturnip · 18 May 2013 at 11:22

I see. thanks for clarifying the Zalman, Kei. I've decided to go with the Thermalright after all, despite it being a little pricier; it will give me a bit more cooling headroom if I decide to upgrade the cpu in the future, which I probably will.

Thanks for your input everyone

Rooster212 · 20 May 2013 at 11:37

Let us know how it performs

feedback is always good!