Replacing Intel E8500 Cooler (not OC'ing)

cypress · 8 Oct 2012 at 14:29

Only recently I started playing with the fan settings of my PC to get the noise down (3 Noctua NF-S12s in a Lian Li PC-B25B). Now I'd like to improve my CPU cooling while also getting it quieter. I've had this rig for about 4-5 years, don't overclock and don't game heavily (Diablo 2, Starcraft etc.).
Would the Noctua NH-D14 be complete overkill? I'm leaning towards the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo in terms of price and considering I don't plan to overclock. I'm just wondering will it be much louder than the Noctua? I spend a lot of time coding at my PC and so silence (or as near as possible) is desirable.

BrianB · 8 Oct 2012 at 14:57

It would be complete over kill if you don't overclock.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-036-CM&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2341

I like the 612S at that price range. The 212 is decent, but at the price difference they seem to have the same fan, but the 612S has 3 more heatpipes and has more cooling potential. The fan on the 212 runs at higher RPM, must be because it is a smaller cooler.

E8500 doesn't run too hot? D-14 really overkill, my [email protected] wouldn't go over 52C on the D-14. I recommend overclocking and trying a good £30 cooler.

I used to love that Lian-Li case nearly got one years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP46RcgcLOU

Nice review here, can even see how to install it. Probably overkill too if you won't overclock, it's quite big!

cypress · 9 Oct 2012 at 20:17

Thanks for the great reply Brian. My E8500 seems to run hot at times now but the stock thermal paste has been there 4-5 years now (and the stock fan) so I really should have done something sooner.
I'm liking the look of that 612S!

mickyflinn · 9 Oct 2012 at 20:47

Alpenföhn Matterhorn Pure Edition CPU Cooler

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-037-AL

Great cooler

BrianB · 9 Oct 2012 at 20:56

5 years is quite long yeah, it will be dry as anything. I'm trying to decide on a cooler for my Q6600 now, I'm thinking of the 612S or the Xigmatech Dark Knight because it's pretty but also can cool very well, and I have extra fans I can put on it.

Hoping my 8800GTX in the oven fixes itself so I can build another pc for £60 out of my spare pieces.

cypress · 9 Oct 2012 at 22:51

How do you find that Alpenföhn compares against the 612S? Is it quiet?

BrianB · 10 Oct 2012 at 01:39

I prefer the bog standard design of the 612S but I don't think there would be much in it really, other than price. The 612S has lower speed fan so possibly could be quieter. Both look great tbh.

Matterhorn look's less fiddly to install, has Noctua ish mounting bracket.

I'll get the the Dark Knight, just for the look's. Tempted to get some Megahalems though, I love that cooler. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-025-TL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2318 Drool.