What is the best closed loop cpu cooler

mitch2471 · 10 Oct 2013 at 14:59

Hi there

I'm looking to tap into the mass of wisdom on the Overclockers forum for a little advice/help selecting closed loop cpu cooler.

It is going to be for a I7 2600k which will be fitted into a Silverstone FT03 which means the rad/fan size is going to have to be limited to a 120mm kit.

It is mainly serving as a media center so the cooler needs to be very quiet.
I' not worried to much about fan noise as I will more than likely swap out what ever fans it comes with but am more concerned about the noise made by the built in pumps. I did once have a corsair h50 which worked amazingly well by had a very annoying hum from the pump.

So can anyone recommend a good cooler that bar fan noise is silent?

Thanks in advance.

Telecaster · 10 Oct 2013 at 15:32

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-060-ZA&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2262

I have one of these and am very impressed with it, I don't have anything to compare it against noise wise but I sit two feet from the case and with the fans off I can't hear the pump at all. I run a 2500k at 4.5ghz, at 19c ambient room temp I get 26c idle and 61c max load in prime95, never above about 50c whilst actual gaming and stuff.

I bought it elsewhere for £55 delivered.

Martini1991 · 10 Oct 2013 at 15:43

One of OCUK's AIO's will be the best, such as ; http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-019-TL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2262

mitch2471 · 10 Oct 2013 at 15:55

Thanks for the response guys. The Zalman CNPS20LQ looks quite good. So does the fathom but the fathom is a little more than I want to spend right now so am classing that as an after thought.

Thanks for the advice though. Will look up a few reviews on both mentioned coolers. If anyone else has any experience with the 2 mentioned coolers or any others feel free to chime in.

stulid · 10 Oct 2013 at 16:02

Silverstone Tundra TD03?

Telecaster · 10 Oct 2013 at 16:57

mitch2471 said:
Thanks for the response guys. The Zalman CNPS20LQ looks quite good. So does the fathom but the fathom is a little more than I want to spend right now so am classing that as an after thought.

Thanks for the advice though. Will look up a few reviews on both mentioned coolers. If anyone else has any experience with the 2 mentioned coolers or any others feel free to chime in.

One of the features I like about the Zalman is the quality rubber hoses, mine is installed in a tiny Lian Li PC-Q25 mini ITX case so I like the ability to coil the hoses any way I like without them kinking.

shadow_boxer · 10 Oct 2013 at 17:16

That Zalman one looks very similar to the Antec Kuhler ones. Wonder if it's the same OEM.

I had the Kuhler 620 a while ago before switching back to air cooling and that was very quiet. Couldn't hear the pump at all unless you removed the side of the case and put your ear right upto it.

Telecaster · 10 Oct 2013 at 17:33

I don't think any of the Antec Kuhlers have a 38mm rad, it's either 25mm or 50mm.

Perhaps it's an older Antec design, I don't know.

Make · 10 Oct 2013 at 19:00

H100i is a test winner, but expensive.

Nothing with a 240 rad beats it. Stuff with 280 does.

Nicodemonizer · 10 Oct 2013 at 19:03

+1 for the h100i, it's been excellent for me,the only problem i have with it is that the software can sometimes be a bit of a pain,but then that's only going to affect you if your running your fans through the corsair link software

If your really wanting to splash the cash then i hear these are very good and also moddable to an extent http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-019-TL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2262

Thread about it here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18534588&highlight=Fathom

Ahh sorry just realised you said 120mm rad,so that rules out the h100i

XE11 · 11 Oct 2013 at 08:44

tom's hardware recently did a comparison of some new AIO. worth having a look.

RHS · 11 Oct 2013 at 15:29

OCUK test labs or build your own custom watercooling loop!

jasonmorris · 11 Oct 2013 at 15:50

2600k @4.6 on Kraken X60 never tops 55c even after 6 hours of gaming. Sits at about 40c otherwise. Non-stock fans make a big difference to noise and cooling.

stulid · 11 Oct 2013 at 17:14

Make said:
H100i is a test winner, but expensive.

Nothing with a 240 rad beats it. Stuff with 280 does.

A Fathom might!!

Resident · 11 Oct 2013 at 17:33

stulid said:
A Fathom might!!

For many it would need to beat a H100i to justify the extra costs involved.

mitch2471 · 17 Oct 2013 at 16:11

Thanks again for all the responses. I would consider the H100i but it won't fit in a Silverstone FT03.
I've taken a swing at the Zalman LQ315 which claims to have a low noise pump. Good reviews on the web so will give it a test run. Is due for delivery tomorrow. I will update the thread after testing just in case there is anyone else looking for a cooler with a silent pump.