Case choice with good cooling.
Case choice with good cooling.
Hi guys, I’m looking for some guidance. My Cooler Master K-350 case seems to have poor airflow, which is causing my CPU and GPU temperatures to spike—around 60°C for the GPU and 70°C for the CPU. I’m considering upgrading and want to know if the Corsair 400C, NZXT S340 Elite, or Phanteks Eclipse P400 are solid options. Also, what’s the best CPU cooler for my i5-6600K, especially if I plan to overclock? And which fans would work well in this case? As a beginner, I really appreciate your help!
Summary:
BOSLW10:
Thanks for checking. I’m considering a closed loop water cooler such as the h100i. Should I focus on cooling the CPU or is the NH-D15s sufficient for the 6600k? Both options should handle the i5 6600k well and provide room for overclocking. If you’re planning to use the H100i series, double-check the cooling system before installation to avoid leaks or holes.
Corsair H100i = Corsair 400C, NZXT S340, Phanteks Eclipse P400
Noctua NH D15 air cooler = Corsair...
I have four main points to consider for a case.
1. It needs to accommodate all my components, including space for a 160mm air CPU cooler.
2. Two front intake fans of at least 120mm are ideal.
Having these will ensure enough fresh air to keep an overclocked CPU and a powerful graphics card cool.
If the fans are 140mm, that’s even better; they’ll run quieter.
3. The front intake must be the sole source of fresh air and should have a washable filter.
This helps maintain a cleaner case and provides positive pressure.
4. Aesthetics matter too. Some prefer flashy designs, but I’m not that interested.
All options suit me. For cooling, I favor Noctua—easy to install, high quality, and quiet.
The I5-6600K is a 91w CPU; it can handle more with overclocking.
Noctua lists compatible coolers and their TDP limits:
http://noctua.at/en/tdp-guide
I’d choose the NH-D15s for maximum overclock potential and the NH-U12s for a moderate boost.
If you go with the NZXT430, there’s 171mm available for a cooler, so the NH-U14s would be better.
P.S.: As of 12/04/2016
What percentage can achieve an overclock at a reasonable 1.40v Vcore?
I5-6600K
4.9 14%
4.8 38%
4.7 67%
4.6 87%
I manage to keep my I5-7600K cool with a NH-U12s @4.9 without any problems.
I'll check that out. Would you prefer a closed loop water cooler similar to the h100i? Should I focus on cooling the CPU or would the NH-D15s suffice for the 6600k?
I'll check it. A closed loop water cooler like the h100i would be suitable. Should I focus on cooling the CPU or is the NH-D15s sufficient for the 6600k? Both should handle it well and provide room for overclocking. If you're considering the H100i series, double-check the cooling system before installation to avoid leaks or issues.
SumTingW0ng:
BOSLW10 :
I'll check it out. A closed loop water cooler like the h100i sounds good. Should I focus on cooling the CPU or is the NH-D15s sufficient for the 6600k? Both should handle it well and give room for overclocking. If you're thinking about the H100i series, double-check the cooling system before installing to avoid any issues.
By the way, do these coolers fit in the cases I mentioned? And which fans would be best for keeping the whole system cool?
Summary:
BOSLW10:
Thanks for your response. I’ll consider a closed loop water cooler such as the h100i. Should I focus on cooling the CPU or is the NH-D15s sufficient for the 6600k? Both options should handle the i5 6600k well and provide room for overclocking. If you’re planning to use the H100i series, please double-check the cooling system before installation to avoid leaks or holes.
Corsair H100i options include Corsair 400C, NZXT S340, and Phanteks Eclipse P400.
Noctua NH D15 air cooler matches Corsair 400C.
If you choose the Noctua NH D15, ensure your case has the right clearance—only the Corsair 400C fits perfectly. Also verify motherboard compatibility and RAM height (around 32mm).
For fans, a Noctua model would be ideal unless you’re okay with its color. Otherwise, research reviews to find the best fit for your setup.