Cooling issue with Intel i7 12700k. Initial setup.
Cooling issue with Intel i7 12700k. Initial setup.
Hey, this is my first attempt at building something. It's a MicroATX setup without a graphics card, just using the IGPU for now—it's not mandatory. I have a powerful CPU so it should last a while. We didn’t focus much on RGB, though it would be nice if it was easy to use. We began looking up components around the Black Friday sale from PC part picker and watched some YouTube videos, then decided on these parts: (sorry for .au links)
Main:
CPU: [link]
CPU Cooler: [link]
Motherboard: [link]
RAM: [link]
Storage: [link]
PSU: [link]
OS: [link]
Case: [link]
Peripherals: (ignore)
Keyboard: [link]
Mouse: [link]
Monitor: [link]
Our concern is whether the cooler will suffice. We have the Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. I checked online but didn’t find a solid recommendation that this fan will handle our CPU well (it seems to get quite hot). There’s also a discussion between me and my dad about choosing between an AIO or a liquid cooler. Any advice or suggestions for coolers would be great! For the most budget-friendly option, I’d recommend something affordable. Please let me know if you have any other ideas or warnings.
No, the cooler you have isn't enough for that CPU. You don’t have to buy a liquid AIO cooler, but if you choose that option it’s not a problem. In my case, I already own a 12700k in my main system and use a Noctua NH-U14S, which performs well. It’s just that I used it before because I had it from past builds.
If you prefer an air cooler, a model like this would be ideal for that CPU.
Nevertheless, you may need to examine reviews carefully and possibly reassess your case selection. Although it appears appealing, the front panel is quite limited in air intake space and could pose challenges for your CPU choice, particularly if you opt for a capable graphics card later. Additionally, since it’s a microATX case, selecting it mainly for its compact size is your choice—just remember this may restrict your workspace and limit cable management options.
Moreover, if you intend to use a high-end graphics card needing ATX 3.0/PCIe 5.0 support, consider a different power supply. While the Toughpower model was solid for its era, it’s outdated and unlikely to include the required adapters for modern 12VHPWR connectors. If you’re only planning entry or mid-range cards, it should suffice.