cooling tips for i-7 5960x OC to around 4.4 GHz
cooling tips for i-7 5960x OC to around 4.4 GHz
The Thermaltake Pacific RL240 appears to be a semi-custom build. Its cooling performance is likely comparable to or worse than the H110i models, possibly due to a smaller radiator (2x 120mm) versus the H110i's 140mm. The software demands on CPUs are significant—will it run all eight cores at full capacity, or will it operate with fewer cores and fluctuating loads during batch rendering?
The Thermaltake Pacific RL240 appears to be a semi-custom build. Yet its cooling performance is likely comparable to or worse than the H110i models, possibly due to a smaller radiator (2x 120mm) compared to the H110i’s 2x 140mm. How demanding will the software be on CPUs be? Will it run all 8 cores/16 threads at near full capacity, or will it utilize fewer cores with fluctuating loads during batch renders?
I’m planning to use several programs, and the most challenging will probably be Renderman (VCM path tracer), which could demand all 16 threads at nearly full speed for extended periods. This intense load might last hours or even days in certain scenarios.
Fractal Design Kelvin S36 measures around 360mm and is expandable—could it offer a more suitable alternative?
Based on your system configuration and how you plan to use it, I don't think an AIO cooler is necessary, even the Kelvin 36. It appears to be about the blocks (GPU/VRMs). If you run this setup under full load for extended periods, you'll need top-notch cooling for the CPU and VRMs along with your power supply and motherboard. I recommend a kit with a 480mm radiator or similar, just to be safe. Unfortunately, there aren't any pre-filled kits this large available. This would essentially mean you're building a custom water loop. For casual gaming or occasional rendering, these smaller kits should suffice. However, with heavier workloads and overclocking to 4.5 or higher, the cooler might struggle eventually.
The details of your system configuration and real-world use make it unclear for me to suggest a specific AIO cooler. Even though it appears expandable, I think it might refer to the GPU or VRMs. If you run this setup at full capacity for extended periods, you'll need strong cooling for the CPU, VRMs, power supply, and motherboard. I recommend a kit with at least 480mm radiator for safety. However, I’m not aware of any pre-filled kits this large. This would essentially mean building a custom water loop. For gaming or occasional rendering on the 5960X, smaller kits would suffice. But with higher workloads or overclocking to 4.5 GHz, the cooler might struggle eventually. If you can’t get a custom loop locally in Hong Kong, would you consider the Kelvin 36 as the best AIO option for your setup with a lower clock speed of around 4.0 GHz? Would a 1000 W power supply paired with an ASUS X99 Delux motherboard be a suitable choice?
The Kelvin S36 seems to outperform the H110GT by a few degrees. Another choice is the new EK Predator 360mm system. To find out for sure, you'd need to purchase one and test it. You might be able to slightly increase the output, depending on the required voltage. A 1000W PSU might be too much for your needs, but it could work better under constant load. An 800W unit would also be a good option. I'm currently using the X99 Deluxe, which is a great board.
Again, considering the demanding conditions you'll face, you might also want to consider the X99 WS board.
The Kelvin S36 appears to perform slightly better than the H110GT. Another choice could be the new EK Predator 360mm system. Ultimately, testing with a purchase would give the clearest results. You might be able to slightly increase the operating current, depending on the required voltage. A 1000W power supply seems too much for your needs, but it could work given the constant load. An 800W PSU would also be a reasonable option. I’m currently using the X99 Deluxe, which is performing well. In any case, considering the demanding conditions you’ll face, you might also want to explore the X99 WS board. I’ve been looking into custom water cooling and found a lot of information on the forum: I’m trying to calculate the TDP for my loop to determine how many and which radiators would be necessary. I plan to OC my i7 5960x CPU up to around 4.4, which suggests a CPU TDP of about 220W. Since I’m using a Quadro M4000 (120W TDP), there’s no suitable water block available, so it’s not included. The remaining heat comes from the motherboard (ASUS X-99-Delux), 32 GB RAM, and hard drives. Will this heat be managed by airflow in the chassis? If so, one AIO 360mm radiator might suffice to cool just the CPU. Alternatively, would adding RAM water blocks be necessary? Please let me know if my assumptions are incorrect.
rubix_1011 :
You don't need RAM or motherboard blocks. The only things to consider when factoring in loop TDP are the components that will be cooled by the loop, so you don't need to worry about the power draw of RAM or hard drives.
Thanks,
Thats what I thought, and since I have only i7-5960x CPU in my loop ( Unless there is cooling block available for Quadro M4000, which I couldn't find and don't know if universal GPU block works on it) TDP for loop shouldn't be greater than 220W. Which means a 360mm radiator AIO should be sufficient to cool it at 4.4 GHz. (is that a correct calculation ? )
Thus, I am confused if I install AIO for CPU. Do I rely on air cooling for my GPU, motherboard, RAMs etc. ?
Technically, a 2x120 radiator would suffice with adequate fans. Yes. Even using liquid cooling, maintaining case airflow for other components is essential. A CPU air cooler helps circulate and move air, and removing it in favor of a CPU block eliminates that flow. Thanks a lot.
For the i7-5960x at 4.4 GHz, would you like recommendations on case and cooling options? You mentioned considering a 2x120 radiator with Fractal Design S36 or H110i. Would that be enough for overclocking? Also, are there any special considerations for air cooling of other parts, or suggestions for fans or chassis?