CPU cooling solution
CPU cooling solution
Hello again lol, I'm working on constructing a setup that should last 3-4 years. My goal is to install an i7 7700k with a gigabyte z270 gaming k3 motherboard. I plan to overclock the CPU and have a cryorig low-profile CPU cooler. I'm also considering AIO water coolers, specifically a Corsair spec - 04 tempered glass case, though the website mentions it only supports a 140mm radiator. Is a 140mm radiator sufficient for cooling the CPU after overclocking? Or should I consider a different case that can accommodate a 240mm radiator? Thanks in advance.
I believe the 8700k is definitely worth the extra cost compared to the 7700k, offering significantly more processing power for your budget.
For cooling, a good air cooler is preferable to a 140mm water cooler for either model. If I needed a water cooler for one of these CPUs, I would definitely choose something with a 240mm or larger radius.
I've never fully grasped why high-end AIOs are recommended for i7 processors due to overclocking needs. If you're considering a 240mm model along with a case, what would be your budget?
I believe the 8700k is definitely worth the extra cost compared to the 7700k, offering more processing power for your budget. For cooling, a good air cooler would be better than a 140mm water cooler for either model. If I had to choose between the two CPUs, I’d prefer a 240mm or larger radier. With a £600-£650 budget, I could afford an i7 7700k with 16gb RAM and a z270 motherboard for £535. Choosing the 8700k would put me at around £636, while the 7700k would require a 140mm radiator—something I’ve seen people mention but often have to modify themselves. I personally don’t like the large blocky CPU air coolers and prefer an AIO cooler.
Lewis_35 shares insights on cooling options, noting the 8700k offers better value for money compared to the 7700k. He prefers an air cooler over a water one for either model and suggests a 240mm or larger radiator if choosing a water cooler. With a budget of £600-£650, he could afford an i7 7700k with 16GB RAM and a Z270 motherboard for £535. For the 8700k and Z370 board, he’d pay around £636. He mentions seeing people use 240mm radiators but warns about the hassle of modifications. He also advises considering a deepcool 240EXA AIO cooler and a NZXT H440 case.
I might think about the i5 8600k instead of the 7700k, as they work quite alike. However, the 8600k is more affordable and comes on a newer system.
I've never fully grasped why people opt for 120-140mm AIOs for i7's, since they seem to miss the cooling needed for overclocking. What would your budget look like if you were to purchase a 240mm case? My estimate would be around £200.
The i7 8700k is priced at £330, while the i7-7700K costs £255, meaning choosing one of them covers about half your budget. For gaming, the i5-8600K is acceptable and will only add £240. The best value option includes Fractal Design Meshify C with Thermalright Macho for £48.00, along with a 240mm radiator variant, Corsair Hydro Series H105 (CW-9060016-WW) at £106, Bitfenix Nova for £30, or Phanteks Eclipse P300 for £55.
Zoltan.boese shares his thoughts on the current pricing for these CPUs. The i7 8700k is £330 while the i7-7700K costs £255, meaning you’d need about half your budget for either one. The top recommendation is the Fractal Design Meshify C with Thermalright Macho for £48.00, specifically for the 240mm radiator version. Other options include Corsair Hydro Series H105 (106 £), Bitfenix Nova (£30) and Phanteks Eclipse P300 (£55). He notes that saving £75 by choosing the 7700k could be redirected to the cooler, though the 8700k offers more cores/threads and would perform better when overclocked compared to the 7700k.
Lewis_35 discusses budget options comparing the i7 8700k and i7-7700K, noting their costs and value. He suggests the Fractal Design Meshify C with Thermalright Macho as a top choice for 240mm radiator variants. He also mentions several other models and their prices, highlighting potential savings by choosing certain configurations. The overall tone remains focused on cost-effectiveness and future upgrade possibilities.