Deciding between coolers
Deciding between coolers
Initially, this could fall under components, but it's important for overclocking, since I'm trying to pick a cooler for my CPU. With that in mind, I've been evaluating two CPU coolers: the NH-D15 and the NZXT Kraken X61. I do recognize that the Kraken might be much noisier and cost more, but it also looks more stylish (I have a windowed case) and is lighter. On the other hand, the NH-D15 is more affordable and quieter. The main issue is whether I'm willing to add significant weight to my motherboard.
Rationally, I think the NH-D15 is the better choice—it makes more sense if the board can support it. But a bit more creatively, I'd prefer the look and feel, even if it means compromising on sound quality and spending a bit more. My motherboard is an Asus Z87-pro. If anyone has advice on what to do, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks!
If you need air, the NH-D15 is the best choice. For water, the Swiftech H240-X works well (or H220-X if 140mm isn't available). These models are D15, X61, and H240-X in use.
If the krakken could leak after four months and ruin your motherboard, would you still be able to purchase a new one? In your situation, you might also need to replace the CPU since the socket has changed. Additionally, you intend to move the PC around. If your budget lets you take that risk, I’d choose it. On its weakest settings it should work well with little noise. However, if you’re concerned about reliability, air coolers would be a safer bet. The exception is if you plan to travel—then an AIO would be more suitable.
If you need air, the best route is the NH-D15.
For water, the Swiftech H240-X (or H220-X if space is limited) is ideal.
These models include the D15, X61, and H240-X in use.
Check out the review here: http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/cool...l=&start=3
The H240-X can also handle your graphics card later, just add a few fittings, a waterblock, more connections, and some extra coolant.
The only issue I notice is that I can't locate the Swiftech 240-X for sale except at @ Microcenter, which isn't nearby. That graph is really useful. I'll need to discuss the air cooler next. Although I don't like the weight, the PC usually stays in my bedroom unless I'm working on it, then it goes to the dining room (it's a big table). 😛
pcpartpicker seems to struggle with locating Swiftech items at Swiftech. These products were selling well before Christmas, but it might take another week or two for restocking. NCIX has six in stock, so keep an eye out—they could be gone by morning. Links provided include product pages and a video.
JackNaylorPE:
The part picker seems to struggle with locating Swiftech items at Swiftech. These products sold well before Christmas, so it might take another week or two for restocking. NCIX has six in stock; hope you spot them soon—they could be gone by morning. Here are some links:
- http://www.swiftech.com/H240-X.aspx
- http://www.frozencpu.com/products/25634/...g_Kit.html
- http://www.performance-pcs.com/swiftech-...g-kit.html
- http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=102715
But Swiftech is releasing an updated version this month:
- http://www.swiftech.org/FINAL_KS_AIO.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NApFuVIT...e=youtu.be
If it weren’t for the high price (unless you have the budget), I’d buy it. Also, the design isn’t great, but for the same cost I could get a decent fan with Noctua and a better appearance.
At this stage, I think the NH-D15 is a better choice—it’s cheaper, leak-proof, and avoids the risk of a CLC failure. It may not look as good, but that’s just life.
Thanks for the advice!
I still don’t get why Noctua keeps using odd color combinations—Brown/Tan, Black/Gray, Black/Brown, maybe Gray/Gray. If I didn’t have an open windowed case, it wouldn’t matter much, but wow.
Lord_Sunday123:
If it weren't for the high cost (unless you have the funds), I would definitely take it. Also, considering the design, it's not too bad. For the same price, I could purchase a decent CLC and swap the fans for Noctua, which would improve the appearance somewhat.
By now, I think I'll opt for the NH-D15. It's more affordable and has no risk of leaking compared to an CLC. Although it doesn't look as impressive, that's just life.
Thanks for your assistance.
*I still can't grasp why Noctua keeps using unusual fan color combinations. Brown/Tan, Black/Gray, Black/Brown, and I think Gray/Gray. If I didn't have an open windowed case, it wouldn't be a big issue, but wow.
The H100i GTX is $154; its older model is usually around $110... the H-240X is cheaper. I can't agree with your opinion on style. In my view, the H240-X looks better than the H100i—especially if you plan to install noisy Noctua fans. Thank the PC gods that today, if you want top-tier fans, you don't have to spend $30 each and settle for the Noctua color scheme. The PH-F140Sp outperforms the Nocs by 3C and is half the price (a third at Newegg's specials).
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/...f140/3.htm
But changing the fans to lower RPM doesn't really help for quieter operation, it just changes the comparison. It's not a fair apples-to-apples match, more like apples and olives.
1. The H series from Corsair has several drawbacks:
a) Its low flow pump (0.11 gpm) is far from sufficient; Swiftech flow is ten times better
b) The aluminum radiator offers poor thermal conductivity, while Swiftech uses copper
c) The H100 combines copper block and aluminum radiator—mixing metals is problematic. See the explanation here:
https://martinsliquidlab.wordpress.com/2...-explored/
d) Replacing fans with slower Noctua models reduces performance...
https://martinsliquidlab.wordpress.com/2...adiator/4/
A $30 Hyper 212 would perform better. Notice the results when lowering RPM on any radiator from 2200 to 1000 (45%). The UT60 drops from 326W to 151W (a 54% reduction). That's equivalent to swapping 2700 RPM fans for 1250 RPM ones. From 2200 to 1400 (63%), it falls to 326W and 210W, which is $20 more than the H240-X but with less performance.
e) The H240-X is expandable; you can add water blocks or more radiators as desired. This isn't possible with a CLC.
I've never found a solid reason for CLCs.
1. To match an air cooler, you need a 2 x 120 or larger; but you won't surpass them.
2. At around $140, it's better to choose an OLC like Swiftech given the lower quality materials in CLCs.
But if your goal is to stay under $100 and still get decent cooling, the D15 is the best option from a performance perspective. The R1 will give you about 1°C more cooling but offers a quieter sound level.
The design variation is really just a matter of personal taste. I lean towards something solid and elegant, which is why I was drawn to the Kraken X61. It had a mostly black finish with a nice LED accent in the center—pretty much that. Even my case (Fractal Design Define R5) feels a bit understated. It doesn’t shout for attention but still serves as a solid feature in my room.
😛
Additionally, I have the budget for the Swiftech, but at the same time, I can afford an entire day of binge-watching Marvel movies from Uverse OnDemand in HD. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something I’d only do for fun, not out of necessity (unless I’m talking about money).
And truthfully, what bothers me most about cooling my CPU is that I always have to make a sacrifice. In the end, getting the NH-D15 makes more sense for me—it’s better financially and it offers better sound quality. Since the GPU becomes noticeable when the PC is under stress, and the CPU adds to that, I’d rather keep the quiet operation. If I chose a CLC and wasn’t happy with the sound, I’d have to move the PC, which would ruin the whole point of enjoying those nice LEDs.
😛
Thanks for your support. It really did help me decide once in a while. Most of the time, I just end up stuck in a loop and never manage to wrap my head around it.
Lord_Sunday123:
The design variation is really just a matter of personal taste. I usually favor clean, simple aesthetics, which is why I wasn’t drawn to the Kraken X61. It was mostly black with a central LED that stood out, but overall it felt understated. My current case, the Fractal Design Define R5, leans toward a more subtle look—no flashy statements, just a solid presence in my room.
😛
Additionally, I have the budget for Swiftech, but I also have funds available for an entire day of watching Marvel movies from Uverse OnDemand in HD. That’s all thanks to money, not because I’m planning to spend it that way (unless I really wanted to).
And truthfully, what bothers me most about cooling my CPU is the trade-offs involved. No matter what I choose, I’ll have to compromise. In the end, getting the NH-D15 makes more sense for me—it’s a better value and offers better sound quality. Since my PC is close to me on my desk, I can hear the GPU when it runs hard, and the CPU adds to that. If I chose a CLC model and disliked the sound, I’d have to move the PC, which would ruin the benefit of seeing those LEDs.
Thanks for your advice. Your help really made a difference in my decision. Usually I get stuck in endless dilemmas and end up not finishing anything.
I don’t really appreciate the flashy stuff—my son uses an H240-X with unplugged LEDs, but you like them. The Swiftech images seem a bit edited; the RGB when active is very dim, making it hard to see the coolant color. The white block insert looks even less noticeable. I wouldn’t use water with a visible reservoir, and if you don’t like the LEDs, just don’t plug it in.
The only noise I hear from my son’s build (Phanteks Enthoo Luxe with 9 Phanteks fans or twin air-cooled 970s) is the PSU fan (EVGA G2 1000). He mentions it gets quieter over time, though he’s not sure if it’s just a change in tone.
You might want to check out the EK Predator—its look might suit you better and it could handle the graphics card more effectively. It also allows for easy addition of a dedicated graphics card block. It’s a bit pricier, but worth considering.