Does a powerful CPU cooler risk damaging your motherboard? Which CPU cooler would be ideal for you?
Does a powerful CPU cooler risk damaging your motherboard? Which CPU cooler would be ideal for you?
Large coolers like the Noctua DH-14, Thermalright Silver Arrow or Phanteks PH-TC14PE installed on your motherboard might pose a risk. I'm concerned about potential damage, especially since I don't have extra funds to replace it if something fails. That's why I considered the Corsair H80 as an alternative, mainly because most of its weight is fixed to the chassis.
I'm also unsure if I require such high cooling performance. Many CPU cooler reviews claim these models are top-notch, but I'm not sure if they're necessary for my setup. I just need something that:
1) Gives me a good safety buffer to overclock my 2500k to around 4.5GHz even when the room is warm
2) Is relatively quiet
I'd really appreciate any advice on this issue, as it's been bothering me for a long time. My current build includes:
Motherboard: AsRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
Case: Zalman Z9 Plus
Processor: Intel i5-2500k
Memory: 8GB Corsair Vengeance
PSU: Antec TruePower New 650W
Graphics: MSI HD6950 2GB
Alternative options are available:
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Suitable for the newest Intel 1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+ models priced at $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835103099
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835103065
Note: I've never encountered large aftermarket coolers damaging motherboards before. It's possible such issues have occurred, but these seem more manageable. The Hyper 212 models appear to be a better fit and should reduce concerns about potential board damage.
The large air coolers include backplates to protect the motherboard. Mounting them for the first time feels unusual. One of the listed coolers works well for a 4.5Ghz overclock, while the Evo offers slightly better performance.
I own the 212 EVO and am satisfied with it, though it does produce some noise. If you're looking for something quieter, I suggest the Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B or the Scythe Mugen 3. Don't worry about the motherboard breaking—though it might be a bit tricky to install, so consider putting the cooler on first before placing the motherboard in the case.
Thanks for the responses, they really helped ease my worries about loud fans! I've been looking for the quietest CPU cooler available and feel confident choosing between Thermalright's HR-02 Macho and Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B/3. What are your thoughts on which one performs better? Are there any other recommendations?
When a cooler breaks a mobo, it's uncommon, but when it does occur, it's typically because the PC was moved, dropped, or knocked over. It doesn't happen simply from sitting still; they thoroughly test them to prevent such issues.
Medicteddy :
Thanks for the updates, everyone! I really appreciate the reassurance about the large heatsinks. I've been looking for the top quiet CPU cooler and think I've found my match—Thermalright's HR-02 Macho or Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B/3. What are the differences between these two? Any thoughts on which one performs better? Or do you have other recommendations?
I'm not very familiar with the Thermalright Macho model. The Scythe Mugen 2 Rev B has been succeeded by the Mugen 3, and it seems to be quite similar in benchmarks I've seen. I own the Mugen 2 and am quite satisfied with it. It's quite large but also nearly silent. In most tests, it outperforms the Hyper 212+ by 5-7°C. It was only $10 more than the Hyper 212+. The Evo cooler is considered superior to the 212+, so the Mugen likely edges out it by just a few degrees.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Corsair Vengance RAM has tall heat spreaders, which can block RAM slots on the Mugen. My GSkill Ripjaws X has slightly better heat spreaders and fits snugly under the Mugen. If you already have Corsair RAM, you might want to look into the smaller Hyper 212+ or Evo instead.
The only concern might be the Corsair Vengance RAM's tall heat spreaders, which can obstruct RAM slots in the Mugen. My GSkill Ripjaws X has slightly fewer heat spreaders and fits better under the Mugen. If you already own the Corsair RAM, you might want to look into the smaller Hyper 212+ or Evo options. Unless it comes with a low profile version.
I haven't purchased the RAM yet... but I was still going to install it in the furthest slots. Still, it's nice to know I could fit memory underneath that heatsink if needed! Also, how quiet is the mugen? I've heard good things, but a personal opinion would be really appreciated!