Doubt in Air cooler.
Doubt in Air cooler.
So I'm thinking about building a gaming PC. My question is, do I really need to buy an air cooler if I don't plan to overclock? I'm planning to get these parts... Intel I5 6600k, Zotac GTX 970, Mobo Z170 Pro gaming, RAM Corsair Vengeance LPX 2*4GB, PSU CM V650, Cabinet CM 690 iii. And about an air cooler (Hyper 212x). I'm not interested in overclocking right now but might consider it later. What's the best advice? Thanks.
The K series models lack built-in coolers since those CPUs are designed for overclocking; adding a stock cooler would be pointless as most buyers would opt for a third-party solution right away. Non-K CPUs still include the standard Intel cooler. If you don’t plan to overclock and want to stay within budget, choose the i5-6500 instead—it saves you $40 and includes a cooler worth around $20, giving you about $60 back.
The i5-6600K lacks the built-in Intel fan, so you may need to purchase one separately unless you already own an Intel stock cooler. A mid-range cooler like the CM 212 EVO or Cryorig H7 offers good value for the price and allows overclocking when desired.
If you haven't bought these components yet, it's strongly advised to consider the GTX 1060 6gb instead of the GTX 970, as it provides more VRAM and superior performance, similar to a GTX 980.
Skylake K series CPUs are not included with a built-in cooler in the package (regardless of whether it's retail or tray style), only the warranty length varies. Therefore, you must purchase a cooling solution separately. The Hyper 212x provides adequate cooling for a stock 6600k and light overclocking; for more extreme settings, a higher-quality cooler is recommended.
Buying a cooler seems essential, but since I'm not planning an OC right now, I still feel the need to purchase one. Would it be better to opt for a stock fan or go for an air cooler?
I just purchased either the CM EVO 212 or Cryorig H7, both are excellent budget coolers and you can still overclock the CPU as needed.
The K series models don’t include coolers since those CPUs are designed for overclocking; adding a stock cooler was really unnecessary as most buyers would quickly opt for a third-party solution anyway. Non-K CPUs still come with the standard Intel cooler. If you’re not planning to overclock and want to stay within budget, choose the i5-6500 instead—it saves you $40 and includes a cooler worth around $20, giving you about $60 back.