Good CPU cooler for Micro-ATX overclocking
Good CPU cooler for Micro-ATX overclocking
I have an Intel i7-3770K in a Rosewill LINE-M Micro-Atx case and I'm struggling to choose the right CPU cooler for overclocking that would also fit well in my case. The base TDP is 77W at 3.90GHz, but even at 4.00GHz in BIOS it jumps to 180W, which many good coolers are designed for. I can push it up to 4.50GHz, though the BIOS says it would then exceed 220W TDP. Would a cooler with a 180W TDP, like the Hyper 212 Evo, be suitable? Would it actually fit in my case? I'm not sure how to compare the size of the cooler to the case. Should I also consider overclocking the i7 beyond 4.00GHz with this cooler, which might raise the TDP in BIOS to over 180W? Would a higher TDP cooler be better for more aggressive overclocking? Overall, I'm just a bit confused about this situation. My main worries are finding a cooler that fits both my case and supports decent overclocking. If anyone has any advice or recommendations, I'd really appreciate it.
The nzxt Kraken x31 offers the strongest option. Although it performs well for a standard build, it falls short in airflow. No strong CPU cooler will adequately supply the necessary airflow, and depending entirely on a single 120mm fan isn't ideal. Therefore, use it and let the CPU release heat through the case. A good air cooler will simply return a significant amount of heat back into the case, along with GPU heat (unless using a reference blower style GPU). An alternative is the Corsair H80i GTX, which uses dual thick radiators and provides nearly H100i cooling.
I tested a 3770k on a Kraken x61 at 4.6GHz 1.208v, and it remained stable during a one-hour Prime95 test—this cooler handles the exhaust well.
Hello,
Which case are you selecting? Since different cases have varying widths, it's crucial for choosing the right cooler based on higher performance and fan requirements.
Best regards,
Rosewill LINE-M Micro-ATX Mini Tower
IceMyth :
Hi,
I suggest (Noctra in general):
1- Noctua NH-L9x65 33.8 (Air)
2- Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM (Air)
3- There are more Noctra options available
😛
4- NZXT Kraken X31 69.5 CFM (Liquid)
5- Corsair H75 54.0 CFM (Liquid)
Regards,
So these fit well with my case and the LGA 1155 socket?
Alex511 recommended some options for Noctua and other coolers.
They suggested models like the NH-L9x65, NH-L12, Kraken X31, H75, and others.
They mentioned compatibility with their case and LGA 1155 socket.
They shared a link to check more compatible parts.
Regards.
The nzxt Kraken x31 is the top choice. Although it performs well for a standard build, it falls short in airflow. No strong CPU cooler will supply enough air, and depending on the setup, there’s only one 120mm fan for exhaust. So stick with it and let the CPU release heat through the case. A good air cooler will simply push more heat back into the case, along with GPU heat (unless it uses a reference blower). An alternative would be a Corsair H80i GTX, which runs with dual thick radiators and delivers nearly H100i cooling.
I’ve been using a 3770k on a Kraken x61 at 4.6GHz 1.208v, and it stays stable on Prime95 for an hour. That cooler handles the exhaust well.
In your situation, airflow is likely the main bottleneck—it will impact how much heat gets inside the case.
Karadjgne :
The nzxt Kraken x31 is the best bet. While that case is pretty good for a moderate build, its lacking severely in airflow. Any decent cpu cooler isn't going to get the air it needs and there's a reliance on 1 lonely 120mm Fan for total exhaust possibilities. So use it and dump the cpu heat out of the case. Using a decent aircooler will just dump a good amount of heat back into the case, along with any and all gpu heat. (unless the gpu is reference blower style). The alternative would be a corsair h80i gtx, which will run push/pull fans on a double thick radiator and provide almost h100i cooling.
I run a 3770k on a kraken x61 at 4.6GHz 1.208v and it doesn't even blink at prime95 after 1hr, and that cooler is my total exhaust.
In your case, airflow will be it's limitation,as that's going to affect interior heat more than anything.