I5-6600k overclocking query
I5-6600k overclocking query
Hello everyone!
I'm preparing a new PC build featuring an i5 6600k and aiming to push its performance to the limit by overclocking it to around 4.5 GHz. I'm considering air cooling and have several options in mind: Scythe Kotetsu, Cooler Master Hyper 212x, and Arctic freezer i11.
I'm also curious about how adding more case fans or upgrading to different cases—like the Fractal design Core 3300 or Phanteks Enthoo Pro M—or even switching to a Thermaltake Core V21 would affect cooling performance. With temperatures often exceeding 40°C in my hot climate, I want to ensure my system stays stable and doesn’t overheat.
Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Initially, I believe the air cooler is the best option most of the time. However, you selected mid or even low-mid tier coolers, intending to achieve a higher overclock (likely requiring increased voltage) and dealing with high temperatures. Ultimately, it depends on a) your maximum room temperature, do you use air conditioning, and whether you experience temperatures above 40 degrees in the PC room? b) How much tolerance do you have for sound from the PC? A strong airflow is essential for CPU air coolers; I would avoid Aerocool due to its noise (too loud), and probably opt for be quiet! (I’m using be quiet! SHADOW WINGS SW1 myself, it works well but is silent, not high performance).
Initially, I believe the air cooler is the best choice most of the time. However, you selected mid (or even low-mid) tier coolers, intending to achieve a solid overclock (likely requiring voltage adjustments to reach 4.5). Ultimately, it depends on a) your maximum room temperature, do you use air conditioning, and whether you experience temperatures above 40 degrees in the room where the PC is located. b) Your tolerance for sound from the PC.
For good CPU airflow, fans are essential. I would avoid Aerocool due to its noise, preferring be quiet! (I personally use be quiet! SHADOW WINGS SW1, which works well but is very quiet.) This is because I’m quite sensitive to noise. Another option could be high-pressure and high-airflow fans, possibly from Corsair.
For the CPU cooler, consider a high-performance model such as a Noctua NH-D14 or D15.
Initially, I believe the air cooler is the best choice about 90% of the time. However, you selected mid (or even low-mid) tier coolers, intending to achieve a high overclock (likely requiring increased voltage to reach 4.5). Ultimately, it depends on a) your maximum room temperature, do you use air conditioning? Do you experience temperatures above 40°C in the room where the PC is located? b) How much noise are you comfortable with from the PC?
For CPU airflow, strong ventilation is essential for air coolers. I would avoid Aerocool due to its high noise level and probably opt for Be Quiet! (I personally use Be Quiet! SHADOW WINGS SW1, which works well but is quiet). Alternatively, you might consider high-pressure and high-airflow fans from Corsair.
Regarding the CPU cooler, a top-tier model such as Noctua NH-D14 or D15 would be ideal.
Thank you for your reply. Please confirm the room temperatures around 35°C maximum in summer (without AC), below 24°C with AC, and share your sound tolerance during intense gaming sessions.
Corsair fans seem less efficient compared to others I've tested, with lower CFM values in my area. They cost around $20, while the ones listed are about $12 (Be Quiet!). If performance is a priority, I'm willing to invest more. Also, which type of fan—static pressure or high airflow—performs better? Are there other options beyond Corsair?
Preds:
With A/C off, the situation is quite challenging, but I’m focusing on the worst-case scenario without it.
Hey, I play without A/C because that’s why I asked. 😉
A temperature around 24°C is acceptable, but it’s quite different from setting up a system for a room temperature of 35 or higher. In that range, you might face an internal temperature close to 50-55°C, and most coolers would struggle to manage the heat effectively.
If you’re planning a setup for 35-40°C, I’d suggest using a water cooling solution for the CPU and a cooling model with strong exhaust options, like the NIVIA 10xx design. For lower temps, a case with good airflow should work better.
Preds:
My tolerance for sound during intense gameplay is quite low, which supports your suggestion to use quieter fans.
Consider replacing the CPU cooler with a Noctua model, such as the NH-D14, to reduce noise from the CPU and pair it with quiet fans.
Preds:
For case airflow, imagine using two intake fans and two exhaust fans, plus one exhaust fan at the back. That could work, but you might encounter negative air pressure inside (two in, three out). This can attract dust, so a case with dust filters would be ideal.
Preds:
How much cooler would the temperatures drop if we reduced the room temperature by a few degrees? A rough estimate might be around 5 or 10°C. Less than that? I’m not sure. You should focus on how much cooling your CPU and GPU receive, as this is often a key bottleneck.
Preds:
Corsair fans? Yeah, I’ve looked into them—they’re cheaper but their CFM isn’t as high as the ones I’ve listed locally. Corsair mid-range fans are about $20, while the ones I mentioned cost around $12 (Be quiet!).
Corsair offers silent and powerful options with good airflow, though they don’t always hit the perfect balance between noise and performance. They have adjustable settings and look decent.
I still lean toward Be quiet! for its quiet operation and solid build quality, even if it doesn’t provide top airflow. Personally, I’d avoid Aerocool fans—they often fail and make a lot of noise. I’ve had issues with them before and needed replacements. They have rubber fittings and the wiring isn’t great, but they’re decent for their price.
Btw, don’t always trust the fan ratings set by manufacturers. 😉
Preds :
With A/C absent, the situation remains under control, but I’m focusing on the worst-case scenario without it.
Hey, skipping A/C is why I opted for this setup.
😉
A temperature of 24°C is acceptable, yet vastly different from maintaining a room temp of 35 or more. In that range, you might face an internal temperature close to 50-55º and coolers would have minimal temperature difference to manage.
For a system targeting 35-40°C, I’d suggest a water cooling solution for the CPU and a cooling model like the NIVIA 10xx design. But at 24°C, simpler options work better.
Preds :
My comfort level during intense gameplay will require low sound output, which aligns with your suggestion about using quieter fans.
Consider swapping the CPU cooler to a Noctua NH-D14 to reduce noise from the processor, paired with Quiet! fans.
Preds :
For case airflow, imagine dual intake and exhaust fans plus one exhaust fan at the back. That could function, but expect possible negative pressure inside (two in, three out). This can attract dust, so a dust filter case would be wise.
Preds :
How much cooler would the temperatures drop if we reduce the CPU cooler temperature by a few degrees? A rough estimate might be 5 or 10°C. Less than that? I’m unclear on the exact impact. You should focus on how much heat your CPU/GPU/MB generate, as that’s often a bottleneck.
Preds :
Corsair fans? I’ve looked into them and their CFM ratings are slightly lower than the cheaper options I listed locally. Corsair models cost around $20, while the ones mentioned are about $12 (Quiet!).
Corsair mid-range fans are good because they provide silent, high-pressure, and strong airflow versions. Some earlier models had more airflow but less silence, while others were noisy. They come with quiet operation, multiple speed settings, and decent aesthetics. They’re not the most silent or the most powerful, but they’re solid.
I still favor Quiet! for its quietness and build quality, though it doesn’t excel in airflow. Personally, I’d avoid Aerocool fans—my experience shows they often fail and produce a lot of noise. I’ve had to replace one on arrival, and they lack good rubber fittings and the wiring feels subpar (they look bad xD). Still, they offer strong airflow and are worth considering if you prioritize value.
Btw, don’t always trust the specs set by manufacturers.
Preds :
Which fans do you think perform better—Static Pressure or High Airflow models?
It depends: generally, high airflow fans move more air, improving cooling. But if you restrict airflow (with filters, water coolers, mesh cases, etc.), high static pressure fans can outperform them.
If you’re limited by airflow restrictions, go with high pressure.
In most cases, high airflow wins.
Also, if you want a balance—reducing dust while keeping good heat removal—could two front intake and two exhaust fans help?
Plus, I’m considering liquid coolers but worry about maintenance support in PC shops. I’ll keep that in mind if needed.
I’ve heard good things about Noctua’s air coolers, but found comparable performance at lower prices from brands like Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 and Scythe coolers (like Mugen 4, Max, Ninja 4, FUMA). Some have mixed reviews on fan durability.
What do you think?
Ah, I wasn’t aware of Corsair’s options—ML fans are available but more expensive. Do you think that’s a solid choice? [link]
I believe this offers great value in terms of price, silence, static pressure, and airflow.
Great advice overall!
Hello once more everyone!
I’ve been digging a bit further and discovered that Scythe CPU coolers provide excellent value, especially when ranked from top to bottom: Scythe Ninja 4, Scythe Mugen Max, and Scythe Ashura. An interesting point came up from a page on overclockers.com – the link provided – which compares temperatures for an i7 4790K at 4.5 GHz versus an i5 6600K at 1.3 volts or higher. I’m curious to see if similar results are possible. What do you all think?
Scythe produces excellent cpu coolers. Maintain voltages below 1.4 for optimal cpu longevity and temperatures. Based on the quality of your motherboard, you should be able to run a stable x45-x46 multiplier. Regular stress testing with prime95 for about an hour or two will help identify peak temperatures.
Scythe produces excellent CPU coolers. Maintain voltages under 1.4 for optimal CPU longevity and temperatures. Based on the quality of your motherboard (such as the gaming 5), you should be able to run a stable x45-x46 multiplier. Regular stress testing with prime95 for about an hour or two can help identify peak temperatures.