I7 6700k cooling
I7 6700k cooling
I'm assembling a new PC using the i7 6700k. Almost every part in the build is suitable for overclocking. I don't intend to overclock immediately, but perhaps at some point I'll do a bit of moderate overclocking.
I'm considering purchasing the Corsair H90 cooler for the CPU. Will this be enough for light overclocking, or should I opt for something different?
Well aesthetics usually comes first for many people, and you need to be satisfied with your purchase. However, water cooling systems are quite big, and the main component (radiator) is relocated elsewhere. Since aluminum isn't great at transferring heat, CLCs need very high fan speeds to work well, which is the source of all the noise.
It will work, or you can choose the 212 EVO or Cryorig H7, both of which are superior and much better. If you're considering a liquid AIO, the 120 Seidon or Nepton are also solid options.
Why are you looking for the cooler to do ?
1. Is it to get lower temps ? Air coolers provide lower temps than comparably priced CLCs
2. Is it to get lower noise ? CLC coolers are as much as 12 times louder than air coolers.
3. Is it because you are concerned about a 2 pound weight hanging off MoBo ? If you will be shipping the PC, then this is a legitimate concern, as it is for CLC's to a lesser extent. If the concern is with regard to sitting on your desk, then the 70 pounds of clamping force you will apply clamping down the water block is of much greater concern.
I would suggest:
a) Using a quality air cooler like the PH-TC14PE from Phanteks, NH-D15 (or D14) from Noctua, o the Cryorig R1
b) Use an expandable type water cooler such as those from Swiftech or EK .
http://www.swiftech.com/aio.aspx
I believed liquid coolers were quieter and performed better than air coolers.
I was also considering liquid because the air coolers are so large, they seem to dominate the look of the overall setup. The liquid cooler is compact, slim, and sleek, giving a more refined appearance.
1. Beauty standards usually play a key role for many people, and it's important to be satisfied with your purchase. However, water cooling solutions tend to be larger, and the main metal component (radiator) is relocated elsewhere. Since aluminum conducts heat less efficiently, CLCs need very high fan speeds to work well, which is the source of much of the noise.
2. When it comes to performance and quiet operation compared to air coolers, CLCs fall short.
a) Tailored water loops offer superior thermal efficiency and quieter operation.
b) CLC-style water cooling, often referred to as "faux water cooling," doesn't match.
3. Corsair's flagship CLC model (H100i) is put next to two top air coolers: the Noctua NH-D15 is the quietest, and the R1 leads in thermal performance.
a) The D15 outperforms the H100i by 2°C, while the R1 surpasses it by 3°C.
b) The H100i is roughly 12 times noisier than the D15.
c) Personally, I’d prefer the quieter 5 dBA model over the R1’s 1°C advantage.
d) The H100i’s sound profile is noticeable—especially at around 55% CPU usage (around the 1:15 mark in video).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTf0Vq1j4Ec
4. Problems with CLCs include:
a) Mixing metals is against water cooling principles.
b) Aluminum radiators provide less heat transfer than copper in custom loops.
c) Minimum flow rates for custom loops are very low (around 1 gpm), while Corsair H series is about 0.1 gpm.
d) No reservoir means you can’t check liquid levels.
e) They can’t be expanded to accommodate additional parts.
f) Over time, you can’t refresh the coolant to address corrosion or algae buildup.
g) They don’t match the thermal efficiency of cheaper air coolers.
h) They also fall short in acoustic performance compared to air coolers.
5. A balanced option exists. All CLCs are AIOs, but not every AIO is a CLC. Swiftech and EK models are OLCs (open loop or expandable loops), which:
a) Outperform air coolers and CLCs in both heat dissipation and sound.
b) Are roughly twice as loud as the best air coolers but about one-sixth as noisy as top CLCs.
c) Avoid the issues mentioned earlier.
6. You might want to read the full article, but here are key points:
I usually suggest starting with a Swiftech H240-X for CPU cooling or overclocking. The pump and radiator are well-suited for high-end graphics cards, and if you ever need to water cool them, just add a water block, extra tubing, fittings, and some coolant.
https://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/coo...l=&start=3
For immediate needs, a $30 air cooler is sufficient. Once you invest in overclocking, it’s tempting to keep the cheaper option hidden.
When aesthetics matter for an air-cooled setup, the PH-TC14PE is a good choice—it comes in many colors to match your case or component colors. Unfortunately, prices have risen from around $55–65 during Thanksgiving to now $70–85, likely due to more systems using CPUs without built-in coolers.
https://pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/
That said, if your priorities are right now, a $30 air cooler will work just fine. The catch is that once you upgrade, you’ll likely want more powerful cooling solutions.
When aesthetics are a concern for air coolers, the PH-TC14PE is recommended—it’s available in various colors and fits well with different builds.
https://www.swiftech.com/H240-X.aspx
Overall, for your current situation, a $30 air cooler is adequate.
What would be suitable air coolers for the i7 6700k without overclocking, and are there alternatives to the stock coolers Intel provides for most CPUs?
Availability varies by location, but the Scythe coolers are quite impressive. If you prefer not to overclock, you can skip the k and save $70.