i7 8700k AIO cooling at 5Ghz with top fan recommendations for optimal performance.
i7 8700k AIO cooling at 5Ghz with top fan recommendations for optimal performance.
Hi everyone, I'm getting the i7 8700k and my goal is to overclock it to a maximum of 5Ghz while keeping temperatures low. I'm looking for your advice on which AIOs work well for this purpose. I plan to add some additional fans, possibly using push or push-pull configurations.
I need quiet operation with low noise levels, aiming for something around 280mm. I've considered models like the KRAKEN x62 280mm, EVGA CLC 280mm, CORSAIR H115i 280mm, and others. I'm particularly interested in RGB options but performance is more important than aesthetics.
My current setup has a case that only allows a maximum of 280mm fans at the top. I'm thinking about replacing the default AIO fan with a few high-performance ones—possibly dark wings with 3 PWM fans, or even 120mm/140mm push-pull fans. I’d appreciate your suggestions to help me choose the best AIO and fans for optimal performance and quiet operation.
PS: I really don’t like the Noctua fans—they look so ugly and won’t fit my blue-red-black RGB rig. Please, don’t even mention them again.
I’m upgrading from an i7 3700 CPU, so I expect this new build with the i7 8700k to be upgraded in about 5-6 years. I want the absolute best components for a future-proof setup.
I think the Turbo Boost also enhances individual cores, though not necessarily simultaneously, and when more boost is needed it actually reduces the others. It can increase them all as required, but will decrease as threads on unused cores no longer need the enhancement. This is distinct from what 4ryan6 describes, where keeping all cores overclocked continuously for a long time is quite different from the cyclic boosting approach.
I can only share what I experienced personally, since I own a Corsair H110i GTX (similar to the H115i), which was a 280mm AIO. It lasted for two years without any issues. The only change I made was switching to a 360mm AIO, which I now have. I also updated the fan setup on my Corsair H110i to ML 140's (mag lev fans), and I can only highly praise them—they were very quiet and performed excellently in maintaining temperatures.
I'm considering similar options like ML 140 or dark wings 3. What temperature changes would you expect with a 360mm air cooler? I prefer 360mm but can only fit up to 280mm in my Maker 5t case without removing the odd and hdd cages (which I need). Do you think ML 140 units perform better than stock in this situation?
I'm considering using ML 140 or dark wings 3 with a 360mm AIO. What temperature changes would you expect? I prefer 360mm but my maker 5t case only allows up to 280mm without removing the odd and hdd cages (which I need). Do you experience better temperatures with ML 140 compared to the stock?
ML 140 units perform better than the original, but the quieter operation is more noticeable under load. The 360mm model typically runs about 3 to 5 degrees cooler, though it doesn’t increase fan speeds as much as on my 280mm radiator at load. My idle temps sit between 19 and 21°C on my Core i7-6700K @4.5Ghz, never exceeding 65°C in IntelBurn or RealBench under load.
Living in the UK, the ambient temperature is around 17°C, which feels quite cool.
The 280mm AIOs are still fine and work well. I use a Thermaltake P3 case, so I opted for a 360mm radiator mainly for aesthetics—it fits better on the left side of the case.
The main concern raised in this discussion revolves around your ability to effectively overclock and the quality of components you've chosen for stability—without even mentioning the CPU specifications from your order. It’s often debated on forums about things like 'which cooler works best', 'what overclocks are possible', or 'which fans are suitable'. However, the real issue is: "How skilled are you at actually boosting performance through BIOS adjustments?" (Not just about percentage increases.) Many factors come into play, including your expertise in BIOS tuning and the inherent variability of silicon. Even if someone like Joe Blow can achieve impressive results, it doesn’t guarantee success with identical hardware models. Most challenges stem from overclocking proficiency rather than the topics being discussed here.
The main concern raised in this discussion revolves around your ability to effectively overclock and the quality of components you received. It’s about more than just hardware specs or forum advice—it’s about real skill in adjusting BIOS settings. Many people debate cooling solutions, possible overclocks, and fan choices, but the core issue is whether you can actually achieve stable, high-performance overclocking. Some argue it depends heavily on your expertise rather than the parts themselves. If you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s clear this topic remains challenging even for experienced users.
My goal was not to entertain humorously; it was to share knowledge about how many important parts of overclocking are often overlooked. People tend to focus only on the appearance of buying new coolers, while neglecting the actual technical aspects. You can still get good results with simple coolers, even the standard ones.
If you're unsure about overclocking, it's wise to learn what steps are necessary for success or consider sticking with the original speeds. For serious attempts at high overclocking, you'll likely need to rely on trial and error.
In short, the discussion seems misdirected unless your main aim is simply to purchase a liquid cooler.
My goal wasn't to add humor; it was to provide education about the fact that many overlook crucial overclocking components, focusing instead on purchasing more expensive gear. You can still get good results with basic coolers, even the standard ones. Yes, if you're not familiar with overclocking, learning what's required will help you succeed—or you might consider sticking with stock options. For serious overclocking ambitions, trial and error are necessary to understand what works.
I believe the whole discussion seems misdirected unless it’s about actual overclocking objectives rather than just wanting a liquid cooler. The main point is for the community to address this question, especially since we’re here to help with Overclocking topics. This isn’t a complex cooling or thermal issue, nor was it about comparing stock versus aftermarket parts. It’s a simple question many ask on forums, and I’m including myself.
Power94 is seeking advice on selecting an AIO for his i7 8700k system, aiming for maximum 5Ghz performance while maintaining low temperatures. He is considering adding additional fans and is interested in options like quiet loop 280mm, KRAKEN x62 280mm, EVGA CLC 280mm, CORSAIR H115i 280mm, and BE QUIET SILENT LOOP 280mm. He wants recommendations on which AIOs and fans would provide the best balance of cooling efficiency and noise reduction, especially for a case with a maximum fan height of 5T. He also mentions a preference for dark wings fans with high PWM speed and is considering push or push-pull fan configurations. He notes his dislike for Noctua fans due to their appearance and performance, and he plans to upgrade from an i7 3700 after several years. He believes the new system will be upgraded in 5-6 years and is looking for top-tier components to ensure stability and quiet operation.