I7-920 Best cooler?
I7-920 Best cooler?
When playing, I adjusted several settings, mostly keeping them high, and achieved around 60 fps. I wish I understood which adjustments would slightly improve graphics without hurting performance. The GTX 970 struggles to reach 60 fps for this game, even though I usually play SW Battlefront at about 90 fps. I really hope they fix this before the release. Thanks for all your feedback so far—it means a lot.
When playing, I adjusted several settings and it was mostly set to high, achieving around 60 fps. I wish I understood which adjustments would slightly improve graphics without hurting performance too much. I dislike how the GTX 970 struggles to hit 60 fps. I usually play SW Battlefront with over 90 fps, yet this game isn’t that demanding in graphics. I really hope they fix this before launch. Thanks for your discussion so far, everyone—it means a lot.
Skit75 shared his experience playing at various settings, mostly on high, achieving around 60 fps. He expressed frustration about the Gtx 970's limitations and wished better optimization before release. He also mentioned comparing Battlefront to The Division, noting that post-processing effects often impact performance. He hoped for improvements in the upcoming version and asked if others were interested in The Division and whether upgrading to a 980 would help run AAA titles smoothly.
Hello,
Switching from a gtx 970 to a gtx 980 isn't justified by the price. The GTX 970 struggles to run most AAA games at ultra 60fps, so lowering the AA quality is necessary for smooth performance. For instance, in Witcher 3, you'll need to disable Nvidia's hairwork to achieve a stable 1080p experience.
Keep your funds where they belong and choose between a 980 TI or wait. The price tag for a 980 doesn’t match the performance boost it offers compared to your current 970, even after overclocking it. It just doesn’t make sense to invest another 480 dollars for a likely 10-15% improvement over what you already have.
Regarding the original concern, any upgrade seems better than the 212 EVO in terms of maximum TDP and sound output, particularly the sound quality. If noise control is important, water cooling isn’t worth it. Advanced loads will push higher decibel levels with most liquid coolers, surpassing even the best air-cooled HSF models if they’re decent. A small AIO cooler won’t help much—if anything, it might reduce your maximum TDP performance compared to a single fan radiator or a model close to the EVO specs.
If you’re aiming for better performance, opt for an AIO with at least 240mm and a 280mm if your case allows. Otherwise, consider a top-tier air cooler. Noctua models such as U14S, D14, or D15 are solid options. Thermalright, Phanteks, Scythe, BeQuiet, or Cryorig coolers will outperform the 212 EVO and provide quieter operation.
Darkbreeze:
Consider saving your funds and either opt for a 980 TI or hold off. The price of a 980 doesn't seem worth it when you factor in the performance boost over your current 970, even after overclocking it. It just doesn’t make sense to spend another 480 dollars for a likely 10-15% improvement.
Regarding the original concern, any upgrade compared to the 212 EVO offers better max TDP and sound levels, particularly in noise reduction. However, water cooling isn't ideal if you're prioritizing noise. Advanced liquid coolers will push decibel levels higher than even the best air-cooled HSF models, especially with a mid-range unit. A small AIO cooler might not help much, and it could actually limit your max TDP performance compared to a single fan radiator or something close to it.
If you're aiming for better performance, choose an AIO with at least 240mm and 280mm sizes if your case allows. Otherwise, stick with a top-tier air cooler. Good options include Noctua U14S, D14, or D15 towers. Thermalright, Phanteks, Scythe, BeQuiet, or Cryorig coolers will outperform the 212 EVO and provide quieter operation.
I should mention that some of the bigger dual fan air coolers tend to be noisier compared to single fan models. They won’t match the loudness of an AIO dual fan setup, but they’ll remain quieter than a tower cooler with its fans exposed. Still, they’re louder than a single fan tower cooler.