Is the CM Hyper Evo 212 a good value for money compared to a budget AIO liquid cooler?
Is the CM Hyper Evo 212 a good value for money compared to a budget AIO liquid cooler?
Hi,
Here are my current specifications:
- AMD FX 6300 (overclocked to 4.4GHz @ 1.34V), exceeding safe temperature limits if pushed beyond that
- ASUS 970 PRO Gaming/Aura
- Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212
I’m not a dedicated gamer, just playing casual games like CS:GO and similar titles. For more demanding games at high graphics settings, I usually cap my FPS at around 30 (similar to consoles) or 60FPS (VSYNC) depending on the game’s perspective. The FX 6300 should handle most games smoothly at high ultra settings in 1080p, especially if overclocked.
If I decide to upgrade to an AMD Ryzen, the issue is that used computer parts in my area are scarce and often very cheap (around $50–$100 for both together). Honestly, I don’t need a new CPU right now; the FX 6300 meets my needs when overclocked. I’m unlikely to sell them for a Ryzen until they fail. Selling on EBay is difficult in my country.
My main question is: would it be beneficial to replace my Hyper Evo 212 cooler with a CM Master Liquid 240L RGB (or another budget option) so I can push the FX 6300’s overclock further and get better performance? The Liquid 240L RGB is AM4 compatible, so I wouldn’t discard it even if I switch to a Ryzen.
AssemblerX86 :
If your clock speed concerns are mainly from temperature, then it makes sense to consider this. Have you tried adjusting settings (despite core temperatures) to test if the FX-6300 remains stable at higher frequencies? What tools do you use for monitoring temperatures? Those CPUs with Bulldozer or Piledriver proved hard to read accurate core temps except with AMD Overdrive.
Have you noticed any performance drops at 4.4GHz?
AMD Overdrive is showing similar thermal data as HWMonitor, not just throttling—it's about stability too (like with Prime95).
Would boosting case fans significantly lower CPU temperatures?
If the current fans aren’t effectively moving air in and out, then yes—they’re likely contributing to the issue.
If your perceived clock speed limits are mainly from temperature, then it makes sense to consider this. Have you tried adjusting settings to check if the FX-6300 remains stable at higher frequencies? What tools do you use for temperature monitoring? Those Bulldozer/Piledriver CPUs proved hard to read precise core temperatures with anything other than AMD Overdrive.
AssemblerX86:
Hello, here are my current details:
- AMD FX 6300 (overclocked to 4.4GHz @ 1.34V), if I push beyond that I risk exceeding 70°C, which is the safe limit for this processor.
- ASUS 970 PRO Gaming/Aura
- Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212
I’m not a dedicated gamer; I mainly play casual titles like CS:GO and similar games. If I wanted to tackle more demanding titles at high graphics, I’d cap my FPS at around 30 (similar to consoles) when using third-person view, or at about 60FPS (VSYNC) for first-person games—something the AMD FX 6300 can handle in most cases, especially at high-ultra settings like 1080p. Even if not at stock, overclocking it should keep it running smoothly.
I could upgrade to an AMD Ryzen, but there’s a catch: the used market for computers and parts in my area is quite limited. Used CPUs and motherboards often sell for very low prices (around $50–$100 together), and honestly, I don’t need a new CPU right now. The FX 6300 meets my needs when overclocked. So I’m not planning to sell them and buy a Ryzen until they fail. Selling on eBay is difficult in my country.
Regarding your question: would it make sense to upgrade the CM Hyper Evo 212 cooler to a CM Master Liquid 240L RGB (or another budget option) so I can push the AMD FX 6300 OC even further for better performance? The LM 240L RGB is AM4 compatible, so I wouldn’t discard it even if upgrading to Ryzen.
In my view, the main advantages are environmental: the EVO 212 fan will be significantly louder when running an overclocked 6300 at high temperatures compared to an ML-240 AIO with properly tuned cooling. Plus, the RGB lighting will definitely add a lot of visual appeal and challenge you further.
If your clock speed limits are mainly from temperature concerns, then it makes sense to consider this. Have you tried adjusting the settings to test if the FX-6300 remains stable at higher frequencies? Are you using any tools to monitor temperatures? Those CPUs that run at high speeds often struggle with accurate core temperature readings unless you use AMD Overdrive. Have you noticed any performance drops at around 4.4GHz?
It would help to improve the case cooling based on your current setup, especially by adding a second fan to the 212 EVO. I experimented with a push-pull 212 EVO on my FX-8350 (4.7GHz) in a well-ventilated case and observed a reduced core temperature, which improved the thermal margin. It wasn’t drastic, but it let me reach 4.7GHz. Having the exhaust fan directed toward the rear case fan also contributed to better heat dissipation.
The 212 EVO operated much more quietly with the second fan in place, possibly because the fans didn’t need to spin as fast for the same cooling result.
AssemblerX86:
If your clock speed concerns are mainly due to temperature, then it makes sense to consider this. Have you tried adjusting settings (despite core temperatures) to test if the FX-6300 remains stable at higher frequencies? What tools do you use for monitoring temperatures? The Bulldozer/Piledriver CPUs proved hard to read accurate core temps without AMD Overdrive.
Have you noticed any throttling at 4.4GHz?
AMD Overdrive is providing similar thermal readings as HWMonitor. It's not just about throttling—it's also about stability (prime95).
Could boosting case fans significantly lower CPU temperatures?
If the current fans aren't effectively moving air in and out, then yes—they're only recirculating hot air around the fins.
Your voltage might be insufficient for 4.4GHz; when I ran the 6300 at that speed it required about 1.4 volts. It operated smoothly for over five years. Of course, my M5A88M motherboard had weaker VRM and needed higher voltages to stay stable, but the key point is don’t hesitate to increase them. Unless you’re exhausted from cooling capacity, upgrading to a 240mm AIO would be beneficial.
Drea.drechsler:
AssemblerX86 :
clutchc :
If your clock speed is limited only by temperature, then yes, it makes sense. Have you tried (despite core temperatures) to check if the FX-6300 remains stable at higher frequencies? What tools are you using for temperature measurement? The Bulldozer/Piledriver CPUs proved hard to read accurate core temps with anything other than AMD Overdrive.
Have you noticed any throttling at 4.4GHz?
AMD Overdrive is providing similar thermal readings as HWMonitor. It's not just about throttling, but also stability (prime95).
Could adding more case fans significantly lower CPU temperatures?
If the current fans aren't effectively moving air in and out, then absolutely yes—they're only recirculating hot air around the fins.
Your voltage might be insufficient for 4.4GHz; when I ran the 6300 at that speed it required about 1.4 volts. It operated smoothly for over five years. Of course, my motherboard had a weaker VRM and needed higher voltage to stay stable, but the key point is don’t hesitate to increase it. Unless you’ve exhausted cooling capacity, upgrading to a 240mm AIO would be beneficial.
I only have one case fan, which is the one included, and it barely provides airflow—almost no movement when I touch it.