Minimum Cooler Required
Minimum Cooler Required
I've enjoyed working with GPU overclocks a lot, but CPU overclocking hasn't been my focus yet.
I own a solid setup for testing (i5-4690K, MSI GTX 970 4G, MSI Z97 Gaming 5), but I'm curious about the ideal cooler for a decent CPU boost—specifically aiming for a 4.2-3 Overlcock to enjoy better performance and stability in certain games.
I want to ensure temperatures stay between 77°C and 83°C, and the Hyper 212 EVO keeps it under 75°C during heavy use (boost up to 3.9GHz).
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Ztp323/...h5ultimate
The NH-D14 is excellent, though pricier and its fans use a voltage (3-pin) system which might not fit. 4-pin headers could work with 3-pin fans but it's not guaranteed.
OTHER:
1. Verify that the fan software is obtained from the motherboard website (sometimes bundled with other parts and/or requires an older OS version). No specific fan software is available for my Asus Z77 board except Windows 7, which performs well.
Search for your CASE site or use Google to locate the ideal CPU cooler height. I'm assuming 160mm for now.
PCPARPTICKER coolers: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/cpu-cooler/
Apply filters for 4/5 and 5/5 ratings, then narrow by HEIGHT. Set the lower limit to 20mm below (140mm–160mm).
Next, adjust the price range to $40–$90, unless you need a liquid cooler.
Choose the rating option so higher scores appear first in the results.
I'll be bock..
THIS is my top choice:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Ztp323/...h5ultimate
The NH-D14 is great, but more expensive and the fans are voltage (3-pin) so may or may not work. 4-pin fan headers may support 3-pin fans but not always.
OTHER:
1. make sure FAN SOFTWARE is downloaded from the motherboard site (sometimes part of other package and/or may need to use earlier OS version. No fan software listed for my Asus Z77 board except Windows 7 but it works great).
Optimize fan profile (i.e. 40% max fan RPM and ramp up about 50degC, then run worst-case test like HANDBRAKE near 100% load converting video. see CPU usage in Task Manager... run at least 10 minutes and make sure it's not over 80degC. Just FYI about 75degC is an optimal maximum for long-term usage but periodic spikes above 80degC won't hurt much).
3. OC:
Voltage affects temperature the most. Plenty of guides, but I'll tell you what I did for my i7-3770K which may or may not apply to you:
My TURBO VALUES (in BIOS) where like this:
1-core x39
2-core x38
3-core x37
4-core x36
So the more load the CPU got the lower the frequency was. I had everything on default (with XMP enabled) and simply changed those values. No voltage. Nothing else.
I ended up with x45 (4.5GHz) for all of them. So heavy load performance is 25% higher (3.6 to 4.5GHz).
I tried 4.6GHz but it crashed and trying to change settings like voltage causes the temperature to skyrocket. I then dropped down to 4.4GHz just to ensure extra stability.
Thank you!
Please note that my situation involves a Fractal Design R5 with a maximum CPU cooling height of 180mm.