Need a good AIO water cooler.
Need a good AIO water cooler.
Right now I’m running an i5 7600k that’s been overclocked to 4.8ghz at 1.25v stable. With a be quiet Pure Rock Slim, my temperatures spike to 70°C+ during demanding games and drop to 38-45°C when idle.
I have a Corsair Spec 01 case, but it seems to only support Corsair’s own AIOs up to 120mm, which feels more like marketing.
I’ve considered three options so far: DeepCool CAPTAIN 120EX, Cooler Master Masterliquid ML120R, and Corsair H80i v2.
Which one would work best? Or should I look into another AIO?
I’m planning to push the i5 to about 5ghz, but after a stress test it hit 90°C instantly.
A 120mm model isn't the best choice—it can lead to disappointment when trying to overclock. It's wiser to stick with what you currently have or consider alternatives like the Noctua NH-U14S. If you opt for water cooling, invest in a case that accommodates a 240mm radiator and choose a high-quality 240 or 280mm AIO. Some good options are available without breaking the bank; for example, the Corsair H100i V2 costs around 99 dollars. There are many choices, and if you need RGB lighting, models like the ID Cooling Auraflow 240 are worth considering.
If you aim to push your system to 5Ghz, it won't significantly boost performance beyond the 4.8Ghz you already have. I recommend switching to a case that can handle a bigger air or liquid cooler. The idea that those who need choices are also those who struggle applies here. Those who want more will have to spend extra. In short, a larger enclosure with better cooling options is likely necessary. 5Ghz overclocks aren't possible in cheap cases with limited cooling power. Go big or go home, as we used to say during my skating days.
Darkbreeze:
If you aim for a 5Ghz overclock, it probably won't significantly boost performance compared to your current 4.8Ghz. I recommend switching to a case that can handle a bigger air or liquid cooler. The idea that those who need the best can't be choosers works here—choosers should expect to pay more. A larger enclosure with better airflow options is likely necessary. Overclocking to 5Ghz in a 30 dollar case with only 50 dollars worth of cooling isn’t realistic. Go big or go home, as we used to say during my skater days.
You won’t achieve a stable 5Ghz overclock on a 120mm cooler, let alone an oversized one. If you’re even stable at that speed—despite using a budget cooler—it’s likely the voltage isn’t high enough for stability. Unless you’re ready to spend more on a bigger case and better cooling, it might be best to stay where you are.
Yeah, you're right—I don't see the point in pushing 5Ghz, but I still want a liquid cooler since that's always been my goal.
A 120mm model won't serve as a good representation. It may cause frustration due to poor performance during overclocking. Consider what you already have or alternatives like the Noctua NH-U14S. If you opt for water cooling, invest in a case that can accommodate a 240mm radiator and choose a high-quality 240 or 280mm AIO. Some affordable options are available; however, better choices exist such as the Corsair H100i V2 for 99 dollars. There are many choices, and if you need RGB lighting, the ID Cooling Auraflow 240 is worth considering.