Overclocking i5 6600k cooler under 160mm
Overclocking i5 6600k cooler under 160mm
Hello,
I own an Antec GX300 case that official specifications suggest only accommodates a 140mm height CPU cooler. However, after reviewing some reviews and measuring it myself, I believe an 160mm cooler would fit just barely. Since the cooler I currently have (ID-Cooling 903, included with the CPU) can't be controlled from the MB due to only having three pins and is quite noisy, I’m considering a replacement.
After reading many reviews, I’m leaning toward a Noctua model. But choosing one is difficult. My goal is to achieve a 4.5 Ghz overclock on a Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 3. My case already has two standard Antec TwoCool coolers (front intake and back exhaust) and I could add another if needed. Although not very experienced, the airflow seems decent. The options I’m considering are:
NH D14 – somewhat uncertain about fit despite size concerns
NH C14S – definitely fits, but larger and slightly less powerful as a top-down model
NH U12P SE2 – an older model, now succeeded by U12S; reviews suggest it might be even better than U12S
NH U12S – my preferred choice, standard size, but likely the least powerful.
Prices are comparable enough in Romania, so that’s not a major concern.
Would you recommend any of these alternatives? I could be influenced by other options if I make a strong case.
Thanks a lot!
You can control 3 pin fans with the motherboard. You just need to plug them into a 3 pin header. Give your motherboard model so we can try and sort this out.
Also, what ram do you have? Is it tall or is short? Depending on that a cooler might or might not fit.
Noctua offers excellent products worth investing in. A cooler from them with positive reviews can be reliable.
http://media.bestofmicro.com/A/5/399533/...age002.png
I discovered this on forums and it might be useful.
Water cooling is a better option, it looks better but costs more. If you can afford it, I suggest going for water cooling.
For enhancing the performance of the Core i5 6600K, using a liquid cooling system is advised over an air cooler. Although it comes at a higher cost, it offers superior efficiency and quieter operation. The liquid cooler's water block typically fits more compactly than a standard cooler, eliminating space concerns. Below are some recommended all-in-one liquid coolers compatible with your case:
Corsair Hydro H100i GTX – delivers exceptional performance with minimal noise and high clock speeds, plus RGB lighting.
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/hydro-serie...cpu-cooler
Corsair Hydro H80i GT – similar to the H100i GTX but more compact, using a single fan slot for the radiator.
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/hydro-serie...cpu-cooler
Corsair Hydro H60 – even more compact than the H80i GT, featuring just one fan yet still outperforming air coolers. No RGB lighting available.
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/hydro-serie...cpu-cooler
If you prefer an air cooler without an all-in-one solution, Corsair's Noctua line offers excellent options. Their larger models, such as the NH D14, won't fit here. A suitable lower-profile air cooler is the Noctua NH U9S (http://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-...h-u9s.html), which works well and fits your case easily.
Someone claims a liquid cooler doesn’t offer better efficiency or silence, calling it a myth spread by those without proper research.
A review on HitechLegion highlights that many coolers exist, but performance varies significantly.
For example, testing an I7 920 (130W chip) shows the Corsair H series performs poorly in noise and power handling.
Another option is the Thermalright Macho 120 (150mm height), which competes with U12P but is quieter.
If you can fit a 160mm model, the Thermalright Macho Direct stands out for its strong performance relative to its cost and noise level.
You can manage 3 pin fans through the motherboard by connecting them to a 3 pin header. Please share your motherboard model so we can assist further. Also, let me know your RAM type—whether it's tall or short—and whether you're considering a cooler replacement.
Shneiky :
apanpapan3,
A liquid cooler doesn't offer better efficiency or quieter operation. That's just a myth that many people are spreading without doing their own research.
http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/cool...l=&start=2
CLCs like the Corsair H series perform even worse in terms of noise and performance, let alone considering the cost.
If you prefer an air cooler over a liquid one and don't need the full package, Noctua coolers are excellent options. The NH D14 model won't fit in this scenario. A suitable lower-profile air cooler would be the Noctua NH U9S, which works well and fits easily in your setup.
The Cryorig H7 offers exceptional air cooling performance, costing approximately 30 to 35 dollars. It is built to fit within case and RAM space requirements.