Recommended CPU Cooler
Recommended CPU Cooler
I have an i5 4690k on an Asetek 570LX with stock speeds. Temperatures are typically 36-40°C while gaming and 28-32°C when idle. I want to upgrade to a stylish air cooler like a Cooler Master V8, under $80, preferably LED and red. I don’t want to go back to water cooling because it bothers me. Also, I’m curious about how long this cooler should last.
Additionally, I plan to overclock it between 4-4.3 GHz.
The V8 appears decent but underperforms significantly. It only edges out the 425 Hyper 212. The Phanteks PH-TC14PE is my preferred air cooler despite its recent $20 price increase. It will be surpassed by the Noctua NH-D15 and Cryorig R1 Ultimate. The R1 outperforms the D15 by 1C but at a 5 dbA cost. I prefer a 1C temperature rise over a 5dbA gain, so I’d choose the Noc instead of the Cryo. Still, in a windowed setup I enjoy it, and most users value the Phanteks’ look.
I enjoy the Phanteks coolers. They come with some great dual tower 120mm and 140mm heatsinks. The 140mm ones perform just as well as the more costly noctua D15 models I own. That's exactly what I'd choose.
The V8 appears decent but underperforms significantly. It only edges out the 425 Hyper 212. The Phanteks PH-TC14PE is my preferred air cooler despite its recent $20 price increase. It will be surpassed by the Noctua NH-D15 and Cryorig R1 Ultimate. The R1 outperforms the D15 by 1C but adds 5 dbA, which I prefer to avoid. Still, in a windowed setup I enjoy it, and most users value its look.