Recommended CPU Cooler
Recommended CPU Cooler
They recommend using the NH-D15s for optimal performance.
It requires only 160mm and maintains consistent cooling.
The s variants are high compatibility models with no limitations on RAM height and are positioned to accommodate graphics cards in the first slot.
Your approach of employing 140mm fans as intake units is effective.
Any cooler demands a steady supply of fresh air to function properly.
Be cautious about excessive exhaust power.
A single 12mm rear exhaust is adequate to guide airflow around your components.
Using more powerful options may pull in unfiltered air from nearby openings, compromising cleanliness.
Use the NH-D15s instead. It requires only 160mm and cools efficiently.
The s variants are high compatibility models with no limits on RAM height and are positioned to fit around graphics cards in the first slot.
Your idea of using 140mm fans as intakes is solid. Any cooler needs a way to bring in fresh air for optimal performance.
Whatever air enters the front will exit somewhere, carrying heat from the CPU and GPU.
Be cautious about exhaust power—just one 12mm rear exhaust is enough to manage airflow around your components.
Stronger fans might pull in unfiltered air from nearby openings, risking dirt buildup.
Thanks for the details! Another question (I’m new to this) how are the four 140mm, two 120mm fans and the CPU fan connected to the motherboard? I’ll be using an Asus ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming ATX LGA1151. Will all fans work with it?
You can link all the fans you need together.
Certain fans use 3-pin connectors that match the motherboard's requirements.
Others have Molex connectors, which are linked to the power supply unit.
A few models support both types.
Motherboard fan connectors enable built-in speed management.
You can purchase splitters to link two fans to a motherboard header.
Adjustments are straightforward.
Begin with a simple setup and observe the results.
The more fans you add, the louder they become.
For example, pairing two 140mm front intakes with one 120mm exhaust allows using an effective air cooler to handle both the overclocked 8700K and a hot graphics card.
geofelt :
There are various ways to link all the fans you need. Certain fans use 3 pin connectors, which matches what the motherboard requires. Others have molex connectors that plug into the PSU. A few models support both types. Motherboard fan connectors enable motherboard-controlled speed adjustments. You can purchase splitters to link two fans to a motherboard header. It’s straightforward to rearrange components. I suggest starting simple and observing the results. The more fans you add, the louder they become. For example, with two 140mm front intakes and one 120mm exhaust, an air cooler can handle both the overclocked 8700K and a hot graphics card. Would an air cooler be necessary? My budget is tight. I’m wondering if keeping temperatures manageable is possible, or if an air cooler would be more effective. I imagine placing a dual-fan setup at the top of the case for an air cooler, which could work alongside my existing 140mm fans.
A K processor lacks a built-in cooler.
The necessity hinges on how much overclocking you plan.
A basic tower cooler with a 120mm fan is sufficient for everyday use.
A $35 purchase provides a decent scythe kotetsu, adequate for standard performance.
For overclocking, the noctua NH-D15s cost around $80.
If cost is a concern, postpone the hard drive until you require more storage.
For gaming, opt for an i5-8600K; it offers similar performance, and saving $130 will allow you to afford the necessary cooler.
Lukemurtagh1995 :
Geofelt :
There are various ways to link fans as needed. Certain fans use 3-pin connectors, which matches the motherboard requirements. Others use Molex connectors linked to the PSU. A few models support both types. Motherboard fan connectors enable motherboard-controlled speed adjustments. You can purchase splitters to route two fans through a motherboard header. Adjustments are straightforward. Begin with a simple setup and observe the results. More fans mean increased noise. For example, pairing two 140mm front intakes with one 120mm exhaust works well for cooling an overclocked 8700K and a hot graphics card. Would you need an air cooler? My budget is tight. I wonder if keeping temperatures manageable is possible, or should I opt for an air cooler instead? I assume a dual-fan air cooler could be mounted at the top of the case, alongside two 140mm fans. Think about it—air coolers are what you’re after. Liquid coolers would require two fans placed either under or atop the radiator. In a PC case, the top panel usually has metal cutouts for mounting the radiator or fans. Screws secure everything in place. You’ll be comfortable with an air cooler, which sits directly on the CPU. The Noctua model you mentioned is indeed an air cooler.
geofelt :
A K processor requires a cooler. The quality depends on how much you overclock. A basic tower cooler with a 120mm fan works, but it’s around $35. For better performance, a scythe kotetsu costs about $35 and is sufficient for stock settings. If you plan to overclock, the noctua NH-D15s will cost roughly $80. To save money, think about postponing the hard drive purchase until you really need it. Alternatively, if gaming is your priority, opt for an i5-8600K. You’ll perform similarly to the 8700K, and saving $130 will let you afford a better cooler. Sorry, I might have mixed up the air cooler with the Noctua NH-D15s. Did I misunderstand what you meant?
Yes, Noctua specializes exclusively in air coolers, and they are quite excellent.