Refresh your current setup.
Refresh your current setup.
Hello friend,
I'm working on improving the cooling system for my current setup because I want to overclock both the CPU and GPU if possible. Right now, I can only upgrade the cooling, and here are my specs:
My Rig:
MB: Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
CPU: Intel Q9550 @ 2.83 GHz
GPU: Sapphire Radeon R9 290x (this is the exact model)
HDD: Kingston HyperX 3K SATA III
(OS HDD)
Second HDD: Seagate Desktop SATA 6 GB with NCQ 64 MB Cache
Case: Gigabyte Triton 180
https://goo.gl/tEQnYH
All fans are standard. Should I consider upgrading them too?
PSU: I don’t remember exactly, but it’s around 500W or maybe 600W. If this is really important, someone might open my rig and share the specs since I can’t access it myself.
So, the parts I’m thinking about that fit my budget are listed below. Could you please confirm if they’re suitable? Also, will my rig be able to run new games? I’m currently just playing Doom and Sims4, but they lag significantly after 5-10 minutes of playtime!
🙁
CPU Cooling options:
Coolermaster Seidon 120V V3 Plus Intel & AMD 12 cm CPU Liquid Cooler
https://goo.gl/53PwbL
OR
Cooler Master Hyper 212 LED CPU Fan Air Cooling
https://goo.gl/vyrd1j
OR
DEEPCOOL GAMMAXX 400 WHITE 120mm CPU Cooler
https://goo.gl/hL22Kr
GPU cooling:
ARCTIC Accelero VGA Cooler - nVidia & AMD, 3 Quiet 92mm PWM Fans, SLI/CrossFire
http://a.co/gQBVkV7
OR
Corsair Hydro Series HG10 A1 Edition GPU Cooling Bracket Components
https://a.co/aUSFCu3
(with a cheap water cooling AIO) something I can find used like the H55?
Or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also, what’s the maximum overclock potential for my CPU and GPU?
By the way, these are the items available to me in the Middle East. Buying online would be difficult due to high shipping costs and taxes here (high tax), haha.
Overclocking is like a game of chance, you receive what you get; my HD6950 would barely manage to be overclocked, though it did unlock quite well
😉
) but my HD7950 would push its limits like a possessed machine, the same applies to my various CPUs—some react violently, while others wouldn’t even try if threatened.
To make the most of better cooling, you’ll need a significantly more ventilated case first. The Triton only has two fans, and I’m surprised it didn’t damage the R9 290 due to poor airflow.
Tips:
Choose a decent case first—don’t rush into extreme choices, but aim for one with: Dual front intake fans, dual top exhaust fans, a rear exhaust fan, a bottom-mounted PSU, and ample space for your graphics card...
Avoid purchasing inexpensive water AIO coolers; they tend to underperform compared to air coolers. I recommend considering a 212 Evo or a Cryo H7 for quieter operation and improved efficiency.
Don’t go overboard with cooling solutions for the GPU or CPU—save your budget for upgrading those components instead. You might explore buying used CPUs and motherboards if you want to allocate funds elsewhere.
Makentox :
Avoid buying cheap AIO coolers, they usually underperform compared to air coolers. I recommend a 212 evo or cryorig H7 for quieter operation and better results.
Don’t go overboard with cooling investments; save your money for upgrading the CPU or GPU instead. You might be able to find used CPUs and motherboards at a lower cost, which would be more practical given your budget.
(facepalm)
I could make that investment and buy a used CPU and motherboard, but then I’d also need to replace my RAM—which can be costly where you live. A single 1GB DDR3 might cost between $50 and $75. Plus, the hardware I currently own is still quite good—my Q9550 remains powerful, and the GPU I have is still available for over $300 online. For now, I think it’s better to focus on cooling my current rig and delay any major replacements until I can afford them.
Overclocking is a gamble, you receive what you get; my HD6950 would barely manage to be overclocked (but still unlocked nicely 😉) whereas my HD7950 would push its limits like it was possessed. The same applies to my various CPUs—some react violently, others stay calm even when faced with a strong challenge.
To make the most of enhanced cooling, you’ll need a significantly better ventilated case first. The Triton model only has two fans, which is surprising given its poor ventilation; I wonder if that’s why it didn’t damage your R9 290.
Recommendations:
- Start with a decent case, aiming for dual front intake fans, dual top exhaust fans, one rear exhaust fan, a bottom-mounted PSU, ample space for the graphics card (even removing some HDD cages), and fans around 140mm in size.
- Pair it with high-quality fans from brands like Noctua, Phanteks, Sythe, Be Quiet!, or Noiseblocker.
- For the CPU, an air cooler is ideal—especially the Hyper 212Evo, which is well-regarded.
- The GPU that Arctic offers makes sense because it includes cooling sinks for the critical VRM components; neglecting this could lead to failure.
I wouldn't be tempted by massive cases that claim "superior airflow" and "99+ fan slots." Pick any case you like, just ensure the fans remain unobstructed by anything ahead of them. Be prepared for filters and meshes to slightly reduce airflow, and note that proximity to obstacles can increase noise when the wind passes through. As long as the fan isn't fully blocked by items like towels or cables (as Linus tried to demonstrate), airflow should stay unaffected significantly. Maintaining a clear path helps preserve positive pressure and prevents dust from accumulating in cracks. Opt for larger fans when possible, as they generate more airflow with minimal noise. If you need a balance, choosing a case that accommodates bigger fans or arranges smaller ones linearly works best. Personally, I prefer cases with 200mm fans—they deliver strong airflow at low RPM and operate quietly.
For CPU cooling, if budget allows, the Cryorig H7 is a solid choice. It handles an i5 7600k at 4.5GHz well, and OCCT struggles to hit 80°C even under heavy load. It also offers excellent RAM clearance, making it less affected by tall RAM heat spreaders. At $35, it stands out as one of the top air coolers for its value.
When it comes to GPUs, investing more might not be necessary. A better option would be a higher-performance GPU with superior cooling and efficiency. Comparing models like the GTX 1060 (1080p) and RX 480 could help you make an informed decision. See the comparisons here:
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvi...3639vs2166
http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-R9-290X-v...e-GTX-1060
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z-NV9JH9v8
Keep in mind these differences highlight the 290X's stronger performance, though heat and power usage remain key factors. If you can achieve similar results with less heat and more headroom for future tuning (using quality aftermarket boards), it’s a worthwhile trade-off.
Avoid cases that claim "superior airflow" and "99+ fan slots." Pick any case that includes fans that won’t be obstructed by other components ahead of them. Remember, filters and meshes slightly reduce airflow, and proximity to the fan increases noise. Keep in mind that closer placement improves performance without major interference. Positive pressure helps prevent dust accumulation in cracks. Larger fans generally produce more airflow with less noise, so aim for a design where air flows smoothly in one or two directions. Good positive pressure also aids in dust prevention. When choosing, larger fans tend to deliver better airflow at lower RPMs and are quieter. If you need a balance, 200mm fans are ideal—they offer strong airflow with minimal noise. For CPU cooling, if budget allows, the Cryorig H7 is a solid choice. It handles high-end CPUs like the i5 7600k well, maintaining temperatures even under stress. At $35, it stands out for its value. For GPUs, consider upgrading to a more powerful model instead of spending heavily on older hardware. The GTX 1060 and RX 480 are popular options; you can find comparisons here:
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvi...3639vs2166
http://gpuboss.com/gpus/Radeon-R9-290X-v...e-GTX-1060
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z-NV9JH9v8
Keep in mind that heat output and power usage are crucial factors.