Request for cooler advice regarding question 6600k
Request for cooler advice regarding question 6600k
Hello everyone,
I've been using the CPU with the stock cooler for about three years without changing it. Since my main game, CSGO, depends a lot on single-core performance and I've seen a steady drop in FPS after each update, I thought giving the CPU a boost might help. Of course, I'm assuming that installing a good cooler is the first step, which is why I'm reaching out for advice. I've become quite rusty with overclocking, so I'm not looking for extreme settings. Could you suggest a few coolers that would allow me to moderately increase the temperature? Thanks in advance.
Below is my selection of favored CPU AIR coolers, commonly referred to as Heatsink fans (HSF).
Avoid searching here for advice on water or liquid cooling options—none were found.
These are organized in descending order of preference, reflecting their real-world effectiveness in similar overclocked builds, though not strictly in a linear fashion. Some items may sit higher due factors beyond pure performance, such as fan noise reduction, durability, warranty length, or overall value.
A cooler might appear higher on the list not because it outperforms others directly below, but for reasons like quieter operation or enhanced build quality.
Performance parity doesn’t always mean identical sound; some fans with similar decibel ratings can feel noticeably different in pitch and comfort.
These rankings aren’t rigid or exhaustive—they simply represent my personal choices when choosing a cooler for a system or providing guidance.
The decision often hinges on what fits the budget, current deals, or personal preference at the time of purchase.
I hope this helps and reassures you that each model listed is generally a reliable choice, offering better value or quality than many alternatives.
There are undoubtedly excellent options beyond these, but they’re typically accessible to anyone assembling a build, regardless of location.
Professional reviews remain crucial; if you’re considering a model not included here, start with at least two reputable sources before deciding.
If you don’t find sufficient reviews for a particular cooler, it’s likely either newly released or underperforming, and manufacturers usually avoid sending samples to reviewers to prevent negative publicity.
In my opinion, Noctua leads the pack, closely followed by Thermalright. If you want to stick with a brand, these are strong contenders. Corsair offers good Maglev options, but they focus more on AIO water coolers rather than air cooling.
Noctua models like NH-D14 (with replacement fans), NH-D15/D15 SE-AM4, and others are solid choices for most builds.
Thermalright’s Silver arrow IB-E Extreme and Phanteks PH-TC14PE are also reliable picks.
Cryorig R1 Ultimate or Universal, Scythe Mugen 5 rev.b, and BeQuiet models round out the list.
Some notable mentions include Noctua NH-U12A, NH-U14S, Thermalright Macho RT, FSP Windale 6, and others.
It’s worth noting that not every cooler fits every CPU socket due to adapter requirements; ensure compatibility before buying.
For liquid cooling, I’d choose the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 240. It’s not the top AIO, but it’s affordable and performs well, maintaining the Ryzen 5 1600 at 30 degrees idle and 55 under load. Just keep in mind to replace the fans since they tend to be noisy when increased. Still, one of the air coolers suggested by darkbreeze works great—it keeps both the board and CPU cool without drawing much attention. Your call!
Budget isn't the concern, but availability has been a worry (I'm Croatian). Still, ultimately I prioritize finding the best value that fits my needs.
Thanks for the detailed explanation and the complete list. I've checked everything. Unfortunately, certain brands aren't available here, many models are out of stock or need to be pre-ordered. While Hyper 212 RGB looks good, I'd prefer a Scythe Mugen 5 from a nearby store since it's higher on my wishlist.
Also, I almost missed asking an important question: Should I upgrade the PSU before trying to overclock? I currently use a Corsair vx550.
Mbo is Msi z270 pro carbon.
It depends on the GPU you have. You might also try a power supply calculator to determine the right PSU for your setup.
I've checked multiple psu calc websites and the numbers match closely. I have roughly 100W available, but I'm not sure how trustworthy they are. My old GPU (gtx670) seems to work well with only a slight increase in power usage, which is interesting.
Your card requires high power but stays within the 170W limit. Adding your CPU's maximum consumption (150W when overclocked) leaves ample room. To confirm, what PSU model do you have? If it's a low-quality generic unit, you'll need to upgrade to an at least 80 Plus certified one.
As discussed in my earlier post, I own a Corsair VX550. It's an older model, but I have confidence in the brand. In fact, I purchased two identical ones many years ago, and this one was unboxed while I was setting up the current configuration three years ago. So it hasn't seen much use or heavy workload.