Which cooler would be best for your build?
Which cooler would be best for your build?
Here’s the revised version:
First, let me share my setup:
CPU: AMD FX-8350 (expected to overclock significantly, likely reaching 4.8GHz or higher)
Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0
RAM: Kingston HyperX FURY 16GB (2x8GB)
GPU: Sapphire R9 280x Tri-X [email protected]/1.6GHz
Case: Cooler Master HAF X
PSU: Corsair HX750
Current selections:
Thermalright HR-22 – sufficient heatpipes for passive cooling of a GTX 480
[strike]Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 POWER/BW[/strike]
[strike]CRYORIG R1 Ultimate[/strike]
[strike]CRYORIG R1 Universal[/strike]
Phanteks PH-TC14PE
Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15S
Silverstone HE01 – suggested by Overclock.net, considered excellent for AMD but less so for Intel
The price is a bit low considering the features, it’s around $90 and looks similar to the $75 NH-D14. Based on what you mentioned earlier, it seems you think the D14 was cheaper by $15 now, but you’re not willing to pay an extra $15 for a 1°C improvement over the R1. It feels like you’ve already decided and just posted anyway.
I would choose the Noctua NH-D15s. The s variants offer better compatibility with newer graphics cards placed in the first slot, providing extra clearance. They also handle RAM with their tall heat spreaders. The D15 and Phanteks are also solid choices for cooling. This is just my view, but if it's a fresh gaming build, I wouldn't opt for the overclocked FX path. The cores tend to be slower, and only a few games can run smoothly with more than 2-3 threads. Intel seems to be a better option for gamers on this budget.
geofelt :
I would vote for the Noctua NH-D15s. The s variants are high compatibility newer versions that give added clearance to a graphics card installed in the first slot.
They also will clear ram with tall heat spreaders..
The D15 and Phanteks are also good coolers.
Just my opinion, but if this is a new build for gaming, I would not go the overclocked FX route.
The cores are slow and few games can use more than 2-3 threads.
Intel will be a stronger gamer for the price.
Gaming is like my 3rd priority on this machine, which I already own. But for what I do, everything but X99 is a downgrade. I also don't have any plans to get tall RAM because that's not really my thing. I love my Kingston RAM.
If I was told against the R1U, I won't be getting the H5. I'm finished with them.
CTurbo :
I’d consider buying a CRYORIG H5 for around $40. If someone told me against the dual-tower and better R1U setup, would it really be wise to opt for the single-tower and lower-quality H5? I’m also done with CRYORIG now—H7 was decent for a while, but it just didn’t perform well anymore (I used to overclock it to 4.6GHz, now I can barely hit 4.4).
GeoDash here, sharing my setup so far:
CPU: AMD FX-8350 – expecting a lot of overclocking, aiming for 4.8GHz+
Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0
RAM: Kingston HyperX FURY 16gb (2x8GB)
GPU: Sapphire R9 280x Tri-X [email protected]/1.6GHz
Case: Cooler Master HAF X
PSU: Corsair HX750
Current picks:
Thermalright HR-22 – provides sufficient heatpipes for passive cooling of a GTX 480
[strike]Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 POWER/BW[/strike] – advised against by Overclock.net
[strike]CRYORIG R1 Ultimate[/strike] – identical to TS140
[strike]CRYORIG R1 Universal[/strike] – same as TS140
Phanteks PH-TC14PE
Noctua NH-D15
Noctua NH-D15S
Silverstone HE01 – recommended by Overclock.net, seems excellent for AMD but less so for Intel
I’d lean toward the Phanteks. I own a PH-TC12DX from the same maker as Noctua, and it’s performing well. Fans are made by the same brand, which gives me confidence. I haven’t heard any unusual noise from my cooler, and under load temperatures stay well below 70°C. The PH-TC14PE should be even quieter and more efficient with its larger heatsink and 140mm fans compared to the 120mm version.