Better HSF for an Intel i7-870?

[mikeymikec]

It's running at stock frequency, and I'm sure that the stock HSF is doing its job because the CPU temp on idle is about 45C rather than anything crazy, however Prime95 has the processor temp at about 97C in very short order.

I'd like some recommendations for an easy-to-install HSF for this CPU that should bring the load temp right down, please. The stock cooler does about 2200RPM when the processor is fully loaded, so a noise level similar to that would be fine (no noisier than that I'd say).

 

[VirtualLarry]

Given the age of that CPU, in general, I would probably recommend a re-pasting.

 

[Denithor]

Exactly my thought as well. Thermal paste doesn't last forever, eventually it will dry up/squeeze out/whatever and stop working effectively. Just dismount HSF, clean off old paste with rubbing alcohol and paper towels or old socks or similar, reapply your favorite variety and recheck temps.

 

[EXCellR8]

new paste with a cheap-but-good cooler like the 212 EVO (or similar spec equal) would be even better if you don't mind pulling the board out (if you cannot access the rear of it). those coolers can be found for under $30 nowadays...

 

[mikeymikec]

Unfortunately, re-pasting made zero difference. I think it's one of those situations where Intel's tiny HSFs just aren't / weren't up to the job for their high-end CPUs.

 

[ehume]

Unfortunately, re-pasting made zero difference. I think it's one of those situations where Intel's tiny HSFs just aren't / weren't up to the job for their high-end CPUs.

This doesn't surprise me. I installed a Mugen II on an i7 875k back in 2010. I haven't disturbed it because the installation was so difficult. OTOH, I haven't had to disturb it, and it went from my basement tinkering rig to my daughter's gaming machine back to the basement. In all that time the GC Extreme hasn't dried out or pumped out.

I reviewed the Scythe Ninja 4 and the Sythe Fuma for Overclockers.com. Both are excellent heatsinks, available for $45US or so. They both use 120mm fans. I have the Fuma on my daughter's gaming rig.

Whenever you look at a heatsink count the number of heatpipes. The Ninja and the Fuma, have 6, IIRC. So does the Noctua NH-D15 & Noctua NH-D15S. The CM 212 has fewer -- again, IIRC.

Remember that a good carpenter measures twice and cuts once? A good consumer . . .