Can someone recommend a water cooler

[Craig234]

For a big NXZT case, ASRock Extreme 6 MB, and Intel i7-4790k.

Probably the biggest stress is gaming.

I don't know a thing about water coolers, so looking for the obvious - quality, reliability, value, quiet - I'm having a guy swap my MB with a replacement because it's a hassle and install this at the same time.

It'll replace a Hyper EVO 212 I found tricky to install.

I just had it suggested that a water cooler is a good idea.

 

[Craig234]

Would the Arctic Liquid Freezer 360 fit? $115, recommended on Toms Hardware...

Another possibility Fractal Design Celsius S24.

 

[UsandThem]

Not a water cooler, but I would recommend a Noctua NH-U12S, and call it a day.

I have installed a 212 EVO as well before, they are a little tricky if you're not used to that install system (plus you can move it by hand after it's installed).

However, the NH-U12S is "so simple, even a caveman can do it". Plus, it's less than half of what a decent water cooler will run you.

 

[Craig234]

Not a water cooler, but I would recommend a Noctua NH-U12S, and call it a day.

I have installed a 212 EVO as well before, they are a little tricky if you're not used to that install system (plus you can move it by hand after it's installed).

However, the NH-U12S is "so simple, even a caveman can do it". Plus, it's less than half of what a decent water cooler will run you.

How effective would you say it is compared to a good water cooler like those I linked? Since I'm having someone do this, the ease of installation is less of an issue, and I'd probably rather spend a bit more if there's a benefit for doing so. On the other hand, happy to go with your suggestion if the difference is minimal.

 

[UsandThem]

How effective would you say it is compared to a good water cooler like those I linked? Since I'm having someone do this, the ease of installation is less of an issue, and I'd probably rather spend a bit more if there's a benefit for doing so. On the other hand, happy to go with your suggestion if the difference is minimal.

At stock speeds (non heavy overclocking), within the margin of error.

https://www.anandtech.com/show/6916...-12-more-coolers-the-retest-and-megaroundup/9

I have both the NH-U12S and the NH-U14S, and my CPUs never ever go over 60c when I push them. Plus, this is at low to medium RPMs and very quiet.

 

[Craig234]

At stock speeds (non heavy overclocking), within the margin of error.

https://www.anandtech.com/show/6916...-12-more-coolers-the-retest-and-megaroundup/9

I have both the NH-U12S and the NH-U14S, and my CPUs never ever go over 60c when I push them. Plus, this is at low to medium RPMs and very quiet.

OK thanks. But then how does it compare to the EVO 212? I was just reading another review of the 212 saying how wonderful it is, and I haven't had any issues with heat - it's just louder than I'd prefer - and I already own it and since I'm having this done the hassle isn't so much an issue and it has me thinking of just continuing with it if I don't go water. How's the noise?

 

[UsandThem]

OK thanks. But then how does it compare to the EVO 212? I was just reading another review of the 212 saying how wonderful it is, and I haven't had any issues with heat - it's just louder than I'd prefer - and I already own it and since I'm having this done the hassle isn't so much an issue and it has me thinking of just continuing with it if I don't go water. How's the noise?

The 212 EVO is good for it's price. It's not great by any means, but it also isn't horrible. The Noctua is quieter, and because the heatsink is more substantial, the fans don't have to run as fast as they would on the 212 EVO.

If you want to stick with the EVO, just buy a better, quieter fan, and it should cut down on the noise.

 

[Craig234]

Well, that is interesting. Didn't expect to get a non-water upgrade, but you make a good case. You recommend the 12s over the 14s?

 

[UsandThem]

Well, that is interesting. Didn't expect to get a non-water upgrade, but you make a good case. You recommend the 12s over the 14s?

If your case can handle the taller U14S, I'd go that route personally. I don't know where you like to shop at online, but Amazon has the U12S for $57.99, while the U14S is only $63.75. For under a $6 difference, the U14S is a beefier cooler with a bigger fan (which spins at lower RPMs).

The nice thing about Noctua is whenever you build a new system with a different mounting socket, you can contact them and they will send you the new mounting kit for free (or you can buy it on Amazon for $7 if you need it quicker).

 

[Craig234]

If your case can handle the taller U14S, I'd go that route personally. I don't know where you like to shop at online, but Amazon has the U12S for $57.99, while the U14S is only $63.75. For under a $6 difference, the U14S is a beefier cooler with a bigger fan (which spins at lower RPMs).

The nice thing about Noctua is whenever you build a new system with a different mounting socket, you can contact them and they will send you the new mounting kit for free (or you can buy it on Amazon for $7 if you need it quicker).

I think my case is NZXT Phantom 530; it's big so I'd have to think it can handle it.

 

[UsandThem]

If that's your case, you will have plenty of room for the U14S.

 

[Craig234]

If that's your case, you will have plenty of room for the U14S.

Thanks, ordered for delivery tomorrow. Might even do the rebuild myself since you mentioned the cooler is very easy to install. Ugh, all those screws, the PS reinstall...

If this is about as quiet as the water would have been, that'll be a nice change.

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks, ordered for delivery tomorrow. Might even do the rebuild myself since you mentioned the cooler is very easy to install. Ugh, all those screws, the PS reinstall...

If this is about as quiet as the water would have been, that'll be a nice change.

You'll like it. It will come with 3 seperate pages of install instructions, just make sure you pick the one for Intel LGA115x, and follow the steps (with clear pictures) in their order. If you can do that, you will have no problems.

Just a tip, I find it is easiest to install the cooler with it the PC case/motherboard standing upright. You then will insert the backplate on, put on the plastic spacers, and then hand tightening the 4 big screws on top of those. At that point, I lay it on its side, and complete the rest of the installation. Remember to alternate tightening the final two screws (step 5). I personally do 3-4 twists with the included screwdriver, and then do the same on the other one. You will change sides 3-4 times doing it this way.

 

[Craig234]

Thanks, that's a lot of helpful information. Just to confirm, the noise level of the Nusua is close to the water? When that's confirmed I can not worry about it - noisy PC's have been a problem for decades. I think I gave myself Tennitus from it.

 

[fluffmonster]

U14S will be quieter...water still needs a fan, but will have pump noise too.

 

[UsandThem]

U14S will be quieter...water still needs a fan, but will have pump noise too.

Exactly.

You will likely have look at the fan spinning to make sure it's working since it is so quiet. I can't stand fan noise either.

You aren't going to hear it running........unless you are Superman.

 

[Craig234]

Should I use the "NT-H1" thermal paste that came with the cooler, or the years old but seems fine Silver Arctic thermal paste I've been using, or doesn't matter?

Edit: Google loves it.

 

[Craig234]

It will come with 3 seperate pages of install instructions, just make sure you pick the one for Intel LGA115x

Glad you said that that's the one for the ASRock Extreme6. Worst case I was gonna guess wrong, best case some research.

 

[Craig234]

"In case you want to use the cooler on an assembled system and your case doesn't have a cut-out at the read side of the mainboard tray, you first have to remove the mainboard from the casein order to install the supplied backplate."

Ugh. Ya, I was planning to remove the old motherboard and parts, install the new motherboard, and then the cooler.

So, gotta determine how much to put on before putting the MB in the case... the backplate...

 

[UsandThem]

You can install it all on the motherboard outside of the case if you want (I have done it before as well), you just gotta make sure you have a good grip on the motherboard when putting it in because the weight will be uneven. If you're careful you will be fine.

Also, the included paste is all I use now. It's very good stuff, doesn't require any curing time, and lasts for many years.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

And you were planning on overclocking the i7-4790K?

That chip goes back before Skylake and Broadwell. It was a good CPU. But at some point, you have to reconsider investing more in the system.

Even so, you could pay $50 to have the 4790K delidded and re-lidded with CLU or -- whazzit called? -- Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut?

Then, you could probably use a 212 EVO cooler and blow people's minds with your clocks and temperatures.

 

[Craig234]

No overclocking. Ya, it's not a new CPU. I bought some good parts and then held them for years waiting to build it, which I finally did March 2017. It runs everything I want fine, so no need to upgrade anything yet other than to fix things. Got the cooler, might try to rebuild it tonight.

 

[Craig234]

OK, it's ugly but nearly rebuilt. Even the easier fan, it took me about 10 minutes and several tries to get the screws started, with repeated times the cooler came off the CPU after being freshly placed on with new thermal paste, which I'm sure is not at all a good thing.

The place I'm stuck right now is replacing the fan on the cooler.

The way I'm setting it up is for the fan to go on the case-front side of the cooler; the logo is not visible, facing the cooler, so it will blow air into the cooler toward the rear.

Is that right??

 

[ClockHound]

That's correct. The open blade side is the intake. The logo side with struts is the exhaust side.

 

[UsandThem]

That's correct. The open blade side is the intake. The logo side with struts is the exhaust side.

I generally do the metal clips holding the fan one at a time. I generally do the side closer to my video card first because there is less room, and do the top last. That way you can count the visible find by the top corner, and make sure you have it level.

just make sure to follow the picture in the manual, and hook into the 2nd ridge of fans. Otherwise, if you look it into the 1st ridge, it will be loose.