Question Contemplating a new computer build with i5-13600K or i7-13700K -- cooler becomes an issue when it shouldn't

[BonzaiDuck]

I built my last system in spring 2022 from spare parts matching my 2017 skylake system. That includes an identical case and fans. Integral to these was a choice of the ThermalRight Le Grand Macho and LGM RT, respectively.

This is not some fetish I have. I did some thorough research in 2017, cross-referencing comparison reviews from several sources. The ThermalRight LGM and LGM RT outperform the NH-D15, if only by a degree C or two. It also comes very close to an EK semi-AIO water-cooling kit.

There were supposed to be mounting kits for the LGM or LGM RT for LGA 1700. In fact, I believe the kit I'm searching for is the LGA1700-A1 kit. I can't find a reseller from whom I can positively identify the model number of the kits being sold. I just sent ThermalRight my inquiry, noting that I would be fine to buy the kit directly from them.

There seems to be some possibility that the earlier LGM I have might not be "LGA 1700 'ready'". I cannot be sure. TR tech support may set me straight. There seemed to be a note on their web-page about mounting kits suggesting that a mounting plate of the original cooler needed to meet that qualification.

If I cannot use the TR Le Grand Macho, I will have to choose a different cooler. But I am quite sure that just about any cooler I pick -- many touted by our colleagues here as "the best" -- might not come up to the LGM performance. And -- the TR LGM coolers are part of a strategy I use together with the computer case I intend to re-use for a Z790 system.

I could probably make an NH-D15 work, but the Macho was better.

 

[Tech Junky]

For what you're using the system for there's no need to spend on a hefty cooler.

SE-226-XT Black CPU Cooler LGA1700

Amazon.com

This is what I'm using on a 12700K and under 100% load testing keeps it under 70C. For $50 it stands up well compared to other coolers just fine. For average loads it sits around 25-30C using a graphite pad and dual fans. I swapped the fan to a pair of Arctic p12 pwm/pst for push/pull performance and redundancy.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

For what you're using the system for there's no need to spend on a hefty cooler.

SE-226-XT Black CPU Cooler LGA1700

Amazon.com

This is what I'm using on a 12700K and under 100% load testing keeps it under 70C. For $50 it stands up well compared to other coolers just fine. For average loads it sits around 25-30C using a graphite pad and dual fans. I swapped the fan to a pair of Arctic p12 pwm/pst for push/pull performance and redundancy.

Oddly, that ID-Cooling unit looks like a replication of the Grand Macho series. For the price, I'm a bit surprised.

Did you ever find a comparison review that rates the cooler alongside 20 or more air and water coolers on the same test bed?

I became obsessive over the years about cooling, but in the end could never spring for an AiO or custom-loop. I could see that some of these air-coolers were coming very close. I had both my Sky/Kaby processors delidded and refitted with liquid metal. I used to lap off the nickel plate of the IHS.

I'm not likely to overclock this next computer, so the cooler doesn't have to be the record-breaker. I'm going to look at this ID Cooling model more closely.

Thanks

 

[BonzaiDuck]

For what you're using the system for there's no need to spend on a hefty cooler.

SE-226-XT Black CPU Cooler LGA1700

Amazon.com

This is what I'm using on a 12700K and under 100% load testing keeps it under 70C. For $50 it stands up well compared to other coolers just fine. For average loads it sits around 25-30C using a graphite pad and dual fans. I swapped the fan to a pair of Arctic p12 pwm/pst for push/pull performance and redundancy.

Check this out:

TweakTown SE-226-XT comparison review

Tweaktown and Bit-Tech are among review sources I would always find. Note that the SE-226-XT is just a couple notches behind the NH-D15. Also, there is a TR Macho Revision C -- not the same as my own Macho models -- which underperforms in comparison.

But the PRICE?! That's about $30 less than I've paid for an LG Macho. It appears to come with a screwdriver, and has the same hole through the fins for securing the other screw, similar to the Macho units.

This is likely to be "THE ONE". I should still be able to install the TR Macho accordion duct to the rear exhaust fan.

I need to get the exact height dimensions. Everything they say about the cooler in regard to clearance of RAM and other aspects is the same as one would find for the Macho when the latter was available.

We'll see what the TR tech-support guys say about their impossible-to-locate LGA1700 adapter kit.

 

[igor_kavinski]

I have this: https://www.anandtech.com/show/17608/the-iceberg-thermal-icesleet-g6-stealth-review

Would not recommend coz it's a pain to install.

But it IS huge.

 

[Tech Junky]

clearance of RAM

No issues with the notch out on the 226. The only thing that threw ne was the screw access needs a 6" driver to go through to hit the screw head. Others just put the screws in the cutout section in the center.

I look at the design more than reviews. Count the pipes and make sure it handles at least dual fans. Of course case clearance comes into play sometimes with smaller cases but, usually not a worry with m/ATX sizes.

Seeing as the ADL K hits 125W under 100% load as does the 13700K it should suffice for thermals.

Compare Products

Compare Products

www.intel.com

Since the turbo is bursty and not sustained it doesn't make much of a difference in the TDP..

Looking at them side by side though also means spending more on the CPU / MOBO for an extra 4 E cores vs sticking with ADL. The next leap worth paying up for will be 3nm Arrow Lake in a couple of years. Otherwise RPL is a 50% premium for no real advancement in tech.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/ZbddnQ,Mm6p99/ - $115 for the CPU
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/RPYmP6,y9bTwP/ - $90 for the mobo
+ DDR5 tax

$200+ that could be put towards something else.

 

[TheELF]

Seeing as the ADL K hits 125W under 100% load as does the 13700K it should suffice for thermals.

That's not what this is, both 12th and 13th gen can run at max turbo power 24/7
125W is basically intel's eco mode, they tell you the minimum clocks you can expect at high load at that power level.

Most mobos will not only run the 13700k at the max turbo power but they will go far beyond that up to 300+ w without even asking.
The good thing is that the CPUs are good enough to adjust themselves and cheap cooling will still keep your CPU safe and the clock difference between lowest and highest end cooling aren't even large.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I had been looking at the Alder Lake processor and motherboards last year, as I contemplated building a new system. I think in my mind I had the idea to order parts five months ago.

Then I considered buying an OEM system for the first time in just under 30 years. But I'm a sucker for tinkering: resolving my server and media center problem has prompted me to resurrect the former and merge it with the HTPC. Playing with the hardware left me leaning toward building my next workstation system.

So I'm creating a parts list and budget. Just now, the ThermalRight folks responded in e-mail, confirming my understanding of an LGA1700-A1 adapter kit for the Le Grand Macho coolers. In order to get it, I had to send an e-mail to FrozenCPU.

If the ID-Cooling item doesn't ship with a magnetic screwdriver, I have two that should do the trick. But I may not need to order one.

I really appreciate the feedback I've had for posting this thread, and thanks again, everyone.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I have this: https://www.anandtech.com/show/17608/the-iceberg-thermal-icesleet-g6-stealth-review

Would not recommend coz it's a pain to install.

But it IS huge.

Anyway, they're all often a bitch to install. I was able to get the LGM RT installed last spring, before I had my eye surgery. I was about ready to stab the cooler with the screwdriver that came with it.

That's another reason I'd been considering a Dell XPS, Precision or Optiplex model. What I did six years ago is harder to do now. But playing around with my current and favorite workstation, I'm reminded what I can do that Dell won't likely make easy if I want to expand.

 

[igor_kavinski]

I was about ready to stab the cooler with the screwdriver that came with it.

Wow. So I wasn't the only one

 

[Tech Junky]

125W is basically intel's eco mode, they tell you the minimum clocks you can expect at high load at that power level.

Maybe the case for Windows but in Linux I was watching the power meter while load testing and that was the max.