hyper 212+ vs a70 to couple with the i5-2500k and ASUS P8Z68-V PRO

[KamalS]

Right now, I have both that I got at $23 with tax and shipping:

Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus Cooler
CORSAIR CAFA70 120mm Dual-Fan CPU Cooler ($15 MIR)

However much I would like to keep both, perhaps I would be returning the 212+.

Before I do that, some questions:

0. In most reviews, the A70 outperform the 212+, but I don't see Socket 1155 mentioned very clearly on the box + this post kinda breaks my heart:

http://techreport.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=78280#p1092991

I would not get the a70 cooler over the coolermaster 212or 212+,
the a70 has a iffy 1155 mounting system and has8mm heatpipes,plus it's much bigger overall.
The CM 212 has 6 mm heatpipes,comes with a extra fan bracket to do push pull.
Believe it or not the 6mm heatpipes work better then the 8s,
less pipe to heat up so it transfers heat faster from CPU to fins
Plus it will run about 5c cooler then the a70
bigger is not always better,even more so since your cooling a 95watt CPU not a 130 watt CPU.

Is this something to worry about?

1. The CAFA70 has 3 pins.

Don't know if the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO can speed regulate a 3 pin - any idea?

2. It also seems that the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO expects a 4 pin CPU fan in its POST routine (NO idea if they fixed the firmware):

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...o-z68-sandy-bridge-motherboard-review-20.html
Granted, there was a small hiccup where we received a CPU Fan error every time the system booted without a 4-pin fan plugged in but that was the only minor annoyance in an otherwise great experience.

To be honest, in my opinion, the:

Cooler Master Hyper 212 plus Cooler seems to:

- taller (needs more expensive case)
+ more flow
- single fan

CORSAIR CAFA70 120mm Dual-Fan CPU Cooler ($15 MIR)

+ shorter in height (can fit into a cheaper case like Antec 300)
+ double fan
- less flow than the 212+?

CORSAIR CAFA70 120mm Dual-Fan CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181011
159.5 x 124.6 x 129mm

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
120 x 79.7 x 158.5 mm (L x W x H)

3. I am currently using the HAF X, but would like to shift to the Antec 300 - would the 300 be able to fit the CAFA70 in?

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have the same cpu/mobo with an Antec 182 case. I have the Cooler Master 212+. Easy to install and I got mine at Microcenter for around $27.

However, I would probably not buy it again due to the retention bracket does not lock the HSF down completely. It's down snugly against the CPU but hate that I can twist it if I want to, messing-up the thermal paste and contact.

 

[KamalS]

CM Hyper 212 Plus:

RPM 600 - 2000 RPM
Air Flow 21.2 - 76.8 CFM
Noise Level 13 - 32 dBA
Power Connector 4 Pin

and Corsair CAFA70:

RPM 1,600 - 2,000 RPM
Air Flow 50 - 61 CFM
Noise Level 26 - 31.5 dBA
Power Connector 3 Pin

How much of a difference in the airflow between them will affect the cooling? (212+ has a higher CMF)

 

[MadScientist]

I was using a CM Hyper 212+ at full fan speed with 2 fans and switched to a Corsair A70. I usually run the fans at full speed at 2000 rpm. Noise at this speed is about the same for both. I get about 3 -4C better performance at full load with the A70 using the same TIM. The A70 takes less TIM because the spaces between the heat pipes and the base partitions are not as deep.

The A70 fans have 3 pin connectors so no PWM. It does come with 2 inline resistors to drop the rpms to 1600. It will fit on a socket 1155.
If you have both then you know that the A70 is wider than the 212+ and may not work with high profile ram heat sinks. I'm using low profile ram.