Low profile cooler

[CuriousMike]

I currently have a Noctua NH-L9i, which is supposed to be "very good."

Under normal loads, it seems to work OK in my mini case.

However, running Premiere Elements, my 9600k (stock) is frequently banging into 99'C.

So, I'm looking for another option to keep it cooler.

I'm limited on vertical space due to the nature of my case, but I do have a fair amount of room.

Ideas?

The Noctua NH-L9x65 looks beefier, but will it make enough of a difference?

I've attached a photo of the setup as is... a 140 in the front and a 120 in the back of the case make up the only fans in the case (the 580 blocking the left side of the case.)

 

[ClockHound]

Looks like you have reasonable front-to-back airflow. But that little pancake cooler is messing it up. The NH-L9x65 would be a modest improvement. Still not the best choice for a 9600k which exceeds its 105W 'TDP' at stock clocks under load.

However, from the image, it appears there's enough space to use a small tower cooler, which would improve temps more by taking advantage of the front-to-back airflow.

If there's 160mm clearance for a tower cooler, you have many choices, such as the new BQ Dark Rock Slim. Or the Noctua U12A or U12S. Or Scythe Fuma 2.

At 150mm height clearance the Thermalright Macho 120 is a great low cost, excellent cooling option. The Scythe Fuma V1 is another option at 149mm high.

If you're set on the low ground, then the Noctua C14S or Cryorig C1 would be my choices for a decent, if pricey low profile upgrade.

 

[CuriousMike]

Thanks for those suggestions - it looks like the Corsair 380T has exactly 150mm of clearance, so that means the Macho 120 seems to be my choice... assuming a 150mm cooler will fit with 150mm of clearance.

 

[ClockHound]

150mm is the Corsair max cooler height spec. It will fit. Unless... they're using an inflationary metric system...

Amazon has the Scythe Fuma Rev B which is 149mm if you don't trust Corsair's rulers.

 

[CuriousMike]

I just ordered the Macho - it seemed like a good choice and I'll update this thread with the results.
Thanks again for your suggestions

 

[CuriousMike]

As a follow-up, got the Macho installed.
It's actually a pretty nicely constructed and packaged unit - kudo to Thermalright.

It does fit - it was very tight maneuvering it inside the case, and I had to slide it in from only one side. (The other side of the case had a tab that made it impossible to slide in.) Once slid inside the case, there is definitely enough clearance.

Temps have come way down as well... way way down... from banging into 99' to a max of 73'.

 

[ClockHound]

That's great news! 26 degree drop in temps for under $50 (was <$50, wasn't it?) is a phenomenal value cooling upgrade.

Appears the little macho fits easily - with at least a couple microns to spare.

Thanks for the update.

 

[CuriousMike]

Yeah, the Macho was $44 - and it was a dramatic improvement.

Thanks again.