LP Heatsink Suggestions

[akashi]

I recently built a new system with the following components:

ASUS H97I-PLUS
Intel 4790 (non-k)
16GB Crucial Ballistix Sports LP 1600MHz
Fractal Node 304
Fractal Integra R2 500W

I purchased a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO heatsink as I don't link stock coolers. Although the heatsink fitted inside the case, the hard drive SATA cables are too close to the heatink fan and the case is very cramped!

Temperature at full load went up to 64'c with the EVO 212 compared to 80'c with stock cooler.

I wanted to get something sufficient and small and was looking at these:

Noctua NH-L9i Low Profile CPU Cooler
Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev.B Low Profile CPU Cooler

Both of these are similar priced and wanted feedback from this community about which one to purchase for performance.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aigomorla]

i dont think either of those sinks will do a better job then the EVO.

You may need to go AIO if u want something low profile...

 

[akashi]

Thank you for your input.

I am aware the 2 I have selected will not perform better than the EVO 212. I am willing to downgrade on performance from the EVO 212 as it is taking up too much space.

Right now I am looking for something that is LP and better than the stock cooler.

Since the Noctua NH-L9i and Scythe Big Shuriken 2 Rev.B are very similar in price, which will be a better buy?

i dont think either of those sinks will do a better job then the EVO.

You may need to go AIO if u want something low profile...

 

[Essence_of_War]

I'd go with the big shuriken, or if you wanted to spend a bit more money, the Noctua NH-L12. I wouldn't bother with the NH-L9 unless you're sure that both the shuriken and the L12 will block your pci-e slot or your tall ram heatspreaders.

Take a quick look at this chart:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1317-page5.html

Basically, at close-to-equal sound levels, the big shuriken and the NH-L12 leave the NH-L9 a ways behind.

As aigomorla pointed out, if you have the budget, an AIO might be an excellent choice here. The Node 304 can accept a 140mm exhaust, and 140mm AIOs stack up quite well against low-profile CPU coolers, and you won't have to worry about clearance issues.

 

[akashi]

Many thanks for suggesting the AIO option. I like the idea of having one but they cost a lot more than air coolers.

I really liked the size of the NH-L9i but fear its performance will be similar to the stock cooler. The NH-L12 will be too big for the small case I have.

I am considering purchasing the H80i. I know it is an overkill for a non OC chip but I can reuse it in the future.

 

[akashi]

Just an update to say I have ordered a Corsair H80i and look forward to freeing up some room inside the case.

Thanks to you both for your suggestions.

 

[Essence_of_War]

Nifty, let us know how it works out!