Need Help Choosing A Low Profile Aftermarket Heatsink : )

[ttechf]

Hey,

I need help choosing the best low profile aftermarket heatsink I can get.


I've seen so many but I need your thoughts and views. I've searched about 10 different websites. I've seen about 25 of them or so. I've read some reviews but some people say its great, some others don't, and such.


My clearance level is 3.9 inches - 100mm.

I will be getting a Micro ATX case.

The processor I will be getting is either a i5-3570K or i7-3770K. I don't need a monster overclock but something like 4Ghz - 4.3Ghz would be nice. : )

Here is the motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157294

Note - maybe perhaps something where the heat pipes are in direct contact with the processor as this creates better efficiency at moving & removing the heat.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. : )

 

[ttechf]

Anyone? : (


This seems really nice. From what I can tell, it can have both fans, the heatpipes and still be about 93mm to fit my case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608025

 

[Zap]

What case are you using?

For many, the "go to" low profile heatsink is the Scythe Big Shuriken 2 (now in Rev.B flavor). Limitations are that it still doesn't fit some cases, plus it may not fit some mini ITX motherboards without covering up the single slot.

For something even smaller, Scythe Kozuti.

 

[dma0991]

Noctua or Scythe. Not only should you mind the height, the width and length of the cooler can be a problem with other components on the motherboard as well. If your mATX case has a 120mm opening, get a AIO watercooling unit instead.

 

[ttechf]

What case are you using?

For many, the "go to" low profile heatsink is the Scythe Big Shuriken 2 (now in Rev.B flavor). Limitations are that it still doesn't fit some cases, plus it may not fit some mini ITX motherboards without covering up the single slot.

For something even smaller, Scythe Kozuti.

Here is my case - http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...=product_info&cPath=103_114&products_id=21538

Here is the motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157294

Thanks. : )

 

[ttechf]

Noctua or Scythe. Not only should you mind the height, the width and length of the cooler can be a problem with other components on the motherboard as well. If your mATX case has a 120mm opening, get a AIO watercooling unit instead.

Hey, well my max height I have to work with is 3.9 inches or 100mm. Do they have a water cooling unit that size?


Thanks : )

 

[dma0991]

Hey, well my max height I have to work with is 3.9 inches or 100mm. Do they have a water cooling unit that size?


Thanks : )

Yes, I'm well aware of the height constraint. Most of the air coolers I've listed should fit just fine but without proper case airflow, having the best air cooler with height constraint isn't going to do much in a cramped case. You can overclock but you'll have to either tolerate higher temps or lower achievable frequency.

Height isn't an issue with an AIO watercooling unit. What is an issue is whether your case has a 120mm size slot where you could mount the radiator, looking at the case you've linked above, you can't mount it unless you have the 120mm fan hole I've mentioned.

 

[ttechf]

Yes, I'm well aware of the height constraint. Most of the air coolers I've listed should fit just fine but without proper case airflow, having the best air cooler with height constraint isn't going to do much in a cramped case. You can overclock but you'll have to either tolerate higher temps or lower achievable frequency.

Height isn't an issue with an AIO watercooling unit. What is an issue is whether your case has a 120mm size slot where you could mount the radiator, looking at the case you've linked above, you can't mount it unless you have the 120mm fan hole I've mentioned.

Well you linked me to that noctua which is 105mm. So just off where it wouldn't fit. Hmmm. Nothing I can do to "manipulate" a spot for the AIO watercooling unit / radiator on that case. Nothing else I can do? Also, I found this a while ago. It seems like a pretty decent cooling unit.

- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835608025
- That one is 93 mm WITH BOTH fans on it. Would just barely fit. Might be the best one with dual fan cooling and heatpipes I'm going to get.

Also, the Scythe you linked me to - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185097

What one would be better for me because I have a feeling it's probably going to be between these two. One is only $34 and the other like $70. Is it worth the extra $35 for the Noctua or no?


Thanks for all your help. : )

 

[dma0991]

Thanks for all your help. : )

If you would take a ruler and measure the height clearance yourself, it'll probably fit the 105mm height. A tight fit but I'm sure it is possible with a small 5mm difference. If you're not keen on doing the extra work or just want to play safe, either the Noctua you've listed or Scythe should work but don't expect too much out of either. They were made with height clearance issues in mind, not the highest overclocking performance you can get.

 

[ttechf]

If you would take a ruler and measure the height clearance yourself, it'll probably fit the 105mm height. A tight fit but I'm sure it is possible with a small 5mm difference. If you're not keen on doing the extra work or just want to play safe, either the Noctua you've listed or Scythe should work but don't expect too much out of either. They were made with height clearance issues in mind, not the highest overclocking performance you can get.

I would do that but I don't have the case yet, lol. I am planning ahead as best as I can. I guess I can't do that?

But anyway I can manipulate the case if you will to put an all in one water cooler in it?

I found this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233011

Seems to be only around 85mm in height or so.


Thanks. : )

 

[dma0991]

I would do that but I don't have the case yet, lol. I am planning ahead as best as I can. I guess I can't do that?

But anyway I can manipulate the case if you will to put an all in one water cooler in it?

I found this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233011

Seems to be only around 85mm in height or so.


Thanks. : )

There is no way of manipulating it unless you're willing to find a space big enough to mod a large hole in your case. Kinda reminds me of those who made a porthole in their Silverstone SG03B to fit a 120mm AIO watercooling kit inside the case.

That Xigmatek heatsink is lousy. Even top of the range AIO like Corsair is only on par with the best air coolers, this unit won't even stand a chance. Plus, it doesn't support LGA1155.

 

[ttechf]

There is no way of manipulating it unless you're willing to find a space big enough to mod a large hole in your case. Kinda reminds me of those who made a porthole in their Silverstone SG03B to fit a 120mm AIO watercooling kit inside the case.

That Xigmatek heatsink is lousy. Even top of the range AIO like Corsair is only on par with the best air coolers, this unit won't even stand a chance. Plus, it doesn't support LGA1155.

Ahhh I see. Thanks for that information. Hmm, well it will be between those 2 noctuas and that scythe I suppose when I get the case. I think those are my only options for now, lol.

Unless theres a better case out there that isn't plain jane. I like the cube cases. And I want to stick with a Mini ATX.

 

[Kenmitch]

Unless theres a better case out there that isn't plain jane. I like the cube cases. And I want to stick with a Mini ATX.

Cube style cases are kind of a trade off between looks, cooling options, and bling. I doubt there is a perfect one out there. It's just a matter of how much bling vs cooling vs looks a person is happy with.

Looking at the egg there isn't a whole lotta options available. Most likely if you factor in all the above then this one is most likely the best option. If you compare the dimensions they are very similar. The Lian Li is just a tad larger but the layout inside is most likely the best in it's class.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=546&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63&g=f

It is kinda pricey tho but a case is kinda an investment as it can be used for many years as long as one doesn't beat it all up and sticks to the same size or compatable motherboard.

Max cpu cooler height is 125mm which gets you more room to play around with.

 

[ttechf]

Cube style cases are kind of a trade off between looks, cooling options, and bling. I doubt there is a perfect one out there. It's just a matter of how much bling vs cooling vs looks a person is happy with.

Looking at the egg there isn't a whole lotta options available. Most likely if you factor in all the above then this one is most likely the best option. If you compare the dimensions they are very similar. The Lian Li is just a tad larger but the layout inside is most likely the best in it's class.

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=546&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63&g=f

It is kinda pricey tho but a case is kinda an investment as it can be used for many years as long as one doesn't beat it all up and sticks to the same size or compatable motherboard.

Max cpu cooler height is 125mm which gets you more room to play around with.

Hey, yeah, they are pretty plain though. I think I can make my 100mm height work. There's about 3 or 4 heatsinks in mind that will work okay. I'm not expecting to do a killer overclock anyhow, just take advantage over stock speeds.

Also, thermaltake is closed right now, but they sell all in one water cooling kits on their webpage and there is this one that is very small and compact and I want to ask them if there's anyway I can fit it into that case somehow without screwing the case up. I'm sure there's gotta be a way.

: )

 

[Meghan54]

Have you considered this Zalman?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118098


I used it inside my father-in-law's computer I built for him using a Silverstone SG02 on an i5 750. It did fit.

 

[ttechf]

Have you considered this Zalman?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118098


I used it inside my father-in-law's computer I built for him using a Silverstone SG02 on an i5 750. It did fit.

It actually looks pretty decent. Thank you for the suggestion! : )