Need recommendation for i7 CPU cooler

[madoka]

I'm finding that the stock cooler sucks. It idles around 52 degrees and shoots up quickly from there. I suspect it is resulting in some system instability even though I do not overclock. I want a new cooler, but I do not want to take apart my whole case to install a back plate. Is there a recommendation for a better cooler that I can use as a drop in replacement without having to install a backplate?

 

[ScorcherDarkly]

The only coolers that don't require a backplate are ones that use a pushpin installation similar to the stock intel HSF. Using the backplate lets you screw the HSF down fro better contact and lower temps. Basically anything you can find that has a pushpin installation will be better than the stock sink, but you'd be much better off using a backplate.

 

[ss284]

http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...ore_i7_CPU_Cooler.html

You can check the reviews, its pretty much a thermalright ultra 120, which is perfectly adequate for even a modest overclock on an I7. It also uses push pins, so install is relatively easy.

 

[RussianSensation]

You should keep in mind if the cooler for Core i7 does not have a backplate, it is 90% likely that it is not very good at all.

Cooler Master 212 is a great value for <$30 (but it has a backplate).