New i7 HSF...

[Supersonic64]

Hey guys, I get my i7 920 tomorrow and want to hit 4GHz. I'm not sure if my S-1283 is up to the task even though I have a bolt-through kit for it.

So, I was thinking of making a quick run down to CompUSA and maybe picking up an H-50, TRUE, or NH-U12 for better cooling performance.

Any opinions/suggestions?

 

[Burner27]

I would read reviews that are out there of each and compare(Google is your friend). Also take into account how much you want to spend which will also determine which one you ultimately get.

 

[nyker96]

do they have promeg? that would be 1st choice if money isn't too much problem. out of the three you mentioned I like NH U12 for its good performance and very quiet signature.

 

[Supersonic64]

I have searched for reviews, the problem is that reviews, even for the same cooler sometimes seem to differ tremendously from site to site.

Any of these would function better than the S-1283 correct?

 

[Henry Chinaski]

I highly recommend you to go for the NOCTUA NH-D14. It's expensive but performs extremely well and very quietly.

Here you have some reviews:

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/noctua_nh-d14_review/1
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/noctua_nhd14/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/noctua-nh-d14-review/

The PROLIMATECH MEGAHALEMS would be an alternative:

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cases_cooling/prolimatech_megahalem_review/1
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/868
http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=771

 

[MisterDonut]

ProMeg or VenX are your best choices here. NH-D14 is too big for my tastes. Two of my friends run their i7-920 over 4.0ghz using a TRUE. It'll do the trick, but it's a little bit outdated.

 

[manimal]

Ven X is on sale with free shipping with coupon code at ewiz. I got one with the am2 bracket for 55 shipped.

 

[RussianSensation]

Get the True for $48 with fan included: http://www.svc.com/u120e-rt-775.html

TRUE is almost the same performance as the Mega or the Ven X. You are looking at 2-3*C difference at most.

Other good ones are Scythe Mugen 2, Ven X, Megahalems, Cogage Arrow, Thermolab Baram, etc.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/core-i7-coolers-roundup_18.html#sect0

http://www.legionhardware.com/articles_pages/thermolab_baram_2010,5.html

 

[DrMrLordX]

The Cogage Arrow is an economical alternative to the nh-d14 that performs very well. I'd rate them as neck-and-neck for being consistently "the best" HSFs on the market.

You won't be disappointed with the venomous X or Megahalems either.

Just be sure to read up on all of the above coolers to understand their potential quirks! The nh-d14 has memory clearance and board compatibility issues.

 

[ExcaliburMM]

I have a Thermolab BARAM on top of my 920 @ 4Ghz and it keeps it more than cool enough. Then again I have an 80CFM 120mm strapped onto it, so it isn't exactly quiet, not that that's one of my priorities.

The BARAM is great, but the Arrow and Mugen 2 are other economical choices that I'd also recommend. I have many friends using the Mugen 2 and none are disappointed.

 

[Supersonic64]

Well I wasn't able to get any of the recommend heatsinks at the store so I'm using my S-1283 until I can order a better one.

Does idling around 37-38c sound about normal for i7 stock speeds and settings?

 

[ExcaliburMM]

Depends on what your ambient temps are. I idle around 32c when at 4Ghz but that is due to my low ambient of 50-60F