Opinion on CPU Cooler

[BreadCrumbs]

Hi there,

I currently run a i7-3820 with Noctua's NH-L12 CPU cooler. This cooler was recycled from my last computer build. According to Noctua's specs the NH-L12 is underrated for the CPU that I have. After I installed it, I watched the temps carefully. At idle is is about 35-40 C. At full load it reaches 77 C. Obviously not overclocked, and never will be.

What is the forums opinion on this? It is worth the upgrade to a more appropriate cooler?

Thanks

 

[DrMrLordX]

Probably not a big problem. Would you expect any better from the stock cooler?

 

[2is]

If you have no plans to OC then there's nothing to worry about. You're still well within acceptable temperature range.

 

[bononos]

Hi there,

I currently run a i7-3820 with Noctua's NH-L12 CPU cooler. This cooler was recycled from my last computer build. According to Noctua's specs the NH-L12 is underrated for the CPU that I have. After I installed it, I watched the temps carefully. At idle is is about 35-40 C. At full load it reaches 77 C. Obviously not overclocked, and never will be.

What is the forums opinion on this? It is worth the upgrade to a more appropriate cooler?

Thanks

I would find a more appropriate cooler if you're pc is going to be heavily loaded for at least some part of every day. Its not just the cpu which is being stressed, its the whole case and surrounding components getting extra heat.

 

[bononos]

Probably not a big problem. Would you expect any better from the stock cooler?

The enthusiast range does not come with heatsinks.

 

[CrystalBay]

IMO you'll probably be ok, maybe re seat the cooler. Blowout your case of all dust,add a case fan .

 

[DrMrLordX]

The enthusiast range does not come with heatsinks.

Fair enough.

Would he expect any better from a stock heatsink designed for a 130W TDP Sandy Bridge-E? I wouldn't. But that's just one person's opinion.

 

[Headfoot]

Obviously not overclocked, and never will be.

It's not obvious whatsoever that you CPU is not overclocked.

77c is probably an acceptable temperature for Sandy Bridge. Too much more will be going over. I personally would replace the cooler with something higher power solely because that way if I get a particularly heavy CPU load or my cooler gets some gunk in it in-between cleanings, then I have some wiggle room.

Plus I'm always able to find uses for spare aftermarket coolers

 

[AtenRa]

I would find a more appropriate cooler if you're pc is going to be heavily loaded for at least some part of every day. Its not just the cpu which is being stressed, its the whole case and surrounding components getting extra heat.

Why they get extra heat ??

 

[DominionSeraph]

Its not just the cpu which is being stressed, its the whole case and surrounding components getting extra heat.

An air CPU cooler exhausts heat to the case. A less efficient cooler just requires a greater temperature delta either across the cooler or from cooler to air to dissipate the same heat, but, except for the slight increase in power consumption due to higher operating temperature, you're not adding additional heat to the case.

Temperature != power or heat.

 

[bononos]

An air CPU cooler exhausts heat to the case. A less efficient cooler just requires a greater temperature delta either across the cooler or from cooler to air to dissipate the same heat, but, except for the slight increase in power consumption due to higher operating temperature, you're not adding additional heat to the case.

Temperature != power or heat.

You're right. The only difference is the extra power needed because of the higher temps like you said.

 

[TakBaseTech]

Is noise a concern? A better heatsink will generally allow you to run it's fan at lower RPMs, allowing you to stay cooler AND quieter.