Please recommend a quiet low profile CPU cooler to replace Intel stock one.

[Roy2001]

I have a small ITX case with i5-3570k as Hackintosh. I am using Intel stock heatsink/fan due to tight spacing inside the Antec ITX case. I put the case next to the monitor and the CPU fan is fairly loud even when I browse internet.

I searched "low profile" and could not find any discussion. Can you recommend a quite and inexpensive CPU cooler no bigger than Intel stock one? Thanks in advance.

 

[SithSolo1]

The Noctua NH-L9i and NH-L9x65 come to mind but they aren't exactly inexpensive.

 

[Roy2001]

The Noctua NH-L9i and NH-L9x65 come to mind but they aren't exactly inexpensive.

Thanks. $50 is OK. I read the review and guess I need to open the case to measure the space available.

 

[billbillw]

Some of this is kinda dated, but it breaks them down into heights.
http://www.frostytech.com/top5_lowprofile_heatsinks.cfm
I have used the Scythe Shuriken. Its pretty quiet overall and keeps my Shuttle XPC temps around 35 (core 2 quad).

I wouldn't expect to overclock and keep it quiet unless you get some type of liquid AIO that will fit in your little case.

 

[SithSolo1]

Thanks. $50 is OK. I read the review and guess I need to open the case to measure the space available.

Which antec case is it? Sometimes they list max CPU cooler height in the specs or manual.

 

[Roy2001]

Which antec case is it? Sometimes they list max CPU cooler height in the specs or manual.

My case is Antec ISK 110 VESA. I think it would also related to MB. I need to measure it. Thanks.

 

[SithSolo1]

It's 53mm max, so only the L9i will fit. The CPU height should be the same across all motherboards on the same socket, it's the free space and height of parts outside the socket area that change.