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Quiet CPU Cooler

halw

Senior member
Looking for a reasonably priced, < $60, cpu cooler for new build using i5-3570k cpu.

Options are mind boggling, so I need some expert advice.

TIA.
 
Hyper 212+, goes on sale for around $20, well worth it. Has a PWM fan so you can change the fan profile to be quieter. You could also replace the stock fan with a silent fan.

Or just stick to stock cooler if you're not going to overclock. Use speedfan to change the profile to be quiet.
 
Hyper 212+ is probably best for the money. Still, at max 2000 rpm it's not really quiet. Not that there is a real need to run it at that speed, but I think it must be said.

Other options:

Arctic Freezer 13 Pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186047

Arctic Freezer i30: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186047

TR Macho 120: http://www.amazon.com/ThermalRight-M...A3D1M5ET5Z3YT6

Also good, but check dimensions for compatibility:

TR Macho 140: http://www.amazon.com/Macho-HR-02-Su...1721779&amp;sr=1-1

TR True Spirit 140: http://www.amazon.com/True-Spirit-14...A3D1M5ET5Z3YT6
 
REALLY quiet? Like, 1-2 case fans running slow, and no CPU fan, quiet? A TR Macho, with Scythe closing USA operations.

Not heavy and huge? Hyper212+ is a really good value, especially with a replacement quiet fan (but, try the stock one...chances are if you want to replace the fan, you'll want to replace your case fans, too, and doing so with the same model will result in less perceived noise, generally).
 
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How's the TR Spirit 120 compare with the Hyper 212+ sizewise? Description of TR says 120 is made specifically for micro atx and mini tower but it should work for a full atx mobo in a mid-tower case i'm assuming.

Looking for not heavy & huge for sure.
 
My vote is definitely for the CM Hyper 212+ or the 212+ EVO.

Both can be had for anywhere between $20-$35 and are fantastic coolers. Fairly easy to install as well and mine is inaudible.
 
I'm using a 212 EVO, with 2 Scythe gentle typhoons in push/pull at 800rpm. Inaudible from 3 feet away (under my desk).
 
How's the TR Spirit 120 compare with the Hyper 212+ sizewise? Description of TR says 120 is made specifically for micro atx and mini tower but it should work for a full atx mobo in a mid-tower case i'm assuming.

Looking for not heavy & huge for sure.

TR claims it's the smallest 120mm fan heatsink available. Despite that it still does better than the 212 Evo in this review: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/coolermaster-hyper-212-evo_5.html#sect1

Notice this is european version of 212 Evo with 1600rpm fan instead of 2000rpm (apparently europeans have better hearing). With 2000rpm cooling results will be closer but 212 will likely be noisier.
 
Just ordered the TR True Spirit 120 from Frozencpu. Same price as the Hyper 212.

Just FYI, there was previously a TR True Spirit 120, which was a very popular cooler. Now TR just lists the new True Spirit 120M, which is made for micro-ATX cases. It sounds like you read about the 120M but may have purchased the 120.

It will still work well, but I thought you should make sure you're getting what you're expecting.

Here's a review of the 120M: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/06/thermalright_true_spirit_120m_cpu_air_cooler_review/

By the way, the Hyper 212 Plus/Evo is definitely not what I'd consider quiet. At the same level of effectiveness, it would be louder than the TR models.
 
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I have a couple of Hyper 212 Plus's
Swap out stock fan for pair scythes and I cant hear them at all.
My PSU's make more noise (Eco520 and Earthwatts 650)
 
Just FYI, there was previously a TR True Spirit 120, which was a very popular cooler. Now TR just lists the new True Spirit 120M, which is made for micro-ATX cases. It sounds like you read about the 120M but may have purchased the 120.

It will still work well, but I thought you should make sure you're getting what you're expecting.

Here's a review of the 120M: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/06/thermalright_true_spirit_120m_cpu_air_cooler_review/

By the way, the Hyper 212 Plus/Evo is definitely not what I'd consider quiet. At the same level of effectiveness, it would be louder than the TR models.

Yes, I thought we were talking about TS 120M as well. But this True Spirit is actually an other older model, based on the original 4 heatpipe TR Ultra 120 and sold under subbrand Cogage.

No problem though, cools better and is still very easy to install.
 
I have a couple of Hyper 212 Plus's
Swap out stock fan for pair scythes and I cant hear them at all.
My PSU's make more noise (Eco520 and Earthwatts 650)

Agreed... 212+ provides excellent cooling for the cost so much so that you can pick up a better fan, and I would also recommend Scythe PWM as well. Use this setup in both of my systems.

I use Scythe DFS122512L-PWM 120mm and they are quiet. Mechanical hard drive makes the most sound in my system now.

Use zip ties to connect the fan if the bracket does not work.
 
Thermalright True Spirit 140 as long as you have the room.

It's the best cooler in the price segment it is in by a long shot.

The TY-140 fan it comes with is just top of the line.

Its basically in the legacy of the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme from the days when core architecture first came out.
 
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