CPU cooler decision

hi,

A friend decided to buy a CPU cooler for his PC and ask me for my opinion.

After researching a bit, I've found 2 coolers that should fit his needs.

Noctua NH-C14 and Cooler Master Seidon 120V Plus

The noctua will be using its default fans while the seidon will be running 2 Jetflo in a push/pull configuration.

So, I've decided to leave it to the experts before deciding =P

Thanks in advance

Depends, will he be overclocking his cpu? If not, a cooler master hyper 212+ will be more than enough and is relativity cheap. No reason to spend a bunch of money if you don't need to.

Both are good, I currently own the C14, it's excellent but huge, if you want something easier to remove and clean I'd go with water cooling.

@Nick3306 well he won't be overclocking but the hyper 212+ is just too big for his case which has a limit for cpu cooler with height of 155mm.

@PredatorRules Is there enough RAM clearance for the primary memory?

Also, there's some kind of "blue fin" on his mobo to the left of the CPU, so I'm wondering if that will prevent installation (checked in comparability page in Noctua, claims will fit) as i'm pretty sure that's unmovable whereas a RAM can still switch slot.

Thanks again

I'm using G. skill SNIPER so in my case it's good, not sure if you could install Trident X or Vengence (it's basically 12mm more but I'll check it out later today and let you know)

CM Seidon 120V is a great cooler at a really good price, he should go for it.

One quick question though,

Say i buy an extremely good CPU cooler (H100, NH-D14, etc), if i don't overclock my CPU will i eventually end up with temperatures equal ambiance or somewhere around there (1 or 2 degrees off)?

Nope, coolers cant reduce temps below ambience (except LN).

@GTR12: I know that, what i meant was whether it could reduce it to =ambiance or just a few degrees higher than ambiance if i run it on standard clock.

@kinghunter74:

Maybe at idle if your lucky, but your more likely to see +5-10c above ambience at idle. At full load, just forget it, coolers are good but not that good.

@GTR12: In other words, the improvement in temperature between lower end heat sink like a Hyper 103 and a H100 is just going is just going to be a few temperature?

Sorry for the constant pestering =P

Air over lcs every time. I recently got a Cryorig R1 Universal...it's the most awesome cooler I've ever seen. Noctua performance/quality, with great looks. It also fits with ANY ram (the universal does...their Ultimate doesn't...) because the universal's front fan is slim. It also comes with clips for a 3rd fan. I have it with 3 fans, and temps are what the best lcs can do, while having universal capability (memory clearence) and not having a pump or liquid in my machine. Noise profile is great too.

Anyways...air...do it. If you are going liquid, do a proper loop.

Personally I use the Zalman CNPS 9900 MAX, it doesn't hang over ram slots like a lot of coolers, and isn't ugly as sin like the Noctua coolers (imo).

I still feel that if you aren't going to do any overclocking, a high end cpu cooler is just a big waste of money.

No, because even if you don't OC your CPU it'll be set on turbo when needed which will result in somewhat temporary OC.

@Nick3306: he might overclock in the future or he might not, he's not sure yet.

And since he ask me to future proof his build and to get as far away from liquid cooler as possible (goodbye Seidon D= ), i thought i might as well go with Noctua and its 6 year warranty so he'll be pretty much set for the next 6 years.

The simple answer is yes, the long answer is yes, but...

Those few degrees is the difference between having a hot CPU and a warm CPU.

OK, thanks for all the help.

After reading this and other reviews, my friend decided to get the C14

Last question for @PredatorRules, I've read in several review of the C14 that Noctua will give an extra metal bar to better hold the lower fan for free if i e-mail them, is this true?

Not sure if they have incorporated the bar into the box yet.

They've got great customer support, that's for sure.

Not sure why you need exta metal bar, I didn't had any issues with it.

If you move into a brand new socket that isn't supported they will send you a new bracket/mounting - quote from their site:

"We provide mounting upgrades for Noctua CPU coolers free of charge, so if you would like to continue using your Noctua cooler on a new socket, we will send you a new mounting kit at no additional cost. For ordering our mounting kits, a proof of purchase (photo, scan or screenshot of the invoice) of both a Noctua CPU cooler and hardware components corresponding to the specific kit are required."

I personally have a local store that sells NM-i115x SecuFirm2™ Mounting-Kit - that supports older sockets.

Sane store sells Scythe Fan Clips but those are for Scythe CPU coolers only.

You should be worried free, because as I told you I didn't had any issues with that - all the parts that you'll need are included with their great thermal paste

haha, guess I'm just being a little paranoid then.

Anyway, thanks again