HR Forums

Hi

I haven't built a computer for a few years so have been reading a lot to get up to speed. I'm not sure about CPU cooling though. I am wanting to build the system below and wonder if the cooling that comes with the i7 2700k is sufficient or if it's best to get a different CPU cooling solution?

Any feedback or suggestions greatly appreciated!

i7 2700k
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600MHz 1.5v
Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB
Crucial m4 256GB SSD
NZXT HALE90-750-M 750W Modular 80 PLUS Gold
Rosewill BLACKHAWK-ULTRA 3×230mm 5x140mm

The cooling that comes with the i7 2700K is fine if you don't want to clock, but I don't know why you're getting an unlocked CPU if you won't overclock. It's best to get an aftermarket solution. If you're looking for moderate overclocks, go with the CM Hyper 212+. If you're looking for large ones (>4.5GHz), I'd recommend the Corsair A70. If you're also looking for very low noise, I'd go with the Thermalright Silver Arrow, which is one of the best coolers, provided you're willing to shell out the money for it.

The weird thing about the Thermalright Silver Arrow is that it's never sold from the same place. Newegg doesn't carry it, and Amazon has it but it's always from different 3rd party vendors. (i.e. the one it's selling from now is different than the one I bought it from).

I once saw it a tad cheaper on some random computer store site but felt uncomfortable buying it there.

Thanks for your replies!

I think the point is well made that it's a bit silly to buy high end parts then skimp on one aspect defeating the purpose of getting the unlocked CPU.

I appreciate the advice on the Thermalright option. Quieter is always better! It's weird about the sellers always changing. I'll shop around.

Thanks again for your advice!

Thermalright seems to have very poor distribution in North America, well, the U.S. at least.

Alternatively, the Phanteks PH-TC14 offers nearly as good cooling performance/low noise abilities, while being available on Newegg and Amazon, in various colors.

Thanks!

I'll check out the Phanteks one too.