Recommended Cooling Unit
 

Hi all,

I found a relatively cheap computer online the other day which has a AMD A8-7650K Radeon R7, 10 Compute Cores 4C+6G processor unit, 8gig RAM, 1TB hard drive and a decent size case for under £270. It's not exactly a super computer but it's better than the computer I had for general use and it handles LL tests relatively well.

The only issue is the noise - unsurprisingly the fan is not terribly efficient and it's always working overtime. Does anyone have an recommendations for quiet but efficient (and relatively inexpensive) CPU cooling systems which would fit my CPU?

Thanks,

Luke

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is a popular choice in the mid price range. Personally, I like Noctua products.

The CM Hyper 212 fan dies after a year though (happened in 3 out of 4 I've bought). You also have to make sure the case can fit such a tall cooler. If you're willing to replace the fan at some point, it's still a good option.



I've been very happy with the Arctic Freezer i11. It's very quiet and effective. It's not compatible with AM2 sockets though. Its replacement, the Freezer 12, works with AM4, but it won't help here.

I like this website as a starting point for finding compatible hardware for my computers:

[URL="https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/"]https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/[/URL]

Hope it helps.

[QUOTE=Mark Rose;477597]The CM Hyper 212 fan dies after a year though (happened in 3 out of 4 I've bought). You also have to make sure the case can fit such a tall cooler. If you're willing to replace the fan at some point, it's still a good option.



I've been very happy with the Arctic Freezer i11. It's very quiet and effective. It's not compatible with AM2 sockets though. Its replacement, the Freezer 12, works with AM4, but it won't help here.[/QUOTE]

I was looking at some Arctic Freezer models on Partpicker. Are they a reliable brand on the whole or should I do some research into individual models that fit my CPU?

[QUOTE=lukerichards;477604]I was looking at some Arctic Freezer models on Partpicker. Are they a reliable brand on the whole or should I do some research into individual models that fit my CPU?[/QUOTE]

Arctic is excellent brand. Noctua is another one.

If you looking at the filtering options on PC Part Picker, you can limit to your socket, which is FM2+.

What you are looking for is a cooler that significantly exceeds the wattage of your CPU, which is 95 watts. I would look for something rated for at least 125 watts so it is likely to operate at less than full load, meaning it will be quieter.

I would also look for a Fluid Dynamic bearing type. They are long lasting and quiet.

[QUOTE=Mark Rose;477606]Arctic is excellent brand. Noctua is another one.

If you looking at the filtering options on PC Part Picker, you can limit to your socket, which is FM2+.

What you are looking for is a cooler that significantly exceeds the wattage of your CPU, which is 95 watts. I would look for something rated for at least 125 watts so it is likely to operate at less than full load, meaning it will be quieter.

I would also look for a Fluid Dynamic bearing type. They are long lasting and quiet.[/QUOTE]

Thank you! These are all brilliantly useful pointers for someone who doesn't know a huge amount about PC hardware.

be quiet! is another good brand, fyi.

Cooler Master is mid-range.

I agree
 

[QUOTE=Mark Rose;477606]Arctic is excellent brand. Noctua is another one.

be quiet! is another good brand, fyi.[/QUOTE]

Enthusiastic upvote for [I]Noctua[/I]! I've used their CPU coolers/fans for years with excellent results.

For my current build I'm using [I]be quiet![/I] fans (several came with the [I]be quiet![/I] case). I'm attempting a water cooled system, so I won't be able to speak for [I]be quiet![/I] CPU coolers.


[QUOTE=Mark Rose;477606]I would also look for a Fluid Dynamic bearing type. They are long lasting and quiet.[/QUOTE]

I'd also suggest fluid dynamic bearings - dependable and long lasting.

[QUOTE=Mark Rose;477606]Arctic is excellent brand. Noctua is another one.[/QUOTE]

[url]https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/VRPfrH/arctic-cooling-cpu-cooler-freezer7prorev2[/url]

This seems ridiculously cheap given the reviews. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Cheap and cheerful. They are good if you keep them clean, which is easy to do by unclipping the fan(s) :smile: