Best PC cooler

[Dill508]

Hello, I've been debating on whether to get a new processor cooler for awhile and I think I am now finally gonna give in. My current stock cooler does great with my i7 but now I am looking into overclocking. My question is, what do people recommend for CPU coolers? Air or Water (prefer air) and im look for under 100$.

(I've heard brands like Noctua and Phantec are good)

[n0cturnal]

Noctua NH-D14, Phanteks PH-TC14PE, Thermalright Silver Arrow and Be-Quiet Dark Rock Pro 2 are pretty the top of air coolers.

[Deleted]

If you don't want to mess with liquid but want better cooling than just fans you can always look at the NZXT Kraken X40, its a Pre sealed Radiator/Liquid cooler that will fit in any case that has a spot to mount a 140mm fan Runs just under 90 Bucks

[DeltrusDisc]

Noctua NH-D14, Phanteks PH-TC14PE, Thermalright Silver Arrow and Be-Quiet Dark Rock Pro 2 are pretty the top of air coolers.

The NZXT Havik 140 comes in just degrees below these, if you want to save some $, OP. For that extra few degrees, I'm not so sure $30-50 is warranted. :P

---------- Post added 2013-02-20 at 03:34 PM ----------

If you don't want to mess with liquid but want better cooling than just fans you can always look at the NZXT Kraken X40, its a Pre sealed Radiator/Liquid cooler that will fit in any case that has a spot to mount a 140mm fan Runs just under 90 Bucks

I think he was meaning to avoid AIO liquid coolers, because they are not considered air. The NH-D14 would actually beat the X40 or be about even with it, if I remember numbers correctly - same with the ThermalRight Silver Arrow.

[n0cturnal]

The NZXT Havik 140 comes in just degrees below these, if you want to save some $, OP. For that extra few degrees, I'm not so sure $30-50 is warranted. :P

---------- Post added 2013-02-20 at 03:34 PM ----------



I think he was meaning to avoid AIO liquid coolers, because they are not considered air. The NH-D14 would actually beat the X40 or be about even with it, if I remember numbers correctly - same with the ThermalRight Silver Arrow.

Funny thing is that all of them except for the Be Quiet! model are cheaper than Havik 140 in Sweden.

[Deleted]

The NZXT Havik 140 comes in just degrees below these, if you want to save some $, OP. For that extra few degrees, I'm not so sure $30-50 is warranted. :P

---------- Post added 2013-02-20 at 03:34 PM ----------



I think he was meaning to avoid AIO liquid coolers, because they are not considered air. The NH-D14 would actually beat the X40 or be about even with it, if I remember numbers correctly - same with the ThermalRight Silver Arrow.

The Havik is now about 60 bucks so not bad price and has received good reviews, So its a good choice. i just thought i would suggest the x40 because i know the "thought" of liquid had scared me but seeing units like this that are plug and play have at least made me think about it. No idea about the benchmarks in cooling between the 2 but the x40 certainly looks cooler

[DeltrusDisc]

Funny thing is that all of them except for the Be Quiet! model are cheaper than Havik 140 in Sweden.

You're kidding...

To be fair, how much is the Havik 140 in USD there?

[n0cturnal]

You're kidding...

To be fair, how much is the Havik 140 in USD there?

Dark Rock Pro 2 = $121.39
Havik 140 = $101.53
NH-D14 = $95.65
PH-TC14PE = $93.58