3770k without overclocking - can i use the stock cooler ?

[Rishi S]

I am assembling a workstation for audio processing. The configuration that I finalised is this :

Intel i7 3770k
Asus P8Z77 VLX
Transcend 8GB DDR3 1600
Seagate 500gb 6GB/s
already have a PCI sound card and not so specific about graphics card, will probably use the nvidia that i have.

I don't plan to overclock the cpu right now, its just for the future in case I need to ....given the minor price difference (in India) between the 3770 and 3770k, i thought of going with the K version. The question is do I need to instal a CPU cooler right now even if im not going to overclock the cpu or will the stock cooler suffice? I have been reading mixed opinions about this. So right now im confused. Also want to know any thoughts on how many case fans should be good enough for this configuration using a mid tower like CM 300R .
Thanks in advance.

 

[Sakkura]

The stock cooler is fine when you're not overclocking. It may make a bit more noise than a bigger cooler, but that's about it.

As for case fans, an intake fan and an exhaust fan is enough. Overclocking CPU and graphics card may make more a good idea; SLI/Crossfire definitely makes it a good idea.

 

[xAdam]

Nope, those coolers are designed to work at stock voltages and clocks. It will be perfectly fine. If you do want it to run cooler though (it wont need to) you can purchase an aftermarket cooler, its up to you. Get some Noctua fans, one in the front, (push) on on the top (pull) one on the back (pull) this would be plenty, could even use two pull fans on the front if you wish. You're not overclocking anything so nothings going to get too hot.

 

[thasan1]

thats what stock cooler is for. if you run at stock configuration it is fine. if it couldn't handle stock speed then intel wouldn't have included it. but if your going to overclock. yes you do need an aftermarket cooler.

 

[Cons29]

+1 to the guy above me, was just about to say the same. they wouldn't have included the cooler if it can't handle the stock temps right? so don't worry too much. think about it if you are going to oc

 

[Rishi S]

Ok....thanks a lot for confirming folks. I want to know if I can use the turbo mode and push the processor to 3.9GHz ( that is the max if im not wrong). Does this qualify to be overclocking and do I need a better cooler if I do this ?

 

[thasan1]

Ok....thanks a lot for confirming folks. I want to know if I can use the turbo mode and push the processor to 3.9GHz ( that is the max if im not wrong). Does this qualify to be overclocking and do I need a better cooler if I do this ?

as far as i know turbo boost only happens when you have the thermal headroom and CPU load. so it only happens when your CPU is cool enough for a little tweak.it will be considered as overclocking but it happens automatically. and no you don't need a better CPU cooler. its just a minor tweak and it automaticly downclocks after your CPU is getting hot. but if you want your PC to be silent and if you are gonna OC it is recommendded you use after market cooling like coolermaster hyper 212 evo

 

[idisarmu]

You can use turbo mode with the stock cooler. The included cooler is able to dissipate 77 watts (The TDP for the high end Ivy Bridge quadcores.)

As long as temperatures are in check and the processor isn't drawing more than 77 watts, it will run at its turbo frequency of 3.9ghz (when cpu loading demands the extra speed). My motherboard allows me to change the maximum power the CPU is allowed to draw. I haven't changed the setting because I am also running the stock cooler, but I assume that if you were to increase the allowable power-draw, then the CPU would spend even more time at 3.9ghz, as long as the temps are in check.

 

[Rishi S]

Ok....thanks a lot for confirming folks. I want to know if I can use the turbo mode and push the processor to 3.9GHz ( that is the max if im not wrong). Does this qualify to be overclocking and do I need a better cooler if I do this ?

as far as i know turbo boost only happens when you have the thermal headroom and CPU load. so it only happens when your CPU is cool enough for a little tweak.it will be considered as overclocking but it happens automatically. and no you don't need a better CPU. its just a minor tweak and it automaticly downclocks after your CPU is getting hot.

I am new to the overclocking world so I do not know much about how the turbo boost works. I thought I need to configure something to push the 3.5 to 3.9 . If it is going to be auto I guess I dont have to worry about it then.

 

[coozie7]

I'd budget for a cheap aftermarket cooler like the Hyper 212, it is much easier to install a better cooler at build time that later, especially if your case design means you will have to remove the motherboard to do so.

 

[Rishi S]

You can use turbo mode with the stock cooler. The included cooler is able to dissipate 77 watts (The TDP for the high end Ivy Bridge quadcores.)

As long as temperatures are in check and the processor isn't drawing more than 77 watts, it will run at its turbo frequency of 3.9ghz (when cpu loading demands the extra speed). My motherboard allows me to change the maximum power the CPU is allowed to draw. I haven't changed the setting because I am also running the stock cooler, but I assume that if you were to increase the allowable power-draw, then the CPU would spend even more time at 3.9ghz, as long as the temps are in check.

Thanks for the details. Is there some way of visually seeing the frequency to confirm that it does go to turbo mode ?

 

[avenseth12]

The stock cooler is fine to run the CPU. You can dowload a program like CoreTemp and it will show you the voltages.

 

[Sakkura]

I am new to the overclocking world so I do not know much about how the turbo boost works. I thought I need to configure something to push the 3.5 to 3.9 . If it is going to be auto I guess I dont have to worry about it then.

Yeah Turbo Boost is automatic and enabled by default. It's just the processor having a range of stock frequencies instead of only one.

Thanks for the details. Is there some way of visually seeing the frequency to confirm that it does go to turbo mode ?

CPU-Z will show the clocks. Note that the processor will throttle down to 1.6 GHz when the computer is idle, in order to save power (unless you disable that feature).

 

[Rishi S]

Thanks a lot to the forum !! My questions are answered.