4790K Cooling Question - Cooler Master Masterbox Lite Case.

[adamcurpier]

Looking for some quick help

My i7 4790K just arrived. I do plan to OC, and my mobo is an Asrock Z97 Pro4.

The case is a Cooler Master Masterbox Lite 5 RGB:

http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tower/masterbox-lite-5-rgb/

I'm using 2 fans in the front (aigo120 rgb's), I can add a 3rd if needed.

So, I'm looking for advice on cpu cooling.

Do I:

Go with a large air cooler (Noctura,etc), a Radiator with (2) 120m Fans on back of case, or place a 240/280 radiator/fans on the front of case???

Would like to take the OC, as far as I can stable. Thoughts?

I have read the other posts on this forum regarding the 4790K.

Thanks!

 

[samucaninja]

I would go as close as a water cooling system. If your case has room for larger radiators (240/280) go for it.

 

[HappyGamer99]

There is a lot of debate in this topic but IMO you should go with a high quality air cooler. They are consistently quieter and perform better than AIO coolers. The ultimate cooling system would be a custom loop but that is expensive and unnecessary. Get yourself a high quality air cooler and OC away!
Hope this helps!

 

[JalYt_Justin]

As someone who's on the water cooling side of the fence, high end air coolers usually end up handling a grand majority of the OCs that people are looking to hit. High end AIOs with lots of radiator space, like a 360mm rad, will outperform high end air coolers, but they cost significant sums more money.

As a preface, if you're not willing to put in the work towards water cooling, get a high end air cooler and don't look back, because water cooling, especially when it comes to custom water cooling, is a lot more maintenance than most people think. The big thing with air coolers is if you have the space for them (which you do).

For a 4790k, a good air cooling solution like Noctua NH-D14/15, Phanteks PH-TC14PE, Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 3, or Cryorig R1 will be more than enough to satisfy you.

EDIT: This is a good source of what you should expect by pure cooling performance. It is noted that many AIOs will outperform many of the air coolers on the list, but they do cost a lot more.

 

[adamcurpier]

Excellent advice as always!