A good CPU cooler for QX9650 in HTPC case?

[shayx]

i'm purchasing the Silverstone lc17 and would like recommendations on a CPU cooler
that will do the job but won't be too high for the HTPC case (170MM tall).

so far cheked the Ninja Mini and Thermaltake MaxOrb.

i want to overclock the cpu so, any suggestions?

 

[Fragille]

kinda curious why you want to put QX9650 on HTPC case and also want to OC it?

 

[runswindows95]

Overclocking and HTPC are two words you normally don't hear together. I'm curious as well why are we spending $1,000 on a CPU for an HTPC when all you need is a $100 CPU.

 

[shayx]

it's like this:
its just a HTPC CASE! not a HTPC build.
yes it will be used for showing HD movies but mainly for gaming and everyday use.
as for the QX9650, i happen to get it at 75% discount so why not?

now, a good cooler for QX9650 in the LC17 case please?

 

[Ancient_1]

The EnzoTech Extreme-X should fit (118mm high)
http://www.petrastechshop.com/enulfocohehe.html

The Thermalright SI-128 should (91.5mm w/o fan about the same as the EnzoTech with fan)
http://www.petrastechshop.com/thsihecpucos.html

They are the two I have been looking at for a case that has limited area above the socket for a cooler and are the best I have found so far.

 

[fantom-feltpen]

the zerotherm zen fz120: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887016

it keeps my OCd phenom below 40C, and is compatible with intel and AMD sockets,
i highly recomend it..

 

[Fragille]

it's like this:
its just a HTPC CASE! not a HTPC build.
yes it will be used for showing HD movies but mainly for gaming and everyday use.
as for the QX9650, i happen to get it at 75% discount so why not?

now, a good cooler for QX9650 in the LC17 case please?

its just that a good cooler that able to cool an overclocked QX9650 properly is generally need more height clearance

 

[shayx]

i know.
but I'm trying to work out some sort of compromise.
i don't intend to squeeze the CPU to the max...
but i think 4.5GHZ is a good goal...

BTW just read a review about the ZALMAN 9500 and it pretty rocks and more important fits in the case...
the heatsinks you offered is not available here...

 

[clownbaby]

4.5ghz, in a tiny htpc case, with questionable air cooling. you're smoking crack. You should do a little more research on what "the max" is, and adjust your expectations to fit. You'd need a great water cooling setup and a good chip to get 4.5ghz stable. With the heat you need to dissipate, you'd be lucky to get 3.8ghz, probably more like 3.4-3.6ghz. I'd return that htpc case, and get a real case, and a real cooler if you want to overclock. If you really insist on overclocking in a sardine can, look into the top of the line freezone cooler, it might fit. Or, if you're a McGuyver, you may be able to rig a single loop water cooling system, and mount a radiator on the back of the case.

 

[Kaldor]

Like clownbaby said, hitting 4.5 in a HTPC case is gonna be really tough. You could probably squeeze a WCing setup in it, using an external radiator.

In your case I would just use a decent aftermarket cooler, and maybe get a small bump on the processor, or just leave it stock. A 9650 is a great CPU, and for most people you wont really have a legit reason to OC it.

Id leave it stock, put in a stout single video card like a 4870X2 or a GTX280 and go with it. That will be your best route in an HTPC case. If you really want to OC, your going to need a real case and a real setup that is designed to handle those temps.

 

[shayx]

well guyz.
i decided to drop the all HTPC thing.

i'm gonna get a Coolermaster 690 case and i was thinking to cool it with OCZ Vendetta 2