Best CPU cooler for i7-4770k? (an alternative to the H100i)

[not2smart]

I recently built my first computer and there was an issue with the cooler that i had purchased (The Corsair H100i). For now the computer has the stock intel fan attatched, but i don't plan to use it until the thermal paste/cpu cooler mess is fixed (click here if you want to know what that is)

So which CPU coolers out there are a good alternative to the Corsair H100i (similar price and effectiveness).

I will be mostly using the computer for intense high FPS, max settings (hopefully) long hours non-stop gaming sessions (and maybe uni work).
I will be purchasing from PcCaseGear
I dont want a custom loop, and i don't want to have to refil the loop.

My Rig:
CPU - Intel Core i7-4770k
CPU Cooler - You decide
MoBo - Gigabyte z87x UD3h
RAM - 16gb (Dual Channel) Corsair Vengeance
GPU - Gigabyte GTX 770 4gb
Case - Corsair Carbide 400r
Power Supply - Antec High Current gamer 650w
HDD - Seagate 2tb barracuda

 

[spawnkiller]

On the Air side, comparable coolers are Noctua NH-D14, Phanteks PH-TC14PE and the BeQuiet DarkRock Pro 2 but they'll cool a little less when OC as air reach the limit faster (however it's still within 5 Celsius)

On the Watercooled side, Swiftech H220 and the NZXT Kraken series X60 are the only ones that are on the same level

PS: the Swiftech H220 would be my choice due to the upgrades possible with this thing)

 

[lazyboy947]

Thermaltake water 3.0 extreme, nzxt kraken x60, swiftech h220

 

[PlanarX999]

Agree with lazyboy947, but its not 3.0, its 2.0. Thermaltake water 2.0 extreme surpass H110 if not wrong, H110 > Kraken X60
#mind that all in push/pull configuration#
swiftech H220 of course the best close loop liquid cooler ever.
Other alternative will be Water Cooling Kit like XSPC raystorm.
#edited#Look like there are 3.0 Extreme, it same as good or better to 2.0 version, I guess.

 

[lazyboy947]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106220

 

[not2smart]

Agree with lazyboy947, but its not 3.0, its 2.0. Thermaltake water 2.0 extreme surpass H110 if not wrong, H110 > Kraken X60
#mind that all in push/pull configuration#
swiftech H220 of course the best close loop liquid cooler ever.
Other alternative will be Water Cooling Kit like XSPC raystorm.

I'm not going to be doing a push/pull because there isn't enough room (and i dont want to mount fans on top of the case because that would look stupid.

So the best one to get would be the Swiftech H220, or failing that Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme?

 

[griptwister]

Well, If you're into looks, and you want some decent thermals, this could do ya good. Just came out today. (It's still today where I live)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103189

 

[spawnkiller]

like i said, the Swiftech H220 is the ruler, you can upgrade it and cool your graphic card as well as the cpu and it's "only" a CPU cooler !! it's equipped with a more powerfull pump than all the guys named here being capable of running multiple GPUs with the CPU with a single 240mm rad...

PS: i've seen 2 680 with a 3770k (however stock) and it was able to cool all that at about 60C so it's the best !!

 

[not2smart]

like i said, the Swiftech H220 is the ruler, you can upgrade it and cool your graphic card as well as the cpu and it's "only" a CPU cooler !! it's equipped with a more powerfull pump than all the guys named here being capable of running multiple GPUs with the CPU with a single 240mm rad...

PS: i've seen 2 680 with a 3770k (however stock) and it was able to cool all that at about 60C so it's the best !!

Okay, your enthusiasm has convinced me to buy the H220. I'm trying to do my own research on it, but we went over our download limit (200gb limit, don't ask how we managed it, i don't have a clue) and every website has heaps of pictures and loads painfully slow. So i might be able to get a response from here faster (assuming someone doesn't come spam pictures). Will it fit inside my case with the other parts. How do you go about upgrading it to cool the GPU, and is it expensive/practical/worth it?
Also, it doesn't need refilling, i heard somewhere that it does?
Thanks for the advice so far (everyone).

 

[Som3one]

I just noticed the Kraken wouldn´t fit into your case anyway, so you can scratch that one off your list.

Will it fit inside my case with the other parts.

Not a H220, but still a nice picture. Also, that´s the only position where you could mount it it seems.

How do you go about upgrading it to cool the GPU, and is it expensive/practical/worth it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3GxBj-DDn0

Also, it doesn't need refilling, i heard somewhere that it does?

Well, Swiftech says it doesn´t. Unless you expand your loop ofcourse.
I suppose most of the guys who say it does are hardcore custom water coolers. Which means they are probably already used to it.
I´d say if you only use it for CPU cooling, you don´t need to refill. If you expand your loop, you probably should.

 

[not2smart]

I just noticed the Kraken wouldn´t fit into your case anyway, so you can scratch that one off your list.

Will it fit inside my case with the other parts.

Not a H220, but still a nice picture. Also, that´s the only position where you could mount it it seems.

How do you go about upgrading it to cool the GPU, and is it expensive/practical/worth it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3GxBj-DDn0

Also, it doesn't need refilling, i heard somewhere that it does?

Well, Swiftech says it doesn´t. Unless you expand your loop ofcourse.
I suppose most of the guys who say it does are hardcore custom water coolers. Which means they are probably already used to it.
I´d say if you only use it for CPU cooling, you don´t need to refill. If you expand your loop, you probably should.

I doubt id expand the loop. Do you know if the H220 will fit in the case, the pic you showed took about a full minute to load and appeared to be a corsair H100. From what i've been able to find out, the H220 should fit, but it would be nice if someone else could support this (or say it wouldnt).
Thanks

 

[Som3one]

Ah, damn sorry...forgot your internet connection. 😉
The H220 is a 240mm unit, so judging by the size it should fit.
However, you also need to make sure that the H220 has a 15mm screw spacing. That´s what Corsair describes in the specs of the case.

Here´s a vid of a 400r with a H220:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk6lWTzpvig
Actually this vid seems to be an official vid from Swiftech.

 

[not2smart]

Ah, damn sorry...forgot your internet connection. 😉
The H220 is a 240mm unit, so judging by the size it should fit.
However, you also need to make sure that the H220 has a 15mm screw spacing. That´s what Corsair describes in the specs of the case.

Here´s a vid of a 400r with a H220:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk6lWTzpvig
Actually this vid seems to be an official vid from Swiftech.

Okay, i think i'll order this, if it doesn't fit ill glue it in or something...