Best heatsink for overclocking Core i5 3570k?

[QuinnTheOnly]

I am looking for something that is under $100 that would be able to get my CPU to 4.0 GHz and be at a reasonable temp. I'm still running the stock cooler at the stock speed of 3.4 GHz.

 

[Onus]

Getting to 4.0GHz should not be too difficult or produce too much heat. Any decent 120mm tower-style cooler should be sufficient. I use and recommend the Xigmatek Gaia over the more frequently parroted but inferior Hyper212 EVO:
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/07/07/review-xigmatek-gaia-sd1283/7/
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/11/27/review-cooler-master-hyper-212-plus/4/

Unlike the Hyper212 EVO (ignore the URL; it IS the EVO they tested), the Gaia never throttled, although it wasn't always the coolest depending on the fan used. Both got awards, but if you factor in the price, the Gaia wins hands down.

 

[QuinnTheOnly]

Thanks! I'll be ordering Gaia as soon as possible 😀

Getting to 4.0GHz should not be too difficult or produce too much heat. Any decent 120mm tower-style cooler should be sufficient. I use and recommend the Xigmatek Gaia over the more frequently parroted but inferior Hyper212 EVO:
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/07/07/review-xigmatek-gaia-sd1283/7/
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/11/27/review-cooler-master-hyper-212-plus/4/

Unlike the Hyper212 EVO (ignore the URL; it IS the EVO they tested), the Gaia never throttled, although it wasn't always the coolest depending on the fan used. Both got awards, but if you factor in the price, the Gaia wins hands down.

 

[Onus]

Do be aware there are better coolers out there (in case, for example, you want to get to 4.4+GHz); but instead of $25, you'd probably spend a lot closer to your $100 maximum on a liquid cooler. Between them are $60-$80 air coolers by Phanteks and Noctua. For your stated goal though, the Gaia is, IMHO, the right choice.