Coolest Running i5 or i7?

[newoski]

Hi Guys,

I've built a bartop arcade using an i5-4670K (at stock temps). The biggest CPU cooler I can fit is the Noctua NH-L12 and my temps aren't where I'd like them to be. I've already taken every conceivable step to increase airflow and temps, which helped, but not enough.

I'm looking to upgrade the CPU to something that runs cooler.

With that said, disregarding performance/cost ratios, what is the best CPU out there that will either match or outperform the 4670K (at stock speeds), while providing lower temps?

I understand from Anandtech's report that the i5-4690K runs about 10c cooler than the 4670K. Is the 4690K my best bet? Will the 4790K be even better? Is there something in a higher price range that will be less of a value, but better performance with cooler temps? For example, is there a $500 CPU that is a terrible value, but provides high performance and low temps?

I'm not looking to save money. I'm looking to get the temps down.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[azathoth]

What are you temperatures at currently, and what is your ideal goal range?

 

[newoski]

I hit 90s and start throttling with Aida64 after about 1.5 minutes. In real world I rarely push past low 80s.

In a perfect world, I'd love to be able to overclock, but I realize it's a challenge because the limited cooling options for this kind of project.

Would a i7-4770K have higher or lower temps than an i5- 4690K? Is there anything more powerful/expensive, that would run cooler with more CPU power?

 

[mlga91]

90°c is not normal in a 4670k and that cooler, your problem must be somewhere else, a bad installed cooler would be my first bet.

 

[CTurbo]

The Xeon e3-1231v3 will run cooler and perform better in most tasks.

The 4690s or 4790s will run cooler most of the time, but can actually get hotter under load sometimes due to lower max thermal limits.


I agree though that the cpu is not likely the culprit of your problems.

 

[newoski]

The culprit is the arcade cabinet, but they are really hard to cool... This my goal to find the coolest CPU

 

[mlga91]

If that is really the problem (which i really doubt) then every CPU that you put in there will overheat like that. Post a photo of the cabinet. Make sure also that you installed the cooler correctly, and that the fans are spinning.