[SOLVED] Cooling for my i9-9000k

iJohnny

Honorable
Mar 19, 2016
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10,530
I upgraded to this cpu along with a cooler about 2 months ago and im starting to realize that the cooler just isn't that great. it'll get super loud and let my cpu run pretty hot on games that it shouldn't really. the fan was installed correctly and my airflow is fine, i just want suggestions for what i should upgrade to. I can fit 240mm or 360mm radiators, but air cooling suggestions are welcome as well. my cpu is not overclocked.

build:
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900KF 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI Z390-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Video Card: Asus GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB DUAL OC Video Card
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 ARGB ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM (2019) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
 
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Solution
Well, going by the chassis specs, either air or liquid would work, and you're not overclocking, so that's a plus for both.
I guess it just depends on your personal preferences for which you want to go with. They both got their pros and cons.

For AIO, a 360mm. While you could do a 240mm, IMO, those just don't have enough going for them compared to big air and larger AIO solutions. Too bad the top doesn't support 280mm, I would've suggested either big air or that in a heartbeat.

For some of the other air coolers, it kinda depends on what the ram is. The front fans on some models sit over them, and there's only so much vertical clearance... although, you could just move that front fan to the back...
The MB520 has clearance up to 165mm...
Well, going by the chassis specs, either air or liquid would work, and you're not overclocking, so that's a plus for both.
I guess it just depends on your personal preferences for which you want to go with. They both got their pros and cons.

For AIO, a 360mm. While you could do a 240mm, IMO, those just don't have enough going for them compared to big air and larger AIO solutions. Too bad the top doesn't support 280mm, I would've suggested either big air or that in a heartbeat.

For some of the other air coolers, it kinda depends on what the ram is. The front fans on some models sit over them, and there's only so much vertical clearance... although, you could just move that front fan to the back...
The MB520 has clearance up to 165mm, which the regular D15 matches. In a perfect world, it should fit... the slightest imperfection, and you won't be able to completely close the side panel.
NH-D15S, FUMA 2, and Le Grand Macho RT avoid sitting over the ram, so that's not an issue.
 
Solution