Question Cooling problem Intel i7 12700k. First build

[Kiwicorn999]

Hey,
This is me (and my dads) first ever build. Its a MicroATX build without graphics card, only IGPU (for now, not required). Got a strong CPU so it can last a while. Not focused on RGB although it would be nice if convenient. We started researching for the parts around the black Friday sale from PC part picker (and watched yt videos) and settled on these parts: (sorry for .au links)

Main:
CPU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09FXNVDBJ?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1
CPU Cooler: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CJDPGP2T?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Motherboard: https://www.msy.com.au/product/asrock-b760m-pg-lightning-lga-1700-matx-motherboard-74452
RAM: https://www.amazon.com.au/TEAMGROUP-T-Force-5600MHz-PC5-44800-Desktop/dp/B0B3GYZHYK
Storage: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B098WKQRDL?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1
PSU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00J2FD6JQ?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1
OS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09HL13F9M?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Case:https://www.amazon.com.au/Thermalta...90d-9f18-7c0bb4f68d5b&pd_rd_i=B0886K75W2&th=1

Peripherals: (ignore)
Keyboard: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07HRNKTCM?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1
Mouse: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07YN82X3B?tag=pcppau-22&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
Monitor: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lg-24-fhd-monitor-24mp400-lg24mp400



Heres the question:

Will our cooler be enough? We have the: Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler. I looked online and didn't really find a good measure that this fan will be enough for our CPU (it's pretty hot i think). Then there's a debate between me and my dad if we should opt for an AIO or liquid cooler. Help and suggestions for coolers would be appreciated! best for budget would be best.

(Any other compatibility/budget recommendations/warnings would be helpful)

 

[Darkbreeze]

No, that cooler is not sufficient for that CPU. You do not NEED a liquid AIO cooler but there is nothing wrong with using one if that is your choice. Personally, I have this same 12700k in my main system and I use a Noctua NH-U14S and it cools very well, but I'm only using that cooler because I already had it from several previous builds I used it on.

If you want to use an air cooler, something like this would work perfectly fine for that CPU.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.00 @ BPC Technology)
Total: $59.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-27 17:22 AEDT+1100


But if you want to use an AIO cooler, this would be a good choice too.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L V2 RGB 62 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.40 @ JW Computers)
Total: $97.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-27 17:24 AEDT+1100

 

[Darkbreeze]

However, you might want to look very closely at reviews and possibly reconsider your choice of case, as that case, while it does LOOK nice, has a very restricted front panel in terms of air intake surface area and may well have problems when it comes to your choice of CPU and especially depending on if you go with a decently capable graphics card in the future. Also there is the fact that it is a microATX case, so if you've chosen that specifically because you want a smaller footprint, that is of course your decision so long as you are aware that you are going to have a bit harder of a time working in that case due to the reduced amount of room and also likely some reduction in room behind the motherboard tray for cable management.

Also, if you plan to get a fairly high end graphics card that requires ATX 3.0/PCIe 5.0 support, you will want to look at a different power supply because while that Toughpower grand was a very good model for it's time, it is a few years out of date and likely will not come with the necessary adapters for the 12vhpwr 16 pin connector that many of the flagship cards require currently. If you only plan to go with an entry level or mid tiered card, then it should work fine.