Core i7-5930K Cooler recommendation (no OC)

[Isaiah4110]

I'm going to be building with an Intel Core i7-5930K, but will not be overclocking the system. I'm currently looking at the Noctua NH-U14S as a cooling option, but feel like it might be overkill given the fact that I will not be overclocking this system.

I do want a good quality cooler that will last a good long while and run fairly quiet. I'm hoping there is an option out there that doesn't block the first GPU slot on an X99 chipset MB. I would also like to stay away from liquid cooling if possible, as I view that as simply another part that can fail and likely unnecessary in a non-OC system.

Do I really need something as large as the NH-U14S, and, if not, what do you recommend as an alternative?

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

That Noctua isn't overkill and is a great option for someone like you who would also want a quiet system. Keep in mind that the first PCI-e slot will be blocked.


Most people here will recommend you go with the hyper 212 evo.

 

[Isaiah4110]

That Noctua isn't overkill and is a great option for someone like you who would also want a quiet system. Keep in mind that the first PCI-e slot will be blocked.


Most people here will recommend you go with the hyper 212 evo.

That's precisely why I'm looking for an alternative. Is there a good alternative that wouldn't block the first PCIe slot? I.e. would something like the NH-U12S work just as well for my purposes and avoid blocking the first PCIe slot?

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

That Noctua isn't overkill and is a great option for someone like you who would also want a quiet system. Keep in mind that the first PCI-e slot will be blocked.


Most people here will recommend you go with the hyper 212 evo.

That's precisely why I'm looking for an alternative. Is there a good alternative that wouldn't block the first PCIe slot? I.e. would something like the NH-U12S work just as well for my purposes and avoid blocking the first PCIe slot?

What motherboard do you have?

 

[Isaiah4110]

Going in an ASRock X99 Extreme4.

Only planning on a single GPU at the moment, and I'm pretty sure I can run that out of the 2nd slot w/o issue, but I don't like the idea of one component of my system cutting down a capability of another.

 

[Isaiah4110]

Not seeing that listed as an issue with the NH-U12S on Noctua's compatibility listings here: http://noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=63&lng=en#LGA2011-3_ASRock

So looks like the NH-U12S might be a good option? Guessing there shouldn't be a major performance drop-off or noise level increase in a non-OC system?

 

[juakali]

i'm overclocking my CPU to 4.6ghz and the hyper 212 evo works just fine. Good price as well.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

Not seeing that listed as an issue with the NH-U12S on Noctua's compatibility listings here: http://noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=63&lng=en#LGA2011-3_ASRock

So looks like the NH-U12S might be a good option? Guessing there shouldn't be a major performance drop-off or noise level increase in a non-OC system?

The NH-U12s will be just fine.

 

[Isaiah4110]

Thanks for the input guys

 

[sammy sung]

I'd like the 212+

Almost identical performance to the EVO, few dollars cheaper, and a bit quieter

 

[Isaiah4110]

I'd like the 212+

Almost identical performance to the EVO, few dollars cheaper, and a bit quieter

And the 212 Plus is also not compatible with the Intel LGA 2011v3 socket. Therefore it is not an option for my planned build.