CPU Cooler with Pre-Applied Thermal Compound for use with i5-8600k

[s.lewis24]

Hello,

I am looking to upgrade certain parts of my computer in the next few days; I have currently decided to purchase the following; https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/VPsX4C

The CPU does not come with a stock cooler so I am looking to purchase one within a budget of £100 (for the cooler alone) but the catch is I am looking for one with pre-applied thermal paste since I am really not confident with my ability to apply the paste myself

Is there any that you guys could suggest that are pre-applied and suitable for a i5-8600k? Also if there is any suggestions on a different motherboard or RAM I would love to hear them!

Thanks for the help!

 

[richiestang_78]

Its really not hard to apply, just put between a rice and pea sized amount of thermal compound in the middle of the CPU then put on the cooler.

For your use something like the Cryrig H7 on the low end or higher up (if you plan on overclocking heavy) the Cryorig R1, any of the 40-80 dollar Noctuas really, Dark Rock 4 or Phanteks PH-TC14PE would be excellent.

I know there are some that come with pre-applied compound but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

 

[Aeacus]

Corsair H100i v2 comes with pre applied thermal paste,
specs: https://www.corsair.com/ca/en/Categories/Products/Liquid-Cooling/Dual-Radiator-Liquid-Coolers/Hydro-Series%E2%84%A2-H100i-v2-Extreme-Performance-Liquid-CPU-Cooler/p/CW-9060025-WW
pcpp: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/CrDzK8/corsair-cpu-cooler-cw9060025ww

Also, it has more than enough cooling capacity to cool your i5-8600K. It can even cool i7-8700K with high-level OC.
Though, downsides of AIOs are:
* your case needs to support 240mm rad
* you'll get more noise compared to the air coolers with tower heatsink (e.g Dark Rock Pro 3)
* it costs more than air coolers with tower heatsink
* it has far shorter lifespan (max 5 years) compared to the air coolers with tower heatsink (virtually limitless)
* leakage risks (when it does leak, it can fry your whole PC)
* MoBo clearance issues in some cases when mounted as top exhaust

But there are few pros too:
* no CPU cooler clearance issues
* no RAM clearance issues

As far as aesthetics go, that's personal opinion. Some like to see big heatsink in the middle of their MoBo while others like to see small pump with tubing going to the AIO.

Though, i'd go with air cooler any day of the week, e.g Freezer 33 which is also more than enough to cool your CPU,
specs: https://www.arctic.ac/eu_en/freezer-33.html
pcpp: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/dqjWGX/arctic-freezer-33-cpu-cooler-acfre00028a

And to boost your confidence, here's a good video to watch on how to apply thermal paste. Video also contains removing old thermal paste if you need to do that too at some point of time,
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SST61g3hnIs

Oh, in my Skylake build (full specs with pics in my sig), i have the predecessor of Freezer 33 in use known as Freezer i32. Max temps what i've seen out of my i5-6600K were 55°C during CinebenchR15 while my CPU usually idles at 26°C. Performance wise, Freezer 33 and Freezer i32 are same where the only difference is that Freezer i32 has only Intel mounting bracket while Freezer 33 has AMD and Intel mounting brackets,
Freezer i32 review: https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/arctic-freezer-i32-cooler,review-33860.html

As far as your MoBo and RAM selection goes, they are good and no need to switch them out.

 

[offroadguy56]

If you are confident enough to replace your cooler then re-applying thermal paste should be a walk in the park. Some of the coolers are finicky and in some cases the most difficult part of many PC builds.

Since it hasn't been recommended, Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO. An affordable decent tower cooler which retails for around $30 USD. I have it on my i7-6700k with a very slight overclock. Your 8600k and my 6700k have similar TDP with yours being slightly higher so although the Hyper 212 will work overclocking will be limited.