Do I need more cooling?

[phramus]

HI guys,

My new I5-2500k build is up and running. I am not over clocking, and I have the stock cooler. Prime95 torture tests show a max temp of 76 degrees Celsius for both large and small FFTs. Idle temps are around 35 degrees. I am assuming that's a typical range for these tests on a stock build. Nevertheless, max recommended temperature is 72.6 degrees, so a full load is apparently too much for the build.

To test a more likely scenario (for me), I ran NWN2 for a couple of hours, with all graphics settings on highest, and saw a max temp of 58 degrees on the CPU and 60 degrees on my HD6850. NWN2 is an old title, though; and I'm wondering if new games are going to push my temps considerably higher.

My question is this: with no over clocking planned, am I still likely to need a better cooling solution if I play "modern" games? I have the Antec Illusion case, with 4 fans. The case has room for another fan, which would target the GPU, and I think I can fit a Hyper 212 to replace the stock cooler. Are one or both of these updates recommended?

Also, I've never replaced a CPU cooler. Does replacement entail much risk of CPU damage? I used AS5 thermal compound on the current build.

Thanks.

 

[striker410]

Yes, you need to do something about the heat. It's pretty high for the 2500k.

The Hyper 212+ is a good cooler, and it will just barely fit. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/284221-28-will-cooler-master-hyper-antec

There isn't much risk to changing out the cooler. As long as you properly apply the thermal paste you should be good.

 

[mgf derp]

If you can afford the Hyper 212+ it wouldnt be a bad idea to get it, not needed imho as no game will put the kind of strain prime95 does on your parts but still a cooler parts it always good. And unless you really overtightened the cooler there should be no risk to the cpu. Depending on your case though you might have to take out your motherboard to install the 212+. Striker think op could have applied the thermal paste wrong/too much? OP did you use the heatsink as it came with the 2500k or swap thermal paste right away?

 

[sadams04]

76 is on the edge, but it is under 80 so you are in OK shape. The Hyper 212+ is always a good upgrade and will show an improvement over the stock CPU cooler. Not much risk of damaging the CPU during the swap, but do be careful. Be sure to clean all the AS5 off and reapply new AS5 with the Hyper 212+.

 

[phramus]

@MGF Derp: I swapped the thermal paste right away. I used the 'rice grain' amount in the center of the processor. Don't think it was too much. Also, the stock cooler is mounted with push pins, so no chance of over tightening anything. I'm not sure I like the way it's mounted, but it does take out any guess work about how tight to make it.

@all: Thanks for the responses. I think I will go ahead with the after market cooler, though I've never used one. Cooler is better. It will also give me a chance to see how good my thermal paste job was. Still learning.

 

[mgf derp]

Stock is mounted with push pins but the 212+ isnt (unless the Intel mount from CoolerMaster doesn't use a back plate like it does with the AMD one). The 212+ will use a new backplate on the mobo that the cooler will have screws to go into because it is decently large and heavier then the stock coolers and needs to due this for stability and to maintain pressure over the entire cpu. So not saying you will but there is a possibility (extremely slim) that you could over tighten it. Anywho it is a good decision and I wish you luck with the upgrades, also overclock that 2500k with the 212+.