How do I tell a bad CPU cooler from a good one?

[josejones]

^ Is this the Corsair A50 you're talking about?

CORSAIR CAFA50 120mm CPU Cooler ($34.99 US)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181012&Tpk=corsair%20A50

 

[WR2]

That's the one. $15 after rebate and $4 shipping charge.

 

[josejones]

I'm curious now if CPU cooler makers will come out with new and improved CPU coolers that can handle the excessive heat from the i7 Ivy Bridge CPU? Or, is it even necessary? Are the coolers already available plenty good enough or is there room for improvement?

 

[WR2]

Probably not just because of IVB. The MFGRs have been pumping out new and improved coolers for decades.
Enthusiast owners have been pushing the thermal envelopes ... like forever.

Corsair A50 CPU Cooler Review
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Corsair-A50-CPU-Cooler-Review/1108

 

[josejones]

Thanks for that review, WR2. I will read that at lunch time.

So, the Coolermaster, Corsair and other CPU coolers are made to deal with CPU's that reach 70c, 80c, 90c and up on a consistent basis then? In other words, there's nothing new or different about these high temps from the Ivy Bridge CPU's? Do I really need an after market CPU cooler or will the stock cooler from Intel be fine as well?

I realize I may be asking silly questions but, I've never had to have an aftermarket CPU cooler before so, I just wanted to be sure it'll do the job.

 

[WR2]

You don't need an aftermarket CPU cooler.

If you're not overclocking and if you have no unusual thermal challenges (poor case, poor ventilation, unusually heavy duty cycle, etc,) a stock cooler is fine.

 

[Light Plasma]

I got the Zalman CNPS7000C-CU LED cooler. So today is another build day!

 

[Light Plasma]

And then it was replaced by a Hyper 412S Cooler Master, as I understand it is the successor to the 212 model.

And I'd like to add that I have not experienced heat problems with my CPU.

 

[InvalidError]

I'm curious now if CPU cooler makers will come out with new and improved CPU coolers that can handle the excessive heat from the i7 Ivy Bridge CPU? Or, is it even necessary? Are the coolers already available plenty good enough or is there room for improvement?

The stock HSF is perfectly adequate IF properly installed AND there is adequate airflow through the case AND you are not overclocking.

One problem with the Intel stock HSF is that its all-plastic push-pin retention mechanism deforms and loosens over time so even when properly installed, it might start causing problems after 2-4 years.

Aftermarket coolers exist mainly for the enthusiast/overclocking market, for those who seek extra peace-of-mind and for maintenance/repair when the stock HSF is damaged or otherwise no longer providing adequate performance.

 

[Light Plasma]

I really have doubts installing my 412S CM cooler. It feels as if the weight and leverage of the cooler will break the motherboard. The contact size is so minimal.

Do any of you have experience installing a cooler similar to the 412S on something similar to the Define R3 computer case?
Is the cooler supposed to touch the outer case wall on the opposite side of the processor?
The computer case has got silencing foam on the inner side of the walls. Does that interfer or help the cooler?

 

[InvalidError]

Is the cooler supposed to touch the outer case wall on the opposite side of the processor?

Ideally, no. As long as it does not interfere with closing the case, it should be ok. If you have to force the case shut because of it or it does not close quite correctly, you might want to consider something slightly smaller.

The computer case has got silencing foam on the inner side of the walls. Does that interfer or help the cooler?

There isn't much airflow along walls so the loss in cooling performance should be slim to none.