I need advice on CPU cooling.

[Mars72]

I own a Cooler Master Elite 310 (yes, it's really old but everything fits). I was looking to cool down my CPU so that I can overclock it and unlock its full potential due to my i5 being a K version.

I've looked into AIO water coolers and have been recommended that they're simple to install and can cool processors down nicely. I've looked into this and have had my eye on a Corsair H60 and a Cooler Master Seidon 120V, due to budget restrictions.

Alternatively, I've looked into traditional air cooling. The only problem with this is that aftermarket air coolers can be HUGE and my case isn't very spacious. Nonetheless, I've looked at the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. It's dimensions listed show that it'll fit in my case but I plan on mounting it sideways so it pushes air out the back of the case (or is there a more efficient flow?), so this presents me with a small dilemma.

Any advice for me? I do understand I need a new case (I really despise this 310) but it'd take up more room where in the apartment, so advice on CPU coolers specifically would be better appreciated.

 

[KKAW]

I own a Cooler Master Elite 310 (yes, it's really old but everything fits). I was looking to cool down my CPU so that I can overclock it and unlock its full potential due to my i5 being a K version.

I've looked into AIO water coolers and have been recommended that they're simple to install and can cool processors down nicely. I've looked into this and have had my eye on a Corsair H60 and a Cooler Master Seidon 120V, due to budget restrictions.

Alternatively, I've looked into traditional air cooling. The only problem with this is that aftermarket air coolers can be HUGE and my case isn't very spacious. Nonetheless, I've looked at the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. It's dimensions listed show that it'll fit in my case but I plan on mounting it sideways so it pushes air out the back of the case (or is there a more efficient flow?), so this presents me with a small dilemma.

Any advice for me? I do understand I need a new case (I really despise this 310) but it'd take up more room where in the apartment, so advice on CPU coolers specifically would be better appreciated.

If you are doing mild overclocking, stick with the Hyper 212 Evo and use standard mounting.

 

[Mars72]

If you are doing mild overclocking, stick with the Hyper 212 Evo and use standard mounting.

Standard mounting is? Where the fan points vertically?

 

[KKAW]

If you are doing mild overclocking, stick with the Hyper 212 Evo and use standard mounting.

Standard mounting is? Where the fan points vertically?

Hot air is exerted to the rear of the case.

 

[Mars72]

Hot air is exerted to the rear of the case.

Oh yes! That's what I planned on doing with it! I have an i5-4670K at stock clock. With the Hyper 212 EVO, what do you recommend is a "mild overclock"

 

[KKAW]

Hot air is exerted to the rear of the case.

Oh yes! That's what I planned on doing with it! I have an i5-4670K at stock clock. With the Hyper 212 EVO, what do you recommend is a "mild overclock"

Unless your ambient temps are high a 4.5 Ghz should not be very hard to achieve.

 

[Mars72]

Unless your ambient temps are high a 4.5 Ghz should not be very hard to achieve.

Oh wow, that's great! Once I overclock I'll probably set it to a solid 4 Ghz just to be certain since my room is pretty cool most of the time.

 

[KKAW]

Unless your ambient temps are high a 4.5 Ghz should not be very hard to achieve.

Oh wow, that's great! Once I overclock I'll probably set it to a solid 4 Ghz just to be certain since my room is pretty cool most of the time.

Anything Under 4.1 Ghz will not give you a noticeable performance difference because it boosts to 3.9 Ghz even before the overclock so a 4 Ghz overclock will no be noticeable. Most people get 4.5 Ghz with safe voltages and safe temperatures.