i7 8700K with Noctua DH-15

[reforger1974]

I'm doing a major hardware upgrade to my current system, a new MOBO, an MSI Z370 PC Pro, a Corsair CX-650M power supply, a Gigabyte GTX 1080 OC graphics card, and an i7 8700K processor. I had planned to cool the 8700k with a Noctua NH-D15 and their thermal paste, I forget the number. I will not be overclocking anything in this setup, the CPU, GPU, or RAM, everything will remain stock. My case has decent air flow with four 120mm fans, two drawing air in and two sucking it out. Of the two drawing air out, one is in the back of the case directly behing the CPU cooler radiator and fan, the other is at the very top of the case.

What I want to know is if this setup is going to be sufficient for keeping the 8700k reasonably cool. I don't run anything I would consider especially demanding game wise, I run FSX steam edition, Prepare3d, and I'm looking in to getting X Plane 11, and Digital Comat Simulator, that's it game wise. Ambient room temperatures average in low to mid 70's depending on the season.

Ideas, suggestions etc are greatly appreciated.

 

[Hellfire13]

Looks all right. The Noctua D15 is a monster and perhaps the best air cooler out there. It should keep it plenty cool. The thermal paste is Noctua - NT-H1 is is also one of the best in class after TG Kryouanaut maybe. Your fan orientations looks good too.
I think you should be fine.
Corsair CXm is a decent unit, but a better quality PSU can do a world of good.

 

[reforger1974]

Thanks for the reply, I was a little nervous about this, the 8700k has a reputation as being somewhat of a hot tamale, especially with overclocking, which I have no intention of doing. I wasn't sure if an air cooler would be be sufficient or if I would have to go for a liquid cooling solution.

On the PSU, how would I benefit from a better quality quality PSU, and do you have any specific suggestions on brand and model...?? My understanding was that Corsair has a good reputation and that's why I decided to go with the CX-650M.

Thanks

 

[Hellfire13]

That Noctua cooler can handle even medium to high OC. So, that should be fine.
As far as the PSU is concerned, Corsair has many variants and models. The benefit of high quality unit is better power delivery, stability, ripple suppression, load balancing, etc.
You can use these as loose references...
https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/631048-psu-tier-list-updated/
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
Try to stay within Tier 2.

 

[reforger1974]

Thanks for that info, very useful. Looks like my CX-650M is a tier 4 unit, which doesn't sound good, that's only one tier above the "avoid at all costs" last tier. I thought I was doing alright with the CX-650M, I'm not overclocking and it's by no means a "high end" gaming rig. My budget is getting a little tight at the moment for computer goodies without arousing the ire of "she who must be obeyed" ie. my wife..lol but I'll see if I can't maybe opt for a tier 3 Corsair unit. Thanks again for all the info, you've been very helpful and informative.

 

[Hellfire13]

Welcome...cheers