[SOLVED] New cooler for a gigabyte ga-990fxa-ud3 r5

[VersionRed]

Hello, thanks for taking the time to read this.

I recently had my liquid cooler give out after five years. I decided to find a new one to replace it, but I'm having a horrible time finding one that fits properly. All of the documentation I have says it is an AM3+ socket, so I have been looking for cooling related to that. The problem comes into the brackets that most I've seen being the wrong shape. The bracket needs to be (if you drew a line connecting all the screws) rectangular, but all the ones that say they are AM3+ are square. I'm not the most tech savvy when it comes to actual parts, and I don't have a ton of money, so I need to really be careful in what I buy. I just am not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for now. If it helps, a new liquid cooler would end up being connected to one 120mm fan.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

What sort of a processor are you working with on that motherboard(listed in your thread title)? You might also want to mention the rams used in the build as well the make and model of the case in case clearances are an issue.

The benefit with an AIO is that it's not encroaching on the CPU socket area, the negative is that they tend to be expensive and if your case doesn't have proper mounting locations, the cooler isn't properly mounted>ad thermals or even it's demise. The AIO's block also minimizes and stress added to the PCB of the motherboard.

Where are you located, what is your budget and what is your preferred site for purchase?

If it helps, a new liquid cooler would end up being connected to one 120mm fan
Just my assumption but if your processor has a TDP of 125W or more, then you're purposely trying to kill a 120mm AIO and more importantly kill the processor that's assumed to be 125W in TDP.

 

[Darkbreeze]

What is your budget and what country are you in?

Is there a specific place you need to purchase through?

What CPU are you running in that UD3?

 

[kanewolf]

Hello, thanks for taking the time to read this.

I recently had my liquid cooler give out after five years. I decided to find a new one to replace it, but I'm having a horrible time finding one that fits properly. All of the documentation I have says it is an AM3+ socket, so I have been looking for cooling related to that. The problem comes into the brackets that most I've seen being the wrong shape. The bracket needs to be (if you drew a line connecting all the screws) rectangular, but all the ones that say they are AM3+ are square. I'm not the most tech savvy when it comes to actual parts, and I don't have a ton of money, so I need to really be careful in what I buy. I just am not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for now. If it helps, a new liquid cooler would end up being connected to one 120mm fan.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Read the installation instructions off the vendors website. It will have explicit parts identified and required steps for AM3 socket. Most coolers require a backplate change, so be prepared to remove your motherboard if the case does not have an access panel.

 

[VersionRed]

Thank you for the replies.

I am located in the US, and my budget is $120. I've used Newegg, Best Buy, and Amazon for purchasing parts in the past.

My processor is a AMD FX 9590 Eight-Core Processor, and the ram is a Ramos Technology EWB8GB681PAE-16IC 8GB.

The exact model of computer I have is: CyberPowerPC - Gamer Supreme Liquid Cooled Desktop - AMD FX-Series - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 - 240GB SSD + 2TB HDD - Black/Blue
The only thing I've done is replace three of the fans and a couple cables. It is otherwise stock as it was when I got it. Due to several moves since getting it, I've been unable to find the original instructions. I do have access to the rear plate if needed to remove it.

 

[kanewolf]

Thank you for the replies.

I am located in the US, and my budget is $120. I've used Newegg, Best Buy, and Amazon for purchasing parts in the past.

My processor is a AMD FX 9590 Eight-Core Processor, and the ram is a Ramos Technology EWB8GB681PAE-16IC 8GB.

The exact model of computer I have is: CyberPowerPC - Gamer Supreme Liquid Cooled Desktop - AMD FX-Series - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 - 240GB SSD + 2TB HDD - Black/Blue
The only thing I've done is replace three of the fans and a couple cables. It is otherwise stock as it was when I got it. Due to several moves since getting it, I've been unable to find the original instructions. I do have access to the rear plate if needed to remove it.

A 9590 requires extreme cooling. AMD had specific liquid cooler recommendations.
Most people on this board would say to scrap that build rather than spending ANY money on it. A current generation i3 will out perform it.

 

[Darkbreeze]

A current generation i3 will out perform it.

By A LOT. Miles.

This, would probably offer about 2.5x the performance of that 9590. And if you subtract the cost of ANY cooler that is honestly capable enough to handle an FX-9590 adequately, and I 100% don't believe that your single 120mm AIO cooler was EVER handling it with serious throttling issues because I have extensive experience with those processors and that platform, you end up paying like 150 bucks more than you would for just a cooler that is still going to leave you with an 8 year old platform which sucked even when it was new.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: ASRock H670 Steel Legend ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $299.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-07 16:18 EST-0500


If you STILL want to look at cooling options, forget about trying to use any 120/140mm coolers. They are simply not good enough to handle the thermal design of the FX-9590 or 9370. Barely enough to handle an FX-8320. You'd need a MUCH more capable cooler. I know you probably THINK it was doing fine all this time with what you had, but I can pretty much guarantee that if you had anything less than a top shelf 280mm AIO or one of the absolute biggest twin finstack air coolers like the Noctua NH-D14, you were suffering serious CPU and VRM throttling. And you were probably suffering serious VRM throttling anyhow, even if you DID have one of those coolers, because that motherboard, while very good, is still probably not good enough for that high leakage, insanely high TDP CPU. Pretty much only the UD7 is capable enough to handle it without any major issues. Maybe also the Crosshair V Formula Z.

 

[VersionRed]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. As it is, I don't have the job I had when I got my initial computer, and my current job doesn't net me near as much money as the old one. This is why I've been trying to keep this thing going . I guess I'll just have to start saving now in hopes of getting something new at some point.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I understand, unfortunately we have to be honest with you when we say that buying another cooler for this system is really a giant waste of money for you.

 

[Darkbreeze]

There IS another option here, so that you can at least USE this system while you save up, but it WILL mean spending at least a little money anyhow.

You can underclock the CPU to FX-8350 levels, which costs nothing, and slap an inexpensive but half decent AIO or air cooler on there (Which could be reused on the CPU from the next platform you get so it isn't a waste of money and will be better than any of the stock coolers).

Something like this, along with underclocking that CPU down to FX-8350 clock speed and voltage, would give you the ability to continue using it for now. And I'd be happy to talk you through doing that if you want to try it and get a cooler.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright TRUE Spirit 120M(BW) Rev.A 46.19 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $49.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-07 22:39 EST-0500


And, there ARE cheaper coolers you could put on there to do this with, but for 50 bucks or less, this is the cooler that I'd most recommend.

 

[Darkbreeze]

And this is probably the best AIO 120mm cooler at 70 bucks or less, but honestly, I'd go with the True Spirit air cooler I listed above because it probably outperforms this cooler.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID ML120L RGB V2 65.59 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $69.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-07 22:44 EST-0500

 

[John _alex]

By A LOT. Miles.

This, would probably offer about 2.5x the performance of that 9590. And if you subtract the cost of ANY cooler that is honestly capable enough to handle an FX-9590 adequately, and I 100% don't believe that your single 120mm AIO cooler was EVER handling it with serious throttling issues because I have extensive experience with those processors and that platform, you end up paying like 150 bucks more than you would for just a cooler that is still going to leave you with an 8 year old platform which sucked even when it was new.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: ASRock H670 Steel Legend ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $299.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-07 16:18 EST-0500


If you STILL want to look at cooling options, forget about trying to use any 120/140mm coolers. They are simply not good enough to handle the thermal design of the FX-9590 or 9370. Barely enough to handle an FX-8320. You'd need a MUCH more capable cooler. I know you probably THINK it was doing fine all this time with what you had, but I can pretty much guarantee that if you had anything less than a top shelf 280mm AIO or one of the absolute biggest twin finstack air coolers like the Noctua NH-D14, you were suffering serious CPU and VRM throttling. And you were probably suffering serious VRM throttling anyhow, even if you DID have one of those coolers, because that motherboard, while very good, is still probably not good enough for that high leakage, insanely high TDP CPU. Pretty much only the UD7 is capable enough to handle it without any major issues. Maybe also the Crosshair V Formula Z.

Its is a best solution for questions we asked, at my point of view.

 

[VersionRed]

There IS another option here, so that you can at least USE this system while you save up, but it WILL mean spending at least a little money anyhow.

You can underclock the CPU to FX-8350 levels, which costs nothing, and slap an inexpensive but half decent AIO or air cooler on there (Which could be reused on the CPU from the next platform you get so it isn't a waste of money and will be better than any of the stock coolers).

Something like this, along with underclocking that CPU down to FX-8350 clock speed and voltage, would give you the ability to continue using it for now. And I'd be happy to talk you through doing that if you want to try it and get a cooler.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: Thermalright TRUE Spirit 120M(BW) Rev.A 46.19 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $49.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-02-07 22:39 EST-0500


And, there ARE cheaper coolers you could put on there to do this with, but for 50 bucks or less, this is the cooler that I'd most recommend.

I'd very much appreciate it. Being able to use it for something until I get the money is better than not at all.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Cool. So, first thing you need to do is get a new cooler, because the system CANNOT be run without a functioning cooler installed or you'll just burn the whole thing up.

 

[VersionRed]

Ordered and on it's way this Thursday. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Darkbreeze]

No problem. Let me know when it comes in. What did you order?

 

[VersionRed]

Well, I went to order the first you suggested, the Thermalright, and the first time I looked at the page it said 1 left, and in the time I went to order it, it said there was none. So I went to that part picker, put in my motherboard and cpu, and ended up choosing a Noctua NH-U9S, which was in stock, fit my case/motherboard, and seemed okay for the specs. I hope I made the right choice, and apologize for not checking here first if this was a good alternative.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Truth? I'd cancel that order. That is a good QUALITY cooler, but it's intended for use in small form factor builds like mini ITX where a taller cooler simply can't be used. It's not particularly capable when it comes to CPUs like the 8 core FX models.

I mean, it WILL WORK, but it's going to struggle and you're going to hate it because it's always going to be loud anytime you are under any kind of a load at all.

If you can cancel the order, I would do that. If not, I'd return it when you get it. Where did you order it from?

 

[VersionRed]

Cancelled, and I got it at Amazon. I just checked, the website must have glitched when I last looked, cause the Thermalright does still say 1 left again. The only thing I worry about with that are physical clearance. It states the height of it is 145mm, or roughly 5.7", which is about exactly the room I have between the motherboard and the case. If this is okay, then I'll grab it up now.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Do you know what the model of your case is? I know you got it, and I forgive you, from Cybercrap PC, and they aren't particularly upfront about all the model numbers of things that come in their prebuilt systems, but since they largely source all their parts from the same sources everybody else can get them through, they are normally regularly available models that are available on the aftermarket to anybody. Knowing the case model would resolve knowing if it will fit or not. Part of the reason I chose that cooler was BECAUSE it is so much shorter than practically all the other tower coolers that are decent performers, in the budget range.

I'll look to see what else is currently available, and as you know there is a lot of "can't get that right now" going on throughout the supply chain across the board, that might still be a good choice but be maybe just even a little shorter.

 

[VersionRed]

Unfortunately, no. I had no idea how screwed over on a variety of things with this computer I was until it was too late. I bought it from Best Buy, who sold it with a service plan, only to find out they don't service them at all, and I've had a time with the parts it did come with (one fan briefly catching fire). If it wasn't for my financial situation over the last couples years, I'd have long gotten it replaced.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Well, I tried like heck to figure out what case that is, and I can't figure it out, so, this is what I'd do.

Take the side panel off. Take a piece of string and wrap it all the way around the case, tight, and tie it off to itself. Take a tape measure and measure from the top of the CPU itself to the string. That will give us the clearance and we'll take 1mm off of that just to be sure.

 

[VersionRed]

Okay, stupid me. I measured from in front of the pump last time instead of behind. There is enough clearance for the one that you originally suggested. I checked, and Amazon had the one left still, and got it. It won't be here until the 23rd, but it is on it's way.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Cool man. Let me know when it arrives and we will move forward. Don't try to install it right away, let me get you some additional information when you are ready because installing Thermalright coolers can be just a little bit more tricky than some other coolers and I know of a good video that will be immensely helpful in avoiding any pitfalls. Also, tips on applying thermal paste in case that's something you haven't done before as well. And even if you have actually.

 

[VersionRed]

Got it a day early. Forgot your message here about waiting to install. I went and loaded a video on it (as I tend to do when doing most things I've never done before) and followed that and the instructions from the box. Though I had applied thermal paste before, I watched a video on it just in case to make sure I was doing it right. I also salvaged one of the fans from my previous setup and put that on the rear to pull air out, as I wouldn't have any exhaust fans if I hadn't.