New CPU Cooler $60

[flickyklicky]

Hi there! I've decided I've had enough to the incessant hard drive-like noise coming out of my H80, so I'm switching back to air cooling. My budget is $60. People around her always seem to recommend an Hyper 212 and replacement fans because it's cost effective, but with a $60 budget, is the 212 still the best? Also, if it is, what are some good but quieter fans that I can replace them with. Noctuas seem good to me, but I can't lie. I don't like how they look.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103089
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

How do these compare to the 212 performance-wise and how loud are they?

 

[Goudkuipje]

Personally Id still take a Noctua, perhaps a DH 14. Its a bit over your budget, but its really quiet. Second option for me would be a 212 evo with a (again) noctua NF-p14 replacement fan. Quiet and good airflow.

 

[flickyklicky]

Hmm. If that's the case, maybe I will take the Evo. I know I really shouldn't be basing my decisions off of looks, but I've got a completely blue/black build, and the Noctuas would just kill the vibe. I also don't particularly like the $25-30 price tag on them. Any other fan suggestions? My only requirement is that they have to be less loud than what the 212 comes with.

 

[Slow Trot]

I found the stock fan on my 212 really annoying so ended up replacing it with one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835553006&Tpk=cougar%20vortex%20pwm

My computer is virtually silent now. CPU temperatures are exactly the same despite the fact that the new fan has slightly lower RPM and CFM ratings.

I'm actually thinking of upgrading to a D14 and swapping out the Noctua fans for Cougars. I know that the Noctuas are highly regarded, but they're just too ugly. I've tried, but can't get past the looks.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

DH-14 is a HUGE cooling beast,but worth the money.

 

[jerry6]

GO 212 cooler with this fan , dead silent , at least the ones I have are
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835999007

 

[flickyklicky]

Best answer selected by flickyklicky.

 

[flickyklicky]

I found the stock fan on my 212 really annoying so ended up replacing it with one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835553006&Tpk=cougar%20vortex%20pwm

My computer is virtually silent now. CPU temperatures are exactly the same despite the fact that the new fan has slightly lower RPM and CFM ratings.

I'm actually thinking of upgrading to a D14 and swapping out the Noctua fans for Cougars. I know that the Noctuas are highly regarded, but they're just too ugly. I've tried, but can't get past the looks.

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I'm exactly the same with Noctua fans. Terrible, I know, but I can't get myself to like them. I'm not sure if my R4 has enough clearance for a huge D14, so I've ordered the 212 just to be safe.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

212 is decent you will like it,