Water Cooling vs Air cooling?

[rdizz81]

Is it really worth it in your opinions? Currently using a Zalman air cool have an OC to 4.6ghz on a 3570k runs idle around 28c to 30c and under 100% prime load max of 71.

Is a water cooled system worth the jump?

was thinking of this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181031&cm_re=CORSAIR_Hydro_Series_H80i_High_Performance_Water%2fLiquid_CPU_Cooler._120mm-_-35-181-031-_-Product

 

[TechyInAZ]

I'd say yes, for two reasons:

1. Liquid cooling is quieter because it is smaller than it's Air counterparts.
2. Water/liquid can dissipate heat at a greater rate than air can so you get a lot cooler temps.

 

[James Mason]

It won't be a big difference.
Only difference is it should be quieter and maybe a little cooler.

 

[burdenbound]

For $5 extra bucks you can get the H100i which should give you much better results if you can mount it in your case.

If those temperatures are accurate then your current cooler seems to be working pretty well. I would grab a water cooler if your current one is making too much noise and your looking to run fans at a lower RPM, otherwise you might be disappointed in the difference.

If your looking to push your over clock more than I would recommend water cooling, but get a 240-280mm radiator if your case will allow.

 

[rdizz81]

Ya i was looking to push the OC, if the chip will handle it. But from what i have been reading the temps with water cooling is no different from air cooling... And i get that water dissipates heat faster but in order to be realistic about it the water needs to travel longer distances to cool more efficiently. I guess i could design my own cooler but not worth the hassle really.

i guess the point here is it worth the $100.

here is my current temps.

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I also plan on moving on to a Z97 board but cant see the performance jump so sort of waiting on broadwell to come around and i hear they are going to use the same socket. then i will make the jump to i7. But almost seems as if for the cost air cooling does the same job with more noise...

The pic reflects idle temps under the min... and max was around 90% load that is not prime 95 it pushes a bit hotter but nothing of concern.

I am also getting concerned about the accuracy of CoreTemp as my current home temp is around 72F and those temps really make no sense.

Now i have been running this OC for about 2 years so i am not worried. just wonder how accurate this is.

 

[burdenbound]

I would say it's worth it if you want to continue pushing you chip and don't want a massive cooler hanging from your motherboard. I have seen several review where the H100i and above perform better than the noctua (marginally) but you have the pros of moving the weight off your motherboard and as your temperatures go higher the water cooling will continue to outpace the air cooling.

I personally have the H110 and I wouldn't have it any other way, I really like the clean look you get with the water cooler and I know that no matter what I throw at it it's going to keep me cool and really quiet at the same time.

If your wanting to save money though, might want to stick with air (although the prices aren't so high that your really taking a big loss either way)

 

[rdizz81]

I would say it's worth it if you want to continue pushing you chip and don't want a massive cooler hanging from your motherboard. I have seen several review where the H100i and above perform better than the noctua (marginally) but you have the pros of moving the weight off your motherboard and as your temperatures go higher the water cooling will continue to outpace the air cooling.

I personally have the H110 and I wouldn't have it any other way, I really like the clean look you get with the water cooler and I know that no matter what I throw at it it's going to keep me cool and really quiet at the same time.

If your wanting to save money though, might want to stick with air (although the prices aren't so high that your really taking a big loss either way)

Money is not the issue, efficiency is... looking for reasons to make the jump. I think i am going to look into this H110 Would this require a full size case?

Doesn't appear these fit socket 1150

 

[legend001523]

No it wouldn't but you need to check out the noctua nh d15, it's just as good as the h100i and doesn't take up any fan spaces

 

[manofchalk]

I'd say yes, for two reasons:

1. Liquid cooling is quieter because it is smaller than it's Air counterparts.
2. Water/liquid can dissipate heat at a greater rate than air can so you get a lot cooler temps.

1.Smaller in no way guarantees quieter, if anything the trend is the exact opposite. More rad space you have, the slower the fans can go to achieve the same cooling.
2. Ultimately your still bound by air since it is a radiator, which is functionally no different to a conventional heatsink. The difference is the that you typically have far greater surface area of rad/heatsink in a water loop than you do on a conventional air-cooler, and the means of getting the heat from block to rad/heatsink is better.

To the OP.
I wouldnt bother TBH with a H80i, its not enough of an upgrade to be worthwhile. Even the H100i or similar is a bit iffy, the temps you have are fine.

 

[rdizz81]

Well the other idea i had was i am buying a new cooler for a new build anyway (Socket 1150) so i have to dish out the cash for a new fan regardless as i am not taking down the current build as shown in my specs.

and so far the only thing i can gather is weight on MOBO, they appear to be easier to install but as far as temps go these retail liquid coolers are really no better than traditional HSF's as far as temps go.