New CPU cooler for i5 2500k

[JJThomp]

I'm looking for a new CPU cooler, I have a silverstone temjin tj08b-e matx case so max cooler height is 165mm (a noctua NH-D14 fits but is out of my budget). Should be no louder than the stock intel HSF but perform well.

Budget is about $50-60

Coolers im already considering (the usual suspects)
Hyper 212+
CM V6
Hyper 212 evo

[supaflyx3]

i would say 212+, it's a great value cooler. or an H80 if you want silent.

[dandelioneater]

212+ with 2 proper aftermarket fans in push/pull is very good. The stock fan that comes with the heatsink is loud as hell IMO.

[francisw19]

Are you planning to overclock or just looking for something better/quieter than the stock cooler? If you want to stay at stock, the 212+ should work well and is well within your budget. No personal experience with it, but I would think it should give you good overclocking head room if you do indeed decide to go that route.

[Eluder]

I had the 212+ on my 2600k before switching to the H100 and it was a really solid air cooler, but only with aftermarket fans.
I never tried the stock ones, but I tried 2 Noctua NF-P12's and 2 Scythe GT AP-15's. Both pairs were solid performers, but I preferred the Noctua's because they were quieter than the AP-15's.

[Q'rash]

Two other suggestions that meet your criteria are as follows:
1. Thermaltake Frio is 165mm tall and comes with 2 fans. It's listed in a large Ontario chain for $60 currently.

2. Thermalright HR-02 Macho is 162 mm tall and comes with one 140mm x 160 mm fan. The same chain lists this one for $50. Based on images in online reviews the top of the fan might exceed your 165 mm limit.

Both of these are large tower type HSF units and both have received really good reviews online. The second is a modification (by the company) of the HR-02 that was capable of passive (fanless) operation. Adding a large yet silent fan makes it even better. Both are very wide as well so measure the available space carefully to avoid an unpleasant surprise. Both of these might be overkill depending on your needs.

[JJThomp]

Depending on the cooler width i can only have 1 fan however because of the case layout the 180mm case fan blows through the CPU cooler so it really only needs a pull fan. I will be overclocking, I was hoping for something a tad better than the hyper 212+ (hence why I was looking at the evo and V6). Even if it is only marginally better I have this budget and don't mind using it all.

Anyone know how these self contained water coolers work in my case? I looked it up but case availability is slim and I guess not many people have tried it. Which brings me to another option should I just save up for an H80.

[zsamz_]

either get the noctua or save some $ n get the 212

[francisw19]

Originally Posted by JJThomp

Depending on the cooler width i can only have 1 fan however because of the case layout the 180mm case fan blows through the CPU cooler so it really only needs a pull fan. I will be overclocking, I was hoping for something a tad better than the hyper 212+ (hence why I was looking at the evo and V6). Even if it is only marginally better I have this budget and don't mind using it all.

Anyone know how these self contained water coolers work in my case? I looked it up but case availability is slim and I guess not many people have tried it. Which brings me to another option should I just save up for an H80.

Just looking at a few pictures of your case, it looks like you should have enough room to mount a self-contained water cooler. If you stretch your budget a bit, you might be able to afford a Corsair H60. An H80 would be quite a bit over your budget though, but would be a better performer with the bigger radiator and push/pull fans.

Personally, if it were me, I think I'd get one of the self-contained water coolers...namely the H80. It wouldn't take up so much space and would leave you room for things like tall RAM heat spreaders, etc...

[JJThomp]

Originally Posted by francisw19

Just looking at a few pictures of your case, it looks like you should have enough room to mount a self-contained water cooler. If you stretch your budget a bit, you might be able to afford a Corsair H60. An H80 would be quite a bit over your budget though, but would be a better performer with the bigger radiator and push/pull fans.

Personally, if it were me, I think I'd get one of the self-contained water coolers...namely the H80. It wouldn't take up so much space and would leave you room for things like tall RAM heat spreaders, etc...

Yeah I think I'll pick up the H80... I guess it is worth it because I will be able to use it in future builds and whatnot, I'll also be able to use both fans which is a plus because on an NHd14 I won't.