I don't use a stock heatsink because I wanted lower noise. Temps had nothing to do with it.
I'm all for liquid if temps cannot be otherwise reduced and if you are just using the PC as a hobbyist might. If air won't work, liquid might.
But I wouldn't consider liquid because of the known drawbacks--see PParks post. My temps are fine without it, I don't need the complexity, and I don't need the expense. I would gain nothing from it.
Your mileage does vary.
I know you weren't directing this at me, but I'm overclocking a Q9550 from 2.83ghz to 3.40ghz on the Intel Stock cooler. I was able to reduce my voltages just a tad (From 1.25V to 1.175v), and my idle temps are around 28-32C and my prime95 load temps are 59-64C.
So, for me, unless my temps were getting up over over 75C...I didn't see a need to go with an aftermarket cooler. It's not like temps don't matter, but I'm within a safe zone. I don't think I will get years and years more life running at 48C versus 58C.
Badger,
I have an H60 for an AMD quad. Works great except fan is loud.
I am looking to build an Intel i5 and wanted opinions. Not sure how much I wil OC. I mildly OCed the AMD but didn't go to extreme because didn't want to change voltage, etc.
pparks,
Thanks for input. I tried the stock on my AMD and it got above safe max when I ran prime95 so I went with liquid.
just change the fan, add a couple of silent ones either side of the rad if need be. it will fit fine on a core i5
ive got a core i5 2500k, and im looking at getting either h60,h70 or h100, probably the 100, but need a new case and psu to match ... its just an excuse to spend more really.
I don't believe anyone here is advocating the stock cooler. Unless you are going to do some extreme overclocking, water has too many disadvantages. I have an i5-2500K OC'd to 4.2. I had an H50 which idle temps were 38-39C. I switched to a Noctua cooler and now idle at around 33-34C. After 12 Hours of the Prime95 torture test I was at 56C. If you would like more info, read the top 10 coolers from Frosty Tech. You will notice none of the Corsair coolers are mentioned. For a comparison, look at the conclusions from their review of the H50 and see where it ranks among other coolers tested. The risks are leaks, and they do happen. Water and electronics do not mix well. the risk may cost a whole new system. To me, any gains you may think you get will not outweigh the costs.
Last edited by essenbe; 19 Oct 2011 at 16:26.
The Corsair H series of coolers are not as good as several air coolers are. In my opinion a good aftermarket fan and heat sink combo in a case with good push-pull fan system will serve you much better. with those high temps sooner is better, or risk losing the CPU and motherboard, RAM, etc.
if the stock cooler couldnt cope at stock setting then something is amiss.. either rogue temp readings, or poorly seated/very poor airflow
I have 120 fan in front drawing in 120 fan in rear drawing out and 80 fan on side going out and temp didn't change. Went with new heatsink and Arctic Silver but not much improvement. Temps at idles were 43C, prime95 took to 62C when I stopped it. Had Cool N Quiet turned on. No OC. 2.5 ghz. I tried changing 80 on side above processor to blow directly on processor fan but it was slightly higher temps.
Liquid took to 34C OCed to 2.8. Plus max is about 47C.
Using Cputemp to monitior.
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