New CPU cooler for my PC

LittleJay · 31 Dec 2012

Hi all,

I have my computer specs filled in for reference. What I would like to do is replace the stock Intel CPU cooler that came installed with my i5 2500K. I monitor my CPU temps with Core Temp running on the taskbar and lately I have been noticing that my CPU temps have been running hotter than they were just a few weeks ago. I clean the dust from my computer on a regular basis and at the moment, I don't see any problem there when I checked it. It might be that I need to redo the thermal paste on the CPU cooler, but thought that since I would need to remove the cooler to do that, I might as well bite the bullet and get a better after market cooler. I do not run games on this computer, nor do I have the CPU overclocked. So I guess what I would like is some recommendations on a new CPU cooler. My case is the Coolermaster Haf X full tower so I have plenty of space.

Thanks a lot, LittleJay

Erick Aguilar · 31 Dec 2012

Coolermasters Hyper212 would be perfect, it's cheap, and it does what it is supposed to.

kbrady1979 · 31 Dec 2012

Erick Aguilar said:

Coolermasters Hyper212 would be perfect, it's cheap, and it does what it is supposed to.

I second that! The Hyper 212+ or Hyper 212 Evo is THE best bang for the buck as far as coolers. I normally recommend a basic closed loop water cooling unit but as you don't play games or do any kind of OC'ing, there is no need. Even if you did want to do some OC'ing down the road, the Hyper 212 would be up to that task.

I just looked and Newegg has the Hyper 212+ on sale and has a mail in rebate......I'd snatch one up and put some good thermal paste on it and rock on----> Hyper 212+

LittleJay · 31 Dec 2012

Hi guys,

Thanks for your replies! As far as thermal paste goes, would Arctic Silver 5 do the job?

kbrady1979 · 31 Dec 2012

LittleJay said:

Hi guys,

Thanks for your replies! As far as thermal paste goes, would Arctic Silver 5 do the job?

If you have that handy, then that will be fine. If you are going to order some along with a cooler, I would grab some Arctic MX4......some of the best stuff around. Arctic MX4

LittleJay · 31 Dec 2012

Thanks a lot Kelly! I don't have any thermal, so I will go with your recommendation. I've read about the Hyper 212+ before and it seems to be highly recommended, so I think thats what I'll go with.

kbrady1979 · 31 Dec 2012

It has 3700+ reviews on Newegg and still has 5 out of 5 eggs....it's gotta be doing something right! You won't be disappointed with it.

One thing I must mention is I'm not sure if the cooler comes with thermal paste pre-installed, maybe someone can chime in and let you know.....if it does, I still recommend cleaning it off and using the Arctic MX4. That paste will last a long damn time if you keep the cap on it so you don't have to worry that it will have gone bad when you need to use it again. You should be able to do several CPU's with that small tube as well. Well worth the $10! Just make sure you use the proper tools when you clean the old thermal paste off the CPU.

LittleJay · 31 Dec 2012

I just placed the order with NewEgg so it will probably be late this week or early next week before I get it. When I do, I will start a new thread and ask for some help with installing the cooler. I have never done it before and I want to make sure its right! Thanks again for all your help mate! It is appreciated!

PS: just thought of something. Is thermal paste affected by cold temperatures? The reason I ask is that UPS delivers here when I am at work and the package sits outside the door. This is almost January and the chances of the temps being around the 0 degree mark are quite likely.

kbrady1979 · 31 Dec 2012

I doubt it will have any ill effects on it. I would open the package up and let the tube warm up to room temperature before using it though.

LittleJay · 31 Dec 2012

Alright, will do. Thanks!