New CPU cooler. H100, H80, H70 Core with custom fans or H2o 620?

Bungee18 · 05 Jan 2013

Hi guys,
I'm trying to decide between an Antec H2o 620, an H70 core with custom fans, an H80 and an H100.
I'm running an 8210 Oc'ed to 4300K and do play some demanding games.
My case comes prepared to install a 240 mm radiator, hence the H100 is an option, but I think it might be overkill and too noisy?
What about the button on the pump to set performance? Do you need to open the case and change all the time or you just set it to medium performance and just let it be?
Airflow through the radiator from outside the case or from within the case? I've seen both setups...
Is push/pull with the H100 worth it?
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
J

fireberd · 06 Jan 2013

I'm using a Corsair H80 liquid cooler on an i7 3770. I have it set to the lowest speed and haven't touched it. The new PC is about 6 months old. However, I replaced the noisy stock fans with "silent" fans as I use this system for my recording studio. At idle or low usage the CPU cores run around 30 C and I've never seen them go much above 40 C.

The Corsair H80 comes with two fans. One is mounted to the rear of the case, then the radiator and finally the second fan.

I'm using a Corsair Carbide 500R case.

kbrady1979 · 06 Jan 2013

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier, I've been in a battle-to-the-death with a head cold. First things first, you need to decide if you want a single 120mm Rad unit, or a dual 120mm Rad. That will sort your choices out quite a bit. It's a shame the rear fan location isn't 140mm or I would tell you to get the NZXT Kraken X40! I'm not overly crazy about the H100/H100i but it is a very popular choice. Out of the coolers you mentioned, I would get the H70 Core and put some good Static Pressure optimized fans on it. Basically, I prefer coolers made by Asetek, which some Corsair models are. Any of the Corsair units with the round style pump are made by Asetek. The NZXT Kraken, Intel, Antec Kuhler, and I believe the Zalman units are made by Asetek as well. I prefer them over the Cool-IT models.

That may or may not have helped you answer your question, as I'm hopped up on good cold meds, I'm not certain it made any sense. Let us know if you have anymore questions about selecting a cooler.

linnemeyerhere · 06 Jan 2013

Yes thicker rad. then the H100, yes like the newer H100 software included. Can't tell you what the stock fans sound like for they're replaced the my Noc's. The H100 is quality kit, this Extreme 2.0 is it's match and maybe then some !

Thermaltakeusa*»*Cooler*»*Liquid Cooling*»*Liquid Cooling All-In-One*»*WATER2.0 Extreme All-In-One LCS : WATER2.0 Extreme All-In-One LCS CLW0217

Side Note: The mounting kit for the H100 is easier to mount in some respects but this shouldn't dis-wade you from a purchase if it's available to you!
Dbl. Side Note: Just thick enough to prevent 4 fan push pull in my huge CoolerMaster case, but not to fear as the dual fan set up is working perfect !

Bungee18 · 06 Jan 2013

Thanks for your advice guys.
@Alan, unfortunately the Thermaltakes are not available down here.

I'll go either with H100, the H80 or custom water cooling.
After some research I found out I can do the custom thing without that much of a price difference with an H100 with good fans.
I can get a good pump (1200 l/h), a CPU waterblock (XSPC Raystorm), a GPU waterblock, reservoir, 280 mm radiator (that's two by 140 mm!), fans and all hardware for around 40% more than the H100 and I get to cool my GPU which runs on the hot side when OC'ed, and for a bit more I get blocks for SB/NB too, and an additional double thickness 120 mm radiator.

Your thoughts?

J

kbrady1979 · 06 Jan 2013

It is ultimately up to you. The custom water cooling loop will work better than a closed loop system and like you said, will cool your cpu and gpu. It is more expensive, and like anything custom, has the potential to be a pain during installation. I also believe you have some maintenance with a custom loop. I don't know how much better a custom solution will cool, but quite a few guys are getting really good results just bolting a closed loop system in. Like I said, you have to decide what you are willing to spend and how much performance you need.

Just curious, is the case in your system specs the case you are currently talking about water cooling? If so, I took a closer look at it and it seems to have a 140mm fan in the top of the case.....if it does, I would seriously consider the NZXT Kraken X40 cooler. It should be a perfect fit and is reasonably priced. Just thinking out loud.

Bungee18 · 06 Jan 2013

The case has room for 4 x 140 mm up top (push/pull), that's why I'm thinking about the dual 140 mm custom radiator.
Unfortunately the Kraken is not available down here. It is either Corsair, Antec or custom.
Thanks for your help Kelly.
J

linnemeyerhere · 06 Jan 2013

If I wasn't such a front panel whore needing two optical drives and a hot swap drive taking all three of my available then I too would be going full water. To me the real gain is enough space for a front reservoir with a viewing window. If you have two slots available and at least one if not two places for (1 or 2) 240mm rads., (1) 240mm or 360mm rad. + (1) 120 or 240mm rad. then you have the perfect case for a full water system and you can work up to a SLI'd or Crossfired full water rig. The CPU if that is all you're going to cool with water you'll gain some performance but at what costs? In my opinion the H100 doesn't out perform the H80 with it's push/pull. I will add full water to my case but I need to sell a few forklifts to justify the twin waterblocked GPU's but one can always dream !

kbrady1979 · 06 Jan 2013

What source are you going through to get your parts? Is it a local shop? The Kraken is fairly new and places such as Newegg just started carrying it a few days ago. Might be something your source will carry very soon.

And with the options you have, the NZXT Kraken X60 will fit right in and it is the best closed loop system on the market now, in my opinion. Maybe your source will start carrying this soon.

Bungee18 · 06 Jan 2013

I have room for a 280 mm radiator on top, a 240 mm in the front and 120 in the back.
I haven't thought about the 240 in the front. That's an awesome idea and the case is designed for it.
I can get the 240 and 280 pulling air in and exhaust through the back and side.
My bays are full too, but I would use a tower reservoir and pump placed in front of the PSU.
Custom is looking better and better.