i7 2600 Cooling

[mjf]

If I run an i7 2600 (not overclocked) flat out for some hours will the stock cooler that comes with the chip generally be sufficient?
I plan putting it in a Lancool PC-56 (or PC-60) Case.
The PC-56 is a decent size case with 2x 120mm fans for inlet and outlet.
Ambient temps could be at ~ 30 Celcius max.

I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[sygnus21]

If you aren't overclocking the chip, or perhaps running it flat out 24/7 then the stock cooler should be fine.

However be prepaired to get a wide range of debate here - so your best bet is to do a little research yourself.

BTW what exactly are your going be doing to "run an i7 2600 (not overclocked) flat out for some hours" ????

That answer might get you a better answer to your question.
Good luck

 

[mjf]

Thanks for the response. I've certainly googled the issue but thought fellow forum members may have some experience to share.
I do 2 things that run the CPU heavily.
1) Some numerical modelling (past-time) that can run for hours.
2) Encode my Blu rays for use on a media player and fiddle with video coding generally.

 

[sygnus21]

If you're worried about heat you can just get an inexpensive aftermarket cooler and be happy with that. I'm sure you can find something quite adequate for around $30 US dollars.

I'm not the CPU cooler expert so I can't really recommend one - though the one I have is good, but it's rather expensive - http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/81169-experience-gigabyte-motherboards-3.html#post775794 Great cooler if you're not pushing the overclock speeds and noise is a concern. The bad news is the price though

Anyway I'm sure others here will suggest a more economical solution (if you feel you really need one)

 

[essenbe]

I don't know the thermal difference between my 2500K and a 2600, but I have a Corsair H50 with 2 Noctua fans in push/pull. I am OC'd to 4.0 but I idle at 36 and if I push it real hard can get to 60. I'm a little disappointed in idling at 36 with a 95 watt CPU. I am considering a Notcua NH-D14. Although it's large it is probably te best you are going to get on air, as far as I know. And, BTW the temps are the same running at stock, as I never increased the voltage.

 

[pparks1]

As long as you have a computer case that has a cutout in the motherboard, I would just start with the stock cooler and see what happens, as switching to an aftermarket cooler will be an absolute piece of cake. The case you mention above, does have a cutout.

My last 5-6 builds have all used the stock cooler, either the Intel or the AMD. My computers usually run in my basement, which never exceeds 25C....so my ambient temps are fairly low. I'm running an Core 2 Duo E8400 (3.0Ghz stock at 3.60Ghz) on my work desktop on the stock Intel cooler, and I'm running a Core 2 Quad Q9550 (2.83Ghz stock at 3.40Ghz) on my home desktop computer on the stock Intel Cooler. The work desktop is in an Antec 300 case, with 2 case fans (top 120mm and a back upper 120mm case fan. My home desktop is running in an Antec P182 with 2 case fans (top 120mm and a back upper 120mm case fan). All of these case fans are Antec TriCool's...running at their lowest possible setting (I cannot stand noise from my PC). My home desktop does video encoding for 3-4 hours at a time running Sony Vegas HD Movie Studio and my temps run around 55-58C which is well within spec on this CPU.

 

[sygnus21]

I don't know the thermal difference between my 2500K and a 2600, but I have a Corsair H50 with 2 Noctua fans in push/pull. I am OC'd to 4.0 but I idle at 36 and if I push it real hard can get to 60. I'm a little disappointed in idling at 36 with a 95 watt CPU. I am considering a Notcua NH-D14. Although it's large it is probably te best you are going to get on air, as far as I know. And, BTW the temps are the same running at stock, as I never increased the voltage.

I personally don't think he requires either of those solutions, or even the one I use since he's not overclocking at all.....

Thanks for the response. I've certainly googled the issue but thought fellow forum members may have some experience to share.
I do 2 things that run the CPU heavily.
1) Some numerical modelling (past-time) that can run for hours.
2) Encode my Blu rays for use on a media player and fiddle with video coding generally.

I think if he has to get something, maybe this would be sufficient.... Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Hyper N 520 RR-920-N520-GP 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Intel Core i7 compatible

For what he's doing I wouldn't spend no more then $50 bucks on a cooler, 50 being the high end.

My two cents.

BTW.... "I'm a little disappointed in idling at 36 with a 95 watt CPU" - that's not bad at all considering you're OC to 4gig. I'll take that all day. My OC i7-950 OC to 3.8 idles at 41. Besides you'll long replace that CPU before the heat gets to it

 

[pparks1]

BTW.... "I'm a little disappointed in idling at 36 with a 95 watt CPU" - that's not bad at all considering you're OC to 4gig. I'll take that all day. My OC i7-950 OC to 3.8 idles at 41. Besides you'll long replace that CPU before the heat gets to it

Yeah, every overclocked chip is a bit different...I would think their heat output would be the same.

I agree completely about replacing the CPU before heat kills it. I'm a firm believer that enthusiasts are far more worried about heat then they need to be. They also worry too much about lifespan of their SSD's. I think most of us enthusiasts are obsessive compulsive though, so we cannot help it. (I know I have been diagnosed with it, and take a daily med now for it).

 

[sygnus21]

Yes as enthusiasts we are obsessive about things, especially heat, but we have to be, or else we wouldn't be overclocking. Heat and overclocking go hand in hand

I think the obsession comes though when we try to compete for the lowest temp, forgetting that the safe zone isn't as narrow as we think, and that not all things are equal

 

[pparks1]

^ really wishes that your text wasn't black as I use the SF Black Wide theme and all I can see in your post is smiley faces. I just highlight your text with the mouse, and then I can read it

 

[sygnus21]

Sorry about that, that was brought to my attention before

I have the habbit of using word to check spelling and stuff and sometimes forget to use the Remove Text Formatting key after pasting back here. Fixed

 

[Outlander]

My 2600K ran scary hot when first installed with the stock cooler and I was ticked. Pulled the whole thing out, complete cleaning and degreasing with brake cleaner and ethyl alky, reinstalled with AS and viola, high 20's C. Never will I trust the factory paste again. I really hate to undo that stuff when it's in there and running well but you can't let it burn......

 

[pparks1]

My 2600K ran scary hot when first installed with the stock cooler and I was ticked. Pulled the whole thing out, complete cleaning and degreasing with brake cleaner and ethyl alky, reinstalled with AS and viola, high 20's C. Never will I trust the factory paste again. I really hate to undo that stuff when it's in there and running well but you can't let it burn......

Sorry to hear about that. It's funny as I've likely bought about 100 server chassis's, each with dual cpu's and I've never had a problem with any factory paste on them. I haven't run a new Sandy Bridge setup yet...so no experience to write about on that one.

 

[sygnus21]

Sorry to hear about that. It's funny as I've likely bought about 100 server chassis's, each with dual cpu's and I've never had a problem with any factory paste on them. I haven't run a new Sandy Bridge setup yet...so no experience to write about on that one.

I have to agree, I've never heard or seen this before myself.

One thing I will say is that the clips can be tricky and if not installed correctly you will experience problems.

 

[mjf]

Thanks, good tips.
The Lancool is a decent size case (210x460x490mm) with good ventilation so I might start with the stock cooler and just see how I go. I haven't heard the noise from the cases so I'm still tossing up on that one-

PC-K56 has 2 x 120mm inlet/exhaust fans. Mounted front & rear. ($79)
PC-K60 has 1x 120mm exhaust at rear, 2x 140mm inlet top mounted ($109)

I fear the K60 may be a bit loud. Is it too simple minded to just switch out one of inlet fans if it's too loud? Turn it back on if it's a stinking hot day.

Re: earlier comment. I think there's a big gray area between "obsessive compulsive" and "wanting things done correctly".

 

[sygnus21]

Is it too simple minded to just switch out one of inlet fans if it's too loud? Turn it back on if it's a stinking hot day.

Shouldn't be a problem. You could also switch them out for quieter ones. I did that when I had my Antec P182 case.

Re: earlier comment. I think there's a big gray area between "obsessive compulsive" and "wanting things done correctly".

You would be correct in that thinking





Good luck on your decision

 

[Sardonicus]

Good choices. Other than the 140mm fans and the open top, the PC-K56 doesn't have the tool-less PCI holder.

I have the PC-K57 and the fans are quiet.

Their newer cases.........LanCool-PC
The newer cases give a few more cooling options.
Side note: the PC-K59 and PC-K63 are huge cases.

 

[Marshall Moore]

I just built my PC about a month ago with i7 2600k. I'm using the stock fan and the readings at idle are 48-50C. I downloaded the IPDT (Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool). The tool put a very heavy load on the processor. The temp went up but passed the test. Temp under maximum. I have not overclocked this processor yet. You probably know this already but the 2600 is locked. The 2600k is unlocked. Also the 2600 Intel® HD Graphics 2000. The 2600k Intel® HD Graphics 3000. Price difference 20-30 bucks. I figure if your going to spend $299 you might as well spend $320.

 

[Marshall Moore]

I must say this also. I can't hear my fan (stock) at all and my pc is on top of my desk 10 inches from my head.

 

[sygnus21]

So have you opened the PC to check if the fan is running? BTW even those stock Intel fans are pretty quiet.