HSF - Anything good for i5-2500k smaller than 120mm?

[DaveSimmons]

I'm not overclocking so the stock HSF is probably fine, but if there is something good for under $50 that's less massive than a 212+ / EVO I wouldn't mind the extra cooling and quiet.

Priorities:
- Cool and quiet, though I don't need "silent"
- Reasonably easy to install, though I had no problems with Zalman 7000s in the A64 days

This will be in an Antec P280 so I could fit in a 212, I just don't want something so mobo-bendingly massive. Thanks!

 

[bluesky]

How many sticks of ram are you going to install?
Even a HS with 92mm fan can block the nearest slot.

I also looking at Hyper TX3, probably it could clear all memory slots and you probably find
quieter fan too.

And this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233081

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'm still trying to decide between 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 GB sticks, I haven't ordered the parts yet. 8 GB is fine for gaming now, but 16 would allow Windows to do a little more file caching.

 

[Kenmitch]

This one looks interesting. Downdraft style so it'll help keep the ram and motherboard cool at the same time. About a 100grams lighter than the 212's also.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103100

 

[DaveSimmons]

This one looks interesting. Downdraft style so it'll help keep the ram and motherboard cool at the same time. About a 100grams lighter than the 212's also.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103100

Thanks - this review is pretty favorable for using with a 2500K at stock, especially the noise levels and RAM clearance.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4277/cooler_master_geminii_s524_cpu_cooler_review/index.html

I do like the idea of a down-blowing HSF to cool the RAM and VRMs better.

 

[bluesky]

Thanks - this review is pretty favorable for using with a 2500K at stock, especially the noise levels and RAM clearance.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4277/cooler_master_geminii_s524_cpu_cooler_review/index.html

I do like the idea of a down-blowing HSF to cool the RAM and VRMs better.

LOL, thought this is too big for your taste.

With no overclocking, I don't think your system really needs extra cooling from this type.
In smaller size.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103084

 

[infoiltrator]

For $7 can not see going for the smaller one.

 

[Zap]

Not overclocking? Just use stock unit and enable a fan profile in BIOS.

 

[SZLiao214]

Do you already have the 212? If so just get a new fan if the stock one bothers you.

A lot of the good ones i've seen are generally the same size or larger then the 212.

 

[DaveSimmons]

No, I only have the case and SSDs. I'll be ordering everything else this weekend.

I'm leaning towards the intel HSF, but wanted to see if there were any good choices in between it and the 120mm monsters which are overkill for stock speed.

 

[Kenmitch]

No, I only have the case and SSDs. I'll be ordering everything else this weekend.

I'm leaning towards the intel HSF, but wanted to see if there were any good choices in between it and the 120mm monsters which are overkill for stock speed.

The stock one might work out for you. Test it out. They tend to get whiney under load tho. Just make sure the power cord doesn't hit the fan as they tend to wind them up too tight. Once in your case the stock cooler will be easy to remove anyways. Dependant on case you may be able to replace with a aftermarket one without tearing down your rig if needed.

 

[MontyAC]

Go for this one, Xigmatek Loki:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233081

I have a 2500k rig with this and the temps are very comparable to my main 2500k rig with the 212+. Main difference is the higher fan noise from the Loki's 92mm fan which you can always lower the fan speed since it comes with a 4 pin header.

 

[ATF678]

I'm using the 212+ with the same cpu as you. You can mount the fan a little higher up on the heatsink so that the ram clears the bottom of the fan. I have mine installed this way and it gives at least an extra 5mm above the ram. But there definitely isn't too much room to swap ram in and out. But at least you don't have to worry about what ram or heatsink you can use.

 

[MontyAC]

Also, you can install high profile rams with the Xigmatek Loki. I have 4 Corsair Vengeance rams installed with plenty of clearance for the heatsink/fan.