What should I be looking for as far as cooling for an i7 920 to get it to 4GHz?

[ChorniyVolk]

So I'm planning on building a rig soon, and was hoping to get the i7 920 to 4GHz. I'm assuming that I'll be getting a D0 if that helps. As far as other parts, I was lookingat the COSMOS 1000 for the case (Drop in price already god dammit!) and for the motherboard, either a UD5 from Gigabyte or an E758 from EVGA.

I was also hoping to go with air cooling, the COSMOS suppresses sound well anyway, and my budget is being stretched pretty thin as it is.

I was hoping to spend around $70-$80 but I've seen some people hit my point with $30 cooling as well, so what would you guys recommend for me? Anyone in my exact situation got any tips and recommendations?

 

[RussianSensation]

If your budget is thin, you should just scrap 1366 altogether. Pick up a Core i7 860 and Asus P7P55D. Save $30-40 on the mobo and another $30 on the ram. 4GB is enough anyway.

Then you got extra $60-$70 to step up to 5850

 

[Tullphan]

Another thing to hope to get to 4GHz is pure luck of the batch.
Not every chip is going to hit that magic mark.
Those puppies run hot. You'd better save at least $75 for a HSF to keep that thing cool.

 

[RussianSensation]

Best Air Coolers:

IFX-14 (if you can fit it)
Prolimatech Megahalems
TRUE
Scythe Mugen 2
Thermolab Baram
Xigmatek Thor's Hammer
Noctua NH-U12P SE2
Zalman CNPS10x

Mugen 2 is the best value at $40, but doesn't fit 1156.

Zalman CNPS10x fits 1156 and is 2nd best value. ZALMAN CNPS10X Extreme $10 off w/ promo code ZALMANxtreme, ends 10/31 = $49.99

The other heatsinks will run you $65-$75 with fan.

Sueprcoolers on Core i7

 

[ChorniyVolk]

No, I'm sticking with 1366, that I'm sure about (budget is so high, there's no point in not getting the best.

Tullphan, is there a number that it'd be really unlikely I can't hit? I mean, if I'm unlucky in that, is there a sure number I can get to, if not 4GHz? And with the proper cooler, does that raise my chances you figure?

RussianSensation, I'll take a look at those, so if I'm sticking with 1366 I should look at the Mugen 2 you say? I looked at that link, and how does it simultaneously stay so cheap and so ahead of the other coolers? I mean, second place?!

 

[yh125d]

TRUE - $51 - sidewinder computers with a medium speed Yate Loon

 

[Ben90]

Absolute best Air cooler to my knowledge is the ThermalRight IFX-14, it runs around $60-80 depending on where u get it from, i would be comfortable up to around 4.4ghz with that cooler and decent fans (chip permitting)

*edit*

Although im sure most after market coolers prolly provide better bang to the buck... basically anything though will handle 4ghz at average d0 voltages

 

[ChorniyVolk]

Good to hear, and I think I actually will end up going with the Mugen 2, I mean, the benchmarks show it to be way at the top.

What about thermal paste, any suggestions?

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk


Tullphan, is there a number that it'd be really unlikely I can't hit? I mean, if I'm unlucky in that, is there a sure number I can get to, if not 4GHz? And with the proper cooler, does that raise my chances you figure?

You're just going to have to experiment.
I've got the Gigabyte EX58-UD4P & I do good to get 3.8 out of my D0 stepping i7.
It's just a luck of the draw with chips.
You may get one that'll do over 4GHz easily or you may get a dud.
You never know.

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
Good to hear, and I think I actually will end up going with the Mugen 2, I mean, the benchmarks show it to be way at the top.

What about thermal paste, any suggestions?

Tuniq TX-3, MX-3 or even Arctic Silver 5 should be good.

If you have a high budget, might as well go for the best 3 air coolers being: IFX-14, Megahalems and TRUE.

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
Good to hear, and I think I actually will end up going with the Mugen 2, I mean, the benchmarks show it to be way at the top.

What about thermal paste, any suggestions?

Tuniq TX-3, MX-3 or even Arctic Silver 5 should be good.

If you have a high budget, might as well go for the best 3 air coolers being: IFX-14, Megahalems and TRUE.

QFT
Don't scrimp on your cooling if you're wanting to get the most out of it.
While the Scythe Mugen 2 may cool a Q9xxx chip well, the i7 is a different animal.
Spend the bucks & get the TRUE or a Megahalem (or the IFX-14 if it isn't going to be mounted vertically).

 

[ChorniyVolk]

But why does their testing not reflect that those 3 are better than the mugen?

Also, what's a good place to find these coolers to compare them price-wise? Newegg doesn't have any of them, and I only searched one or two, but tigerdirect and ZZF don't have them either.

 

[yh125d]

It's been awhile since I've looked but I've never seen a Mugen 2 above or even tied with TRUE/Mega



And While the IFX may be a bit better, I'd personally never buy one. Too fucking big considering the small performance difference. The way I see it, if it can't be cooled effectively with the much smaller TRUE, then you need to be going water anyways

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
But why does their testing not reflect that those 3 are better than the mugen?

Also, what's a good place to find these coolers to compare them price-wise? Newegg doesn't have any of them, and I only searched one or two, but tigerdirect and ZZF don't have them either.

Perhaps they didn't want people knowing that.
I found my Megahalem on eBay & got a darn good price after cashback!

 

[Beanie46]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
But why does their testing not reflect that those 3 are better than the mugen?

Also, what's a good place to find these coolers to compare them price-wise? Newegg doesn't have any of them, and I only searched one or two, but tigerdirect and ZZF don't have them either.

From the test you're looking at, the only way it's applicable is if you're going to lap your cpu as XBit did. Lapping a cpu can and does skew results.

As for where to find the coolers, try Jab-Tech, Petra's, Performance PC's, Frozen CPU, and Sidewinder Computers.

 

[RussianSensation]

All of the coolers mentioned will be found at almost all of these websites:

http://www.frostytech.com/permalink.cfm?NewsID=78062

specifically,

Heatsinkfactory.com
SVC.com
CrazyPC.com
FrozenCPU.com

Here is the Mugen 2 at the eGG

There is more than 1 instance where the Mugen 2 has outperformed the big boys:

Review

But there have also been reviews where it did get its ass kicked

You may also want to check out ZALMAN CNPS10X Extreme $10 off w/ promo code ZALMANxtreme, ends 10/31 - $49.99

I can tell you that TRUE, IFX-14 and Megahalems usually don't disappoint, but all of them cost at least $60 without the fan. Obviously for the $$$, the Mugen 2 and Zalman are great options.

 

[yh125d]

You can get the TRUE for $51, as I pointed out above. Probably less if you look a bit

 

[GLeeM]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
is there a number that it'd be really unlikely I can't hit?

3.8

My 920 D0 will do 3.8 undervolted at 1.9 V and mid-upper-60 temps

4.01 with 1.264 V and mid-70 temps

Not sure why I am wanting to stay at 4, doesn't make much sense to run at those temps for a small speed increase

 

[ChorniyVolk]

As far as lapping a CPU, I don't think I'd ever do it, even if it did much, I think I'd rather stay away from physically changing anything on the chip. Is lapping even really worth it? I googled around, and this person for instance, is convinced it doesn't do anything, and actually seems pretty angry: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to...your-CPU-by-lapping-it

As far as coolers, the way I'm seeing it is I have 5 options: that Zalman, the Mugen 2, Megahalem, TRUE, and the IFX-14.

Are there any pros and cons for them to help me choose which one is right for me? I'm guessing the Mugen and Zalman are a bit behind in cooling but make up for it in price, while the IFX-14 is the best but fucking humongous. I mean, how do I choose which to go with? Also, how can I choose based on performance accurately if all of these results keep bouncing up and down, with say, the Mugen winning some and losing others? Are you guys suggesting the other 3/4 because they are consistent in giving great performance compared to the Mugen bouncing up and down? I'd really just like a decent benchmark list with accurate results that I can trust to be true regardless.

I'm okay with spending a bit more, I was just under the impression that the Mugen was beating the others and for a better price.

And why just those 5? no others compare? In one of those benchmarks there was something called the Titan Fenrir that was doing awesomely, and I also saw the Coolermaster V10 do well.

So basically, what I'm asking here is:

1. Considering those 5, any specifics on why I should go with one over the other?

2. Why are benchmarks so inconsistent? Which one should I follow and use as a guide for accuracy so that I know which coolers beat which coolers in a most likely sort of scenario?

3. Why don't you guys consider the other coolers worthy?

Also:

4. I was planning on having my PC standing upright, and then I look at some of these heatsinks and they're humongous! Will they not tear the board off the wall of the case with their weight? Am I just misjudging the weight by basing it solely on size?

5. If I were to go with a heatsink that doesn't come with it's own cooler, what fan (or fans?) should I get to go with it? Does it depend on which heatsink I go with? Can I still trust those results based solely on the heatsinks if the benchmark people happened to use better/worse fans to go with them?

6. How much would a decent water solution run me? Just to know.

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[ChorniyVolk]

Originally posted by: GLeeM

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
is there a number that it'd be really unlikely I can't hit?

3.8

My 920 D0 will do 3.8 undervolted at 1.9 V and mid-upper-60 temps

4.01 with 1.264 V and mid-70 temps

Not sure why I am wanting to stay at 4, doesn't make much sense to run at those temps for a small speed increase

Because a nice round sexy number like 4 makes you hot in the pants, and you know it.

At least that's why I'm going for it.

I don't know too much about overclocking just yet, but why are you getting 4 at a lesser voltage than 3.8? Isn't the voltage directly proportional to how far you can push it (not factoring in the multiplier or whatever that number was that was the other factor in the total speed; yeah, I've got some reading to do).

And what is the voltage normally when at stock?

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk

So basically, what I'm asking here is:

1. Considering those 5, any specifics on why I should go with one over the other?

Other than the Zalman, you can use dual fans with all of the other ones. Plus you can get a choice of fans. I suppose one other consideration is that eventually dust will build up between the 50+ plates these sinks have. You could probably use a vacuum or compressed air to get rid of it on the 'thinner' ones like TRUE and Megahalems. However, it may be more difficult to get rid of the dust on the Scythe since it is so thick.

These coolers are all cream of the crop so the performance differences will come from fan selection and the airflow in your case.

2. Why are benchmarks so inconsistent? Which one should I follow and use as a guide for accuracy so that I know which coolers beat which coolers in a most likely sort of scenario?

That's a good question. It's hard to base your opinion on just 1 or 2 websites. But generally I would pick IFX-14 as the best ever, if you can fit it, followed by TRUE Copper, followed by Megahalems, followed by TRUE and Thermalab BARAM/Scythe Mugen 2.

Here is another Summary Chart somewhat in line with what we posted for you already.

And Best CPU Cooler Performance LGA1366 Q3-2009
*Although I have no idea how a 4-heatpipe rebadged Thermalright Ultra (Cogage) beat the 6-pipe TRUE in their review?

3. Why don't you guys consider the other coolers worthy?

You mean outside of these 5? There are other good ones:

Xigmatek Thor's Hammer
ThermoLab BARAM
Corsair H50 (water)

4. I was planning on having my PC standing upright, and then I look at some of these heatsinks and they're humongous! Will they not tear the board off the wall of the case with their weight? Am I just misjudging the weight by basing it solely on size?

Don't worry because there is a metal backplate which is mounted on the other side of the CPU socket which provides additional support. All of these coolers are < 1KG. It's not unusual for top end cooling. It will work just fine. However, if you plan to transport your computer, definitely take that size heatsink off for safety.

5. If I were to go with a heatsink that doesn't come with it's own cooler, what fan (or fans?) should I get to go with it? Does it depend on which heatsink I go with? Can I still trust those results based solely on the heatsinks if the benchmark people happened to use better/worse fans to go with them?

Here are 2 great 120mm fan roundups:

What's the best 120mm case fan?
Be Cool: Ultimate 120/140 mm Fans Roundup
Some obvious standouts from both reviews are:

1. Scythe Gentle Typhoon D1225C12B5AP-15
2. Scythe Gentle Typhoon D1225C12B4AP-14
3. Scythe S-Flex SFF21E/F (I have the F version, it does make a bit of a noise so I'd choose the Typhoons over it)

I also heard good things about Zalman ZM-f3

Also you may look at 120mm Yate Loons at Jabtech.com

I suggest you also listen to some tests done by Martinm210 on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...mTh74w&feature=related

Or you can always get 2x SanACE H1011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If2TPAJWQRQ
and a fan controller

Great stuff!

6. How much would a decent water solution run me? Just to know.

Thanks for all the help guys.

As Aigomorla would say, price your watercooling setup and double that!

I can't help you on this one.

 

[ChorniyVolk]

Where does the Zalman stand in your answer for #2?

And for #4, will even the IFX-14 sit alright if I have my stuff vertical, or is it too big for that?

 

[GLeeM]

Originally posted by: GLeeM

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
is there a number that it'd be really unlikely I can't hit?

3.8

My 920 D0 will do 3.8 undervolted at 1.9 V and mid-upper-60 temps

4.01 with 1.264 V and mid-70 temps

Not sure why I am wanting to stay at 4, doesn't make much sense to run at those temps for a small speed increase

Oops! Typo

My 920 D0 will do 3.8 undervolted at 1.19 V and mid-upper-60 temps

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: RussianSensation


As Aigomorla would say, price your watercooling setup and double that!

I can't help you on this one.

close but not exactly..

i said whatever budget u have in your head at the moment... double it.



but on average... look at around 250-300 for a single cpu loop. Add another 100-150 if u want to add a full cover gpu.

Add another 100-150 for your board.

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: ChorniyVolk
Where does the Zalman stand in your answer for #2?

And for #4, will even the IFX-14 sit alright if I have my stuff vertical, or is it too big for that?

Personally, I wouldn't use an IFX-14 in a vertical configuration.