30 Dollar Amazon Budget for CPU Cooler and Paste

Darren

Darren

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Staff member
Hey all. Got 30 bucks for Amazon and want to buy a new CPU Cooler for my rig (specs below).

I know the 212 fits in my case but I'll have to remove a side fan. It's a 120mm that I can just tack on to the CPU for added cooling. It does have blue LED's and I don't think it should interfere since it's lit but would like someone else to weigh in.

I'm leaning towards a 212 and some Arctic Silver 5. Any other suggestions for 30 bucks. I can probably add another 5-10 bucks if needed but lower the better.

I'm also slightly worried about RAM Clearance since they're the RIPJAW RAM like what's below.

370979_0_original.jpg
 
I did have to mount it the wrong way round though, but you know, it fits, it cools, it does it's job. It looks nice in my case too. ;)
 
And how about doing thermal paste. I hear both spread around with toothpick or just a small rice sized thing in the middle and installation of cooler will do the rest.
 
To be honest I'm a bad boy so I didn't bother with any premium thermal paste (just used the pre-applied stuff on the bottom of the cooler) and it seems to be fine. I'm pretty sure you just put a tiny dot of paste in the middle of the CPU and then just put the cooler on top. Don't put too much on though.
 
I'm considering ditching the Arctic Silver and just using the stuff that comes with the 212.
 
Yeah the paste which these coolers come with will be OK, they're not the best though. The stuff on the bottom of my Freezer 13 seems to keep my overclocked 2500K fairly cool though.
 
Ram will be no problem. My cooler is huge, but you'll always find a way to lift the fan higher.(if it comes against the ram). Got exactly the same ram, and my cooler hide 3 from the 4 slots lol :p.
 
spirit said:
What have you OC'ed to?
Click to expand...

In sig. 3.2 to 3.4

My temps are actually really fine. Rarely go higher than 55 on stock cooler. Could probably push it some more but feel no need.

Next on my list of upgrades is 8GB RAM and then an SSD.
 
Ah I thought 3.4GHz was the stock clockspeed for a 955. I think the 965 was clocked at 3.4GHz at stock.

Extra RAM and an SSD will be nice. Will be a very nice little system once you've finished with it. :)
 
keep a look out for the Samsung 840 SSD and use it if you can. It is faster than the 830 and supposed to be more reliable.
RAM is RAM. if you need it you will be fine, if not then wasted money.

As for the cooler, there is about a 2* difference between AS5 and the coolermaster paste with the stock HSF of a 2600k. Not enough to warrant the cost unless you are trying to max out your OC.
 
wolfeking said:
keep a look out for the Samsung 840 SSD and use it if you can. It is faster than the 830 and supposed to be more reliable.
RAM is RAM. if you need it you will be fine, if not then wasted money.

As for the cooler, there is about a 2* difference between AS5 and the coolermaster paste with the stock HSF of a 2600k. Not enough to warrant the cost unless you are trying to max out your OC.
Click to expand...

Ok that makes me feel better.

SSD is more of something that I will get way later. I'm not concerned with boot times as long as it's not excessive. It's on the back shelf of things to upgrade.

Edit: Well a friend just told me he had some AS5 laying around so I'll use his. :)
 
Last edited:
Well I just recalled the order in favor of BF3. :D

Probably get more entertainment out of that and order a 212 later.
 
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