Closed Loop or Air Cooled? Too many options to choose from!

[McKantis_Mayhem]

Having only recently gotten into the modding game, I'm not very savvy on cooling systems.

I know water cooling is one of the most efficient ways to cool a system, and can be quite striking if pulled off successfully, however I'm not too fond of the idea that fittings and hoses can spring leaks inside my very expensive box of parts.

So that leaves me with a closed loop water cooling system, or normal air cooling.

If I go closed loop, then I'll go with a Corsair H-100, but I don't like how closed loop systems look. I'd really like to find an air cooler that will keep an overclocked 3930K from frying like so many potatoes.

I was looking into a Zalman CNPS12X since I greatly enjoy the chrome and blue fan combo, but I've heard mixed reviews on it.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ccaution]

The Corsair H100 will soon be EOL, since H100i is out. It's highly unlikely to have leaks with those kits so this shouldn't concern you.

But first of all: will you overclock that 3930K of yours? If not, a dirty cheap CoolerMaster Hyper 412S is more than enough for you. But having a "K" chip, I think you'd overclock sooner or later, so go for one of the big boys: Noctua D14, the big Phanteks in a color that you would actually like, or the thermalrigh silver arrow SB E extreme. All of the above coolers need low profile memory to fit properly, so keep that in mind. The H100i might be a bit cooler, but it produces much more noise. If you're ok with the noise, H100i is a pretty good option and you can turn that led blue, to much your theme

 

[Whaler_99]

For good air cooling, could look at the Noctua NH-D14 model, pretty pupular. Also, the Phanteks PH-TC14PE is popular. Something new, so don't know a lot, but looks promising, the Thermalright Silver Arrow Extreme.

Cloosed loop, go with one of the new i Models, like the 100i. Can also add some SP120 fans into a push/pull for a bit better performance.

 

[ccaution]

( ...ninja poster in da housee )

 

[Whaler_99]

( ...ninja poster in da housee )

Haha... typing same time, same thoughts... scary

 

[McKantis_Mayhem]

But first of all: will you overclock that 3930K of yours?

The way I see it, having one of the "enthusiast" CPUs and not overclocking is sorta like using a tank for your morning commute :lol:.

I knew the closed loop systems like the H100 didn't leak, I was referring to a normal water cooling system for that part. I've heard horror stories of hoses splitting and whatnot. However, I didn't know that they had released a second generation for their closed loop systems.

As for the Noctua, I've never been a fan (no pun intended) of their color schemes on their larger coolers. Brown and beige are sort of a turn off for me.

The Silver Arrow's read and orange would clash with the blue and black my system is going to have. So despite the wonderful things I've heard about them, they're out of the running.

Those big Phanteks are pretty sweet though. And I love that the company has thought ahead to make their product work with so many color schemes!

Thanks you two!

 

[Whaler_99]

The way I see it, having one of the "enthusiast" CPUs and not overclocking is sorta like using a tank for your morning commute :lol:.

Nice analogy.

I knew the closed loop systems like the H100 didn't leak, I was referring to a normal water cooling system for that part. I've heard horror stories of hoses splitting and whatnot. However, I didn't know that they had released a second generation for their closed loop systems.

Yes, and includes much better fans. A variant of the SP120 they are currently selling. Did you see Tom's video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miBQTLNqbmw&list=UU_SN80_V2GymyCWM2oTYTeg&index=4&feature=plcp

As for the Noctua, I've never been a fan (no pun intended) of their color schemes on their larger coolers. Brown and beige are sort of a turn off for me.

Everyones a critic. But yes, I hear you on the color scheme. But, I do run these on two systems in my house simply because, they are really good and very quiet.

The Silver Arrow's read and orange would clash with the blue and black my system is going to have. So despite the wonderful things I've heard about them, they're out of the running.

Those big Phanteks are pretty sweet though. And I love that the company has thought ahead to make their product work with so many color schemes!

Thanks you two!

The Phanteks are supposed to be a really nice solution...

 

[McKantis_Mayhem]

I must have skipped over that video when I was on his page.

Corsair has managed to remove the only issues I had with the H100. That ugly lumpy hosing and the matte black finish with that stupid button.

The high gloss on the block, thick hosing that doesn't look cheep, and software controlled fan speed make the H100i look far more appealing. I'll gladly give them my money for something that looks like it's actually made of good high quality material.

Throw in a few of those SP120's and I think I know what I'm putting in my rig!

 

[Whaler_99]

Excellent choice.

 

[Deejeta]

D14 with your own choice of fans to suit your colour requirements. H100i or custom loop. Dont be afraid custom watercooling either. Take your time. Research the proper materials that will work with your case. Plan, check, rethink. Sit with it. Meditate on it. Then do it. Seriously the oc, low noise and insane looks are worth every headache and penny.

 

[McKantis_Mayhem]

Again, I've heard great things about the D14, but I can't get past that coloring. Maybe with more of a red theme, but never with the blue that I'll have.

I agree entirely on the water cooling aspect. I have seen some truly breathtaking machines that have used water cooling.

However, since this is my first bare chassis build, I'm going with somewhat simple so a true custom water cooling unit is out for the time being. I'll definitely be building one in the future though.

I was originally leaning towards an H100 when I first decided to build since I wanted water cooling in the first place, but the looks turned me off that idea fairly quickly. Since the H100i has fixed every issue I had with the original, the deck is already stacked in it's favor, so that is most likely what I'll choose. Granted my opinion may still change by the time I get the rest of the parts, but you never know.

I like the looks of the SP120s as well, and their performance seems pretty solid across the board, so unless I decide I'd rather have LEDs (not likely since I'm thinking of LED runners along the edges rather than glowing fans), then I'm probably going to get those as well. But again, you never know where the dice will land.

 

[Deejeta]

h100i and some sp120's with the white rings would be tits in that case.

 

[jamesriley94]

Again, I've heard great things about the D14, but I can't get past that coloring. Maybe with more of a red theme, but never with the blue that I'll have.

I agree entirely on the water cooling aspect. I have seen some truly breathtaking machines that have used water cooling.

However, since this is my first bare chassis build, I'm going with somewhat simple so a true custom water cooling unit is out for the time being. I'll definitely be building one in the future though.

I was originally leaning towards an H100 when I first decided to build since I wanted water cooling in the first place, but the looks turned me off that idea fairly quickly. Since the H100i has fixed every issue I had with the original, the deck is already stacked in it's favor, so that is most likely what I'll choose. Granted my opinion may still change by the time I get the rest of the parts, but you never know.

I like the looks of the SP120s as well, and their performance seems pretty solid across the board, so unless I decide I'd rather have LEDs (not likely since I'm thinking of LED runners along the edges rather than glowing fans), then I'm probably going to get those as well. But again, you never know where the dice will land.

You could always go with the Noctua and swap the fans out for some others?

Or, as said, just get the H100i