Is an after-market cpu cooler overkill???

[danhasmail]

Hi everyone,
I was just looking at a COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus cpu cooler at a good price of $25.74 with no tax and free shipping.
It's a great price but i was wondering if i really NEED it. I have the ASUS Rampage 3 Extreme motherboard with an intel 930 cpu that comes with a heatsink/fan combo, but i don't overclock.
Would having a better cooler really be a good idea or just overkill?????
Can i get some quick feedback on this?
Thanks in advance.
danny

 

[BadBigBen]

that would really depend on the usage, if you use the PC for just surfing and some office work, then probably would be really fine with the stock cooler.

Now lets say you are into CAD, Gaming, or other CPU intensive applications, then I would suggest to go ahead and get one, as the aftermarket coolers keep the CPU at a lower temp range...

another side effekt of an aftermarket cooler, they are usually quieter than the stock coolers...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[danhasmail]

No, i don't use any cpu intensive stuff. I also don't really hear the fan on the stock cooler, but at that low price i think i might get it anyway, it'll looks nice through the clear window on my case, especially if i put a LED fan on it instead of the fan that comes with the Cooler Master.

 

[danhasmail]

Thanks for the feedback. I just ordered it, better safe than sorry i guess.

 

[paparazi]

I have a similar cooler on my 920 i7......I don't overclock but the way I justify the expense is in noise reduction.
These big heatpipe coolers have larger 120 or even 140mm fans, they spin slower with much lower noise levels at the same time reducing CPU temps both at idle and under extreme CPU cycles.
The stock coolers are adequate but are more fan critical ie: less mass to heat up so if and when the heatsink collects those inevitable dust bunnies the fan will be spinning at full speed in a vein attempt to lower CPU temps.
The larger mass, bigger area and slower spin speed of the fan mean these larger coolers suffer less from 'dust bunny block' and give a greater window of service opportunity to blow out these gremlins.
All in all a good purchase ME THINKS!

Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep

 

[danhasmail]

Thanks again, i did order it last night and will get it between chrismas and new years.
Then i won't have to worry about DBB (dust bunny block, lol lol). thanks for that Martin.
Happy Holidays everyone