Decent, quiet CPU cooler for an i7?

[Ttaskmaster]

Cheers for the fitted pic That's not actually as bad as I'd imagined. Do you then need another fan since it's taken over the rear extractor fan?

Nope - The fan will draw air out from inside the case through the radiator, which is what cools the water.
You can put a second fan on the inside, but that is optional.

My own CPU uses a Corsair H100 which takes 2 fans (included in the package) and shoves the air out the top of my case. AIOs can be good, but the pumps can get noisy.

This one is cheaper than the noctuas as your not overclocking and has good ratings/reviews for it to.
ETS-T40-TB - H.D.T cooler

I've had four Enermax fans over the past few years - They're pretty good for the price initially, but all four have since worn out and started rattling like mad.
I buy Noctuas for the quiet and the performance. I don't really overclock myself, except when I get bored occasionally, but they're very decent fans.

[probedb]

Thanks again all, I shall consider my options

[Ezekeal]

Arctic Colling alpine 11 REV 2

[DB007]

The problem with the water cooling route is the pump noise and slightly higher costs.
The problem with the air-cooling route is they are heavy, large (part compat e.g. memory/mb) and could damage your PC if you intend to move it about a lot.

Air cooling is quieter than water cooling if you pick the right option.

Its going to be all about your end-preference.

[probedb]

Indeed. I'm now not doing this for a few months, the server needs sorting first!

I'll be doing air cooling I think

[gupsterg]

Hi probedb,

Was recently in similar situation as you, was tempted by AIO solution (fitted a few) but thought HSF can be just as quiet and perform well.

Really wanted a Noctua NH-D14 or D15 but didn't wish to pay the £££ for one, then some research revealed I could opt for say a second hand heatsink. Picked up a Thermalright SB-E X2 for less than £15 on ebay, Link:- Bit Tech review data.

Another cracker in my opinion is the http://forums.hexus.net/retail-thera...ml#post3451792 , on ebay seen these go for as low as £8-£9 at times.

[probedb]

I ended up with a second hand NH-U12S in perfect condition for cheap from ebay Now I just need the CPU to put it on!

[Ttaskmaster]

The problem with the water cooling route is the pump noise and slightly higher costs.

Never known a water pump be particularly noisy, even on full chat, unless you go for the AIO options. Most of it seems to be case vibration, which you can often negate/rebate through various means.

Certainly one of the main reasons most people seem to go for a custom loop is precisely because those pumps are so quiet. About the noisiest part of a custom loop is the airflow of the fans through the radiators and case grilles, most of which you still get with an aircooled system anyway and often more so as the fans have to work harder to cool anywhere near as well.

[dfour]

Agreed. I have dual water cooling loops running here and the loudest thing in my system is my fans in my case. Its expensive to build but the running costs are prob not much more than a AIO (if your talking electricity) and the cooling is unbeatable especially with summer approaching

[gupsterg]

I ended up with a second hand NH-U12S in perfect condition for cheap from ebay

Great news! For the kind of money I've seen 2nd hand heatsinks go for really a no brainer to go the ebay route IMO.