Choosing a CPU cooler that will fit (followup)

x029 · August 14, 2020

This post is a followup to:

The general consensus was that I need to replace the wraith stealth. However, I was wondering what CPU cooler I should use instead. The basic requirements are that it should be at most 40 usd (including thermal paste), should actually fit in my case (my Cougar MX-330G claims to have a max cooler size of 155mm), and should be compatible with my AM4 CPU. Here are the options I have considered so far:

- CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Evo: Too large.

- Noctua NH-L9i/a/AM4: Does have thermal paste and is small enough, but may not be powerful enough. Also may need to buy an additional bracket for Am4

- be quiet! Pure Rock 2: 155mm so I'm also scared to use it, but it does seem powerful and does seem to have thermal paste preapplied.

- be quiet! Pure Rock Slim: Should have about 3cm space which is good, but may be slightly less powerful than the PureRock 2.

Note that I'm also scared about the tempered glass panel for the height, since I sometimes kick it and if there is a CPU cooler right behind it I am afraid it will break. Plus I am afraid that someday I may send my chair straight into it... I'm starting to regret getting a glass panel.

I'll probably go for the Pure Rock Slim but if there's an obvious choice I'm missing please inform me. Stats on the performance of the NH-L9 and the pure rock 2/slim would be great too for a comparison (ideally also with the wraith stealth)

Thanks.

Ralf · August 14, 2020

20 minutes ago, x029 said:

The basic requirements are that it should be at most 40 usd (including thermal paste), should actually fit in my case (my Cougar MX-330G claims to have a max cooler size of 155mm), and should be compatible with my AM4 CPU. Here are the options I have considered so far:

Most if not all coolers come with either preapplied or a small tube of paste. Alpenföhn Atlas would be your best option if you can find one for cheap or Arctic Freezer 33.

BigDamn · August 14, 2020

Have you considered an AIO? Such as this Cooler Master?

Yes it's a little bit out of your price range, but it should leave you with ample space so it's definitely worth considering. Bear in mind this isn't a "AIO vs HSF" stance I'm taking, rather, good performance without taking much space stance.

x029 · August 14, 2020

42 minutes ago, BigDamn said:

Have you considered an AIO? Such as this Cooler Master?

Yes it's a little bit out of your price range, but it should leave you with ample space so it's definitely worth considering. Bear in mind this isn't a "AIO vs HSF" stance I'm taking, rather, good performance without taking much space stance.

I might consider it but I am mostly looking for an air cooler as it should be similar performance at a lower price, but if you could get statistics that would be great.

58 minutes ago, Ralf said:

Most if not all coolers come with either preapplied or a small tube of paste. Alpenföhn Atlas would be your best option if you can find one for cheap or Arctic Freezer 33.

Is the arctic freezer better than the pure rock slim? It's also a bit tall for my liking but it's cheap and I guess I could go with it. I can't find the alpenfohn anywhere unfortunately.