I7 7700k Idles at 45 - 50 C with a 120mm rad. Should I change the rad

[RandomRomanianGuy]

The rad is an ID Cooling rad about as old as the CPU. I don't have an exact model. The case is an nJoy Fort, so 240mm is the biggest rad I can get.

[da na]

Well, it's fine as long as your load temps don't go above the mid 80s.

[CommanderAlex]

Load temperatures matter more than idle temperatures. What are your load temperatures? 

[SavageNeo]

idle does not matter

[RandomRomanianGuy]

5 minutes ago, SpiderMan said:

Load temperatures matter more than idle temperatures. What are your load temperatures? 

I use an MSI Gaming M7 that has the temperature displayed on some 7 segment-displays. While loading Minecraft, It usually caps out at around 82C. While launching a rocket in Kerbal space program it will sometimes go past 85, but return to the high 70s in about 10 seconds. Currently downloading PassMark to test it in a more controlled enviorment

[CommanderAlex]

2 minutes ago, RandomRomanianGuy said:

I use an MSI Gaming M7 that has the temperature displayed on some 7 segment-displays. While loading Minecraft, It usually caps out at around 82C. While launching a rocket in Kerbal space program it will sometimes go past 85, but return to the high 70s in about 10 seconds. Currently downloading PassMark to test it in a more controlled enviorment

That's a bit high for me on the CPU. Upgrading the cooler would probably be your best option. 

[RandomRomanianGuy]

3 minutes ago, SpiderMan said:

That's a bit high for me on the CPU. Upgrading the cooler would probably be your best option. 

10030 score on PassMark with 90C peak and 70C avg

[CommanderAlex]

Just now, RandomRomanianGuy said:

10030 score on PassMark with 90C peak and 70C avg

I'd still upgrade the CPU cooler to bring temps down. If you have the CPU on Turbo Boost, it'll probably boost at a higher frequency and squeeze more FPS out. 

[RandomRomanianGuy]

Just now, SpiderMan said:

I'd still upgrade the CPU cooler to bring temps down. If you have the CPU on Turbo Boost, it'll probably boost at a higher frequency and squeeze more FPS out. 

I don't really use turbo, but according to MSI Gaming App, the CPU stays between 4200Hz and 4500Hz. What cooler would you recommend with a black theme in mind and RGB not required?

[CommanderAlex]

2 minutes ago, RandomRomanianGuy said:

I don't really use turbo, but according to MSI Gaming App, the CPU stays between 4200Hz and 4500Hz. What cooler would you recommend with a black theme in mind and RGB not required?

I would personally say a Noctua NH-D15 or be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, as I'm more of an advocate (<-biased) for air cooling than AIOs. These high-end air coolers can beat the performance of some 240mm AIOs. 

[RandomRomanianGuy]

12 minutes ago, SpiderMan said:

I would personally say a Noctua NH-D15 or be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, as I'm more of an advocate (<-biased) for air cooling than AIOs. These high-end air coolers can beat the performance of some 240mm AIOs. 

Problem: My case supports 160mm coolers MAX. I know the NH-U12S to be good, but what else would you say is good?

 

[CommanderAlex]

5 minutes ago, RandomRomanianGuy said:

Problem: My case supports 160mm coolers MAX. I know the NH-U12S to be good, but what else would you say is good?

 

You can fit a NH-D15S in there (height with the fan is 160mm), although it's cutting it close. NH-U12S is a pretty decent air cooler too.

 

What about the NH-U14S?? Slightly bigger than the U12S.

[RandomRomanianGuy]

1 minute ago, SpiderMan said:

You can fit a NH-D15S in there (height with the fan is 160mm), although it's cutting it close. NH-U12S is a pretty decent air cooler too.

 

What about the NH-U14S?? Slightly bigger than the U12S.

 NH-D15S . Running out of space, but NH-D14 is exactly 160mm according to noctua. I guess I will be going with the U12s

[CommanderAlex]

2 minutes ago, RandomRomanianGuy said:

 NH-D15S . Running out of space, but NH-D14 is exactly 160mm according to noctua. I guess I will be going with the U12s

The D15S fan can be installed in between the two towers and lowered to allow for space...it'll still fit.

 

If you don't feel comfortable going with it, go with the U12S.

[WoodenMarker]

On 8/8/2021 at 4:49 AM, RandomRomanianGuy said:

I use an MSI Gaming M7 that has the temperature displayed on some 7 segment-displays. While loading Minecraft, It usually caps out at around 82C. While launching a rocket in Kerbal space program it will sometimes go past 85, but return to the high 70s in about 10 seconds. Currently downloading PassMark to test it in a more controlled enviorment

That's a bit high but far from dangerous. Are you running stock clocks? If so, an undervolt would be an easy and free way to lower temps.