Broken CPU AIO, now what?

[AamirA]

After a fun folding month, I noticed my (quite old) NZXT Kraken X61 was louder than usual. But after turning the computer off and the on again, disaster stuck. An extremely loud grinding noice that came from the CPU pump, started. 

 

This sucks. So, if anyone could help me by answering some of my questions, that would be greatly appreciated. Is it definitely the CPU pump that failed? I'm gonna answer my own question and say I unplugged the cpu coolers cables and the sound when away. So, what does the process of replacing it look like? I bought the NH-U12S Redux as I want an air cooler after this and I've heard good things about Noctua. But will I have to unplug everything to take off the motherboard to install it (the backplate, right). Like my current backplate won't work, right?

 

Thanks!

[jaslion]

Yeah unless you have a holr in the back of your case that aligns with the backplate you need to take it all apart.

 

Id cancel your order and get a thermalright peerless assasin 120 as its flat out better and costs less.

 

 

[AamirA]

50 minutes ago, jaslion said:

Id cancel your order and get a thermalright peerless assasin 120 as its flat out better and costs less.

If the Noctua one works, I want one that will last. Thanks though.

Edited December 10, 2023 by AamirA
Message only meant to respond to jaslion

[GuiltySpark_]

18 minutes ago, AamirA said:

I bought the NH-U12S Redux

Shame, could have spent probably half as much for a better cooler. 

 

19 minutes ago, AamirA said:

But will I have to unplug everything to take off the motherboard to install it (the backplate, right)

Depends on the CPU but you didn't list the system specs. If its Intel, yes, most likely. 

[AamirA]

Hmm, now I am even more conflicted. From one side, everything I've ever heard about Noctua is positive. I read things like this reddit thread and this ltt video and this ltt forum post and another ltt forum post. And from this it seemed to be long lasting, quiet, and performant, it also got crazy good reviews. So you could imagine my surprise when you guys say they make no sense. I think I'll stick with the Noctua, I could cancel my order but then again, I haven't really heard that much good about the other ones to trust them to last and be quiet.

[AamirA]

49 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

Depends on the CPU but you didn't list the system specs. If its Intel, yes, most likely. 

Yeah, its a intel i7-6700k

[jaslion]

1 hour ago, AamirA said:

Hmm, now I am even more conflicted. From one side, everything I've ever heard about Noctua is positive. I read things like this reddit thread and this ltt video and this ltt forum post and another ltt forum post. And from this it seemed to be long lasting, quiet, and performant, it also got crazy good reviews. So you could imagine my surprise when you guys say they make no sense. I think I'll stick with the Noctua, I could cancel my order but then again, I haven't really heard that much good about the other ones to trust them to last and be quiet.

Oh thermalright is a old manufacturer too just like arctic.

 

The nhu12s is a fine cooler just the thermalright is far better. Also very quiet and extremely well reviewed.

 

Either way the only point of failiure on an air cooler is a fan which is easy to replace and bith will do a decade

[Middcore]

Noctua's coolers are good quality but they're overpriced (especially if you want the privilege of having one that doesn't look like literal shit) and overhyped.

[AamirA]

My questions proposed in the first post have been all answered

[freeagent]

You guys make me proud 

 

[TPCEA]

Actually, they should have recommended the Phantom Spirit or similar, too, because they're better than the PA120 due to being able to handle higher temps. 

 

The U12S is going to struggle but don't worry, just add a high-powered fan on, such as the Cooler Master Mobius/OC or the Phanteks T30.

 

The D15 would've been a better choice. 

[AamirA]

Alright, @freeagent, @RevGAM, @jaslion, @GuiltySpark_. Your sheer number convinced me. I can still cancel my order, so should I get the thermalright peerless assassin or Phantom Spirit? The peerless assassin is 33 dollars on sale on amazon, and I don't really see a difference. But I guess it's up to you guys. I'm trusting you

[AamirA]

Answer fast because if the noctua one ships, were sticking with that!

[GuiltySpark_]

4 minutes ago, AamirA said:

Alright, @freeagent, @RevGAM, @jaslion, @GuiltySpark_. Your sheer number convinced me. I can still cancel my order, so should I get the thermalright peerless assassin or Phantom Spirit? The peerless assassin is 33 dollars on sale on amazon, and I don't really see a difference. But I guess it's up to you guys. I'm trusting you

The PA is 6x6mm heatpipes, PS is 7x6mm heatpipes, otherwise they are the same. Even then, performance is basically the same. Might as well just get the PS120 but it really doesn't matter. 

 

If it was me, i'd spend a little more on the Frost Spirit 140 v3 but eh. 

[jaslion]

8 minutes ago, AamirA said:

Alright, @freeagent, @RevGAM, @jaslion, @GuiltySpark_. Your sheer number convinced me. I can still cancel my order, so should I get the thermalright peerless assassin or Phantom Spirit? The peerless assassin is 33 dollars on sale on amazon, and I don't really see a difference. But I guess it's up to you guys. I'm trusting you

Get the one you like more they perform basically the same.

[AamirA]

Well @jaslion, and @GuiltySpark_. My ram is 42 MM, so pretty tall. 42 is supposed to be compatible with the noctua but for the thermalright, after some quick reading (because there is no information on the product page) some reddit user said 40 wouldn't fit... Also my motherboard is a gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 and the cpu is a I7-6700K, case is the Fractal Design Define R5. Other than the compatibility I think I'll get the Phantom Spirit 120, though I can't figure out what the difference between this and this is. I also don't get why they have so little reviews, makes me scared.

 

Thanks

[freeagent]

I prefer the PS120SE over the PA120SE.. it can take a little more power in a smaller package. I can use my nice Thermalright NVME heatsinks if I want. I can with the PA120SE too.. but not FC140 or TRUE Black Rev4.

[AamirA]

Alright here's, what I'm gonna do. I'll get the Thermalright PS120SE. One last question, I promise @freeagent I saw you have the PS120SE. Did you use the included thermal paste or use your own? I think the thermal paste that comes with it is not non conductive which is apparently bad. I think it is this which says it has a thermal conductivity of 14W/m.k (which might be bad). Should I buy my own thermal paste because of this? Thanks again

[AamirA]

Bought the Thermalright PS120SE

[GuiltySpark_]

1 hour ago, AamirA said:

. I think it is this which says it has a thermal conductivity of 14W/m.k

I think you're confusing electrical conductivity with thermal conductivity. That tube you linked is fine.

[TPCEA]

I don't have the ability to check from work if the FC/FS140 or PS/PA120 would fit, but I can tell you that if a 120 is a tight fit, a 140 won't fit. 

 

GS is correct about the paste.  Let us know if it fits. 

[freeagent]

13 hours ago, AamirA said:

Alright here's, what I'm gonna do. I'll get the Thermalright PS120SE. One last question, I promise @freeagent I saw you have the PS120SE. Did you use the included thermal paste or use your own? I think the thermal paste that comes with it is not non conductive which is apparently bad. I think it is this which says it has a thermal conductivity of 14W/m.k (which might be bad). Should I buy my own thermal paste because of this? Thanks again

TF7 is the TIM TR ships with their coolers. It isnt their best, and it is far from their worst. It is actually pretty darn good stuff. Just go on thin, not translucent thin, but at the same time you arent making a sandwich

[AamirA]

Update for those interested, I installed the tower cooler and it fit pretty nice. I had to move the fan up a little to make room for the ram though. I haven't tried it yet though because this issue...

[AamirA]

Stress tested, the system seems fine! Thanks all

[freeagent]

Looks good. My SE is a lot shorter, I like the look of that cooler. Hmm.