Water cooling too much?

[ziogref]

Hi, i have decided my home server needs a new cpu cooler, as when streaming media it's exceeding 100c. Is going with a 120 all in one water cooler too much or should I still go with air cooling. Air flow in the case isn't the best, (intake is restricted by the 5 hdds) and exhaust is a rear 120mm fan. There is a tiny graphics card just to put out an image when needed (no onboard graphics). Also I'm using the stock Intel cpu cooler (core i7 860 2.8ghz 4core +4ht) also to note I live in Australia so everything costs at least an extra 30% compared to the USA. Any advice? 

[officiallyasimulator]

what is the case?

[AlwaysFSX]

An H60 would help the temps, though you might want to mod the case to improve airflow.

[slightlyjaded]

Okay, a stock intel cooler for 1156 socket has a thermal dispersion of about 95 Watts (But in reality it's usually closer to 65 Watts). And the I7-860 Has a TDP of 85 Watts. Those figures assume a perfect environment however, so your cooler is probably running far less efficiently. Swapping out the intake fan (If one exists) for a static pressure fan will help force more air through those hard drive cages. Alternatively a better low profile after market air cooler might be an option. And lastly, yes you could go with a 120 All in one liquid cooler, I'm guessing you'd mount it on the exhaust side, not ideal, but it should have enough thermal disipation that running it less than efficiently won't be an issue.

 

If you've got the room, a better air cooler, and fan will set you back about 50 bucks, whereas a 120mm all in one liquid cooler is about the 100-150 dollar price bracket in Aussieland.

[Spev]

Wait, what are you using to cool your CPU now? If your case isn't fit for rad installation, why not look into higher end air cooling? I can't think of any half way decent after market air cooler that wouldn't cut those temps in half, I mean you're hitting 100c, even 212 Evo could probably fix your problem. I repeat, what are you using for your cooler now?

[slightlyjaded]

Wait, what are you using to cool your CPU now? If your case isn't fit for rad installation, why not look into higher end air cooling? I can't think of any half way decent after market air cooler that wouldn't cut those temps in half, I mean you're hitting 100c, even 212 Evo could probably fix your problem. I repeat, what are you using for your cooler now?

OP listed stock intel cooler

[ziogref]

Thanks for your help, turns out the issue i was experiencing was not the CPU heating but a motherboard failure (this i long story) Thanks for all your help though