CPU Cooler for Node 304

clairmatin · January 4, 2016

I recently completed my first build for over 10 years. Shown in the sig. The only mistake I made was the Phantecs cooler I bought simply would not fit with the GPU so close to the CPU. So I went for a temporary solution and installed the stock Intel cooler. I do not overclock at the moment, as the game I primarily play, Skyrim, when in vanilla configuration, runs on ultra settings with out-of-the-box clocking. However I have started to try a few Skyrim mods, and as I add more, the CPU temps have started to go up. So what is the max temperature normally set at? And what cooler can I buy which both fits in the Node 304 and pushes a load more air through? There is an inch between the stock rear 120mm fan and the Intel cooler.

I was looking at Corsair H55, and wondering if I remove the stock fan and replace it with the fan+radiator of the H55 i will still have enough room to install the block.

Chris

MourningSouls · January 4, 2016

Your case choice has little to do with the cooler choices available to you. Socket placement by MSI is the problem.

I'd recommend a 92mm tower cooler or a 120mm AIO, maybe a smaller topflow. Noctua and Cryorig are the brands I'd look at. Specifically Noctua's NH-D9L or NH-U9S, and Cryorig's M9i.

Majestic · January 4, 2016

As someone with experience with the case, don't use an AIO cooler if you're using a higher-end graphics card. It screws with the airflow. Use some tower cooler.

clairmatin · January 4, 2016

Ok they look good. Stock cooler has about a 95mm footprint. Noctua NH-D9L and NH-U9s have a 95mm footprint. Cryorig M9i has a 100 mm footprint. All good, I will check out other aspects. Many thanks.