Cooler for overclocking i5 6600k, under 160mm

[tatalor]

 

Hello,

I have an Antec GX300 case which on official specs can only fit an 140mm height CPU cooler but by looking at a couple of reviews and by measuring it, I concluded an 160mm height CPU cooler will fit barely. Since my actual cooler (ID-Cooling 903, received for free with the CPU) cannot be controlled from the MB (only 3 pins) and it's really noisy, I want to replace it.

After reading tons of reviews, I kinda decided I want a Noctua, but I have a really hard time deciding which. I am aiming for a 4.5 Ghz overclock (on a Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 3), my case has 2 default Antec TwoCool coolers (intake front, exhaust back) and I could add another intake up. Not very experienced, but I'd say the air flow is decent. Candidates are:

NH D14: somewhat scared because of its size and I have a little doubt it might not fit although it should

NH C14S: it will definitely fit, still huge and a bit less powerful being a top down

NH U12P SE2: an older model, succeeded by U12S but hugely popular and from the reviews I have a hunch it's even a bit better than U12S

NH U12S: kinda my favorite, 'normal' size, but probably the least powerful of the bunch.

Prices are similar enough here (Romania) that are not an issue.

So, suggestions? I could be swayed to other ones too, should a compelling case is made  

Thanks a lot!

[WoodenMarker]

Have you tried just plugging the fan into another header?

[tatalor]

Have you tried just plugging the fan into another header?

Not really, but I kinda decided to change it (http://www.idcooling.com/Product/detail/id/47/name/SE-903 don't seem the greatest although my CPU never passed 50 degrees Celsius during any game).

 

I was kinda hoping someone with GX300 would share his experience (a long shot, I know, not a very popular case).

[tatalor]

OK, I did some more measurements, checked the cooler layout and the extrusions on my GX300 sides and I'm 90% sure the D14 will fit (if I'm right, the part where the cooler is 160mm tall will be right under the extrusions so it ill fit nicely with room to spare). So Noctua D14 it is. I'll order it, fingers crossed!

 

On a somewhat related matter, I want to buy another one for my wife's computer (i5 6600 3.3Ghz, locked, so no overclock there). Just looking for something quiet and with decent performance/price. Would the classic Cooler Master 212 Evo do? I can get it with a bit under half of D14's price. Other suggestions?

 

Edit: how about Thermaltake Frio Silent 14? Found it even a bit cheaper than CM 212 EVO.

[WoodenMarker]

On a somewhat related matter, I want to buy another one for my wife's computer (i5 6600 3.3Ghz, locked, so no overclock there). Just looking for something quiet and with decent performance/price. Would the classic Cooler Master 212 Evo do? I can get it with a bit under half of D14's price. Other suggestions?

Edit: how about Thermaltake Frio Silent 14? Found it even a bit cheaper than CM 212 EVO.

The 212 Evo is overkill if you're not oc'ing. 

Where are you shopping/located?

[tatalor]

The 212 Evo is overkill if you're not oc'ing. 

Where are you shopping/located?

 

Romania. This is the store where I can find the most coolers although a bit more expensive than others: http://www.pcgarage.ro/coolere/

[WoodenMarker]

Romania. This is the store where I can find the most coolers although a bit more expensive than others: http://www.pcgarage.ro/coolere/

Katana 3 would be good: http://www.pcgarage.ro/coolere/scythe/katana-3-intel/

[tatalor]

OK, I'm happy to report that both Noctua NH-D14 and Cooler Master 212 Evo are inside the Antec GX300 cases and they fit just fine with 5mm or so to spare. No idea why the official specs are max 140mm. For reference, my MB is Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 3.

 

 

[Qwerty2323]

Cryorig h7 better then evo212 and smaller and silent

[tatalor]

Cryorig h7 better then evo212 and smaller and silent

 

And unavailable in Romania