Alternative CPU Air Coolers and Heatsinks

[sysloc]

So if you've read through this topic whatsoever, it becomes clear that there are a few fan favorites and first choices that are agreed on by anyone. These specifically are the Noctua NH-D14 and also the Cooler Master Hyper 212 and 212 EVO. Now, I said those just because they are pretty much legendary, and for everyone on the forums, pretty much choose one or the other if you ask them. But what I want to find out is what are some other choices or special ones that maybe only you and a few others agree on. Those coolers that maybe aren't in production anymore or are really hard to find or are outdated, put them down on this thread. (except for stock Intel or AMD coolers and third party direct equivalents) Please also put some back story and reasoning as to why you like a specific cooler, don't just put the name down. Maybe even some temperature/results from your example and scenario. With water cooling and AIO cooling becoming more of the obvious choice when it comes to CPU cooling, let us get some useful information down here for the future, if for some reason you just need a damn good air cooler!

 

 

Handy link: http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#w=0&sort=d3&xcx=0

 

Mentioned on this thread: Updated 9/17/2013

*Added when mentioned more than once.

 

 - NZXT HAVIK    +3

 - Be Quiet! Dark Rock - 3 different variations +2

 - Xigmatek Dark Knight w/non-stock fans  +3 

[Xaring]

Artic cooler freezer 13. I just love its design, it uses a 80mm fan to push air into V shaped fins. On top of this it fitted perfectly my black and white color scheeme (on my new towe I added blue too, so it is not as nice any more).

[boggle4321]

the xigmatec dark knight, i love this cooler. i preforms surprisingly well,i can get my 3570k to 4.6Ghz with 78c at full load. plus it looks so,so good 

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Xigmatek-Dark-Knight-1155/dp/B007PYMZAW/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1379112819&sr=1-1&keywords=xigmatek+dark

[Matsy]

To be totally honest I wouldn't suggest anything other than the hyper212, unless you want a different air cooler for a specific reason (cosmetics).  I see very little reason to buy the expensive air coolers, just get a h80i or something otherwise...

[Vampire2.0]

there are alternatives but they are not as good.

 

i think you should take a look at the silverstone heligon he01

also I have heard some good things about the be quit! dark rock pro 2

 

http://be.hardware.info/productinfo/benchmarks/19/cpu-koelers?tcId=312&specId=10797

[hehehehhehehehe]

If you want to get a good idea about everyones favourites you should set up a poll and see what you get. 

[Common_Courtesy]

I think the Nzxt havik 140 and the Be Quiet dark rock Advanced C1 don't get as much recommendation as they should. 

[sysloc]

If you want to get a good idea about everyones favourites you should set up a poll and see what you get. 

Problem with that is I would have to enter hundreds of options. I'm on a hunt for other peoples favorites, not just what everyone agrees on from what is listed or asked about.

[nightlitezzz]

I would take the Phanteks PH-TC14PE over the D14 any day. However I am not in the States therefore I cannot buy a Silver Arrow SB-E Extreme, well I could but it costs too much after fees and stuff.

 

If I was looking for a single tower cooler I would get the Archon SB-E X2 or the Noctua NH-U14S/U12S.

[Mooshi]

Zalman has some mad looking coolers as well.

[Jumper118]

e hyper 212 has a terrible mounting system and even though it does perform well the are cheaper coolers that are just as good as well as more expensive ones that are better than the nhd14. It's just people don't read up to date cooler reviews. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=2330&subid=2666 these are new to ocuk and in a test that a forum member did the middle one was beating hyper 612s temps and that higher end one was getting the same temps than some dual tower coolers.

[chaozbandit]

+1 to the NZXT Havik 140. It should be noted that you can use fans with this cooker other than he 140mm ones that come with it. My only gripe with it is that the rubber fan mounts have deteriorated and broken... zipties ftw!

[SSL]

e hyper 212 has a terrible mounting system and even though it does perform well the are cheaper coolers that are just as good as well as more expensive ones that are better than the nhd14. It's just people don't read up to date cooler reviews. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=2330&subid=2666 these are new to ocuk and in a test that a forum member did the middle one was beating hyper 612s temps and that higher end one was getting the same temps than some dual tower coolers.

 

Agreed. The 212 gets far too much credit - it's a solid budget cooler but it has eclipsed a lot of excellent alternatives for no good reason.

[Commissar]

NZXT HAVIK 140. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005869XYK/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have it. keeps my 8350 nice and chilly

there is also the Silver Arrow sb-e. dual tower similar to the nh-d14...

[sysloc]

Added:

 

-NZXT HAVIK

 

-Phanteks PH-TC14PE

 

-Be Quiet! Dark Rock

 

-Cooler Xigmatek Dark Knight

[WoodenMarker]

Agreed. The 212 gets far too much credit - it's a solid budget cooler but it has eclipsed a lot of excellent alternatives for no good reason.

It depends--I'm hoping the $25 after MIR deals comeback.

[-rascal-]

I don't know why in the hell Corsair stopped selling them...

Corsair Air A50 / A70.

 

Slightly smaller version of the 212 EVO, but still pretty damn fine.

Cooler Master Hyper TX3 EVO

 

I'm personally rocking a Thermaltake Frio in one of my systems. (I got it from Fry's when they had a HAF 932 + Frio CPU cooler bundle...for like $70?)

[Crowcore]

The Silverarrow SB-E Extreme by Thermalright performs even [slightly] better than the NH-D14, and design-wise is on a whole other level.

[jrfox87]

I use a Noctua NH-U12S and I think its an excellent cooler. Keeps my 4770k very cool and is dead silent even at full load.