Need Advice: AIO CPU Liquid Cooling

[stinkytofu]

Hi everyone! I'm looking to get a new all-in-one liquid cooler for my CPU (i7-2600k, to be upgraded within a year). I currently have the Kraken X60, and while it works just fine, it's a tad loud.

 

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for an AIO CPU liquid cooler that will be placed at the top of my case and can either have 3 120mm fans or 2 140mm fans (whichever is best). I am looking for the most quiet option available, but one that is also effective. With the suggestion, could you please also note whether or not I should install Noctua fans (and which ones). Thanks!

 

Edit: My case is the Corsair Obisian 750D.

[Tedster]

Could you tell us what case you're using?

 

And it's the pump sound rather than the sound of the fans of the X60 that's making it loud?

[Moonzy]

well for minimal sound, push pull config with all fans on low rpm is a good alternative, but make sure you have the clearance to do so

[stinkytofu]

1 hour ago, Tedster said:

Could you tell us what case you're using?

 

And it's the pump sound rather than the sound of the fans of the X60 that's making it loud?

Corsair Obsidian 750D, so space is not too much of a concern. And I believe it's a bit of both, I'd just like to go with the overall most quiet build in terms of pump noise and fans, and that's why I'm heavily considering replacing whatever stock fans are included with Noctua fans.

[EX1]

48 minutes ago, zackb101 said:

Corsair Obsidian 750D, so space is not too much of a concern. And I believe it's a bit of both, I'd just like to go with the overall most quiet build in terms of pump noise and fans, and that's why I'm heavily considering replacing whatever stock fans are included with Noctua fans.

I would look into some quieter fans before investing in an all new liquid cooler. If you want ultra-silent the AF140 fans from corsair are the quietest 140s I have ever used. They are however airflow flans and lack the static pressure to really push through a high FPI radiator although they do work. I currently use three of them on a 420mm raditor with good results. Corsair has a SP140 version now that is only rated at 29db at full blast.

Have you tried just setting a custom fan curve for you Kraken fans to lower noise?

[The_Denks]

I would recommend a Corsair H110I or H115I

 

They are almost the exact same. The only difference is a slightly different design to the outside of the block, but nothing is changed on the inside.

They both AMD: AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2, Intel LGA: 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3

 

Also some better fans. They ones included are ok, but some good Noctua NF-A14 FLX would be better. You could use the ULN version instead. They would be quieter, but they would spin 50% slower, meaning less effectiveness form your water cooler.

Unfortunately, Corsair recommends fans with a speed of 2000 RPM +/- 10%. This means that for a truly optimal condition, you would need to use the NF-A14 industrialPPC-2000. The problem is, these are industrial grade, where performance is more important than acoustics. These fans run at 31.5 decibels, which is almost double the noise of my recommendation, the A14 FLX

 

Hope this helps

Callum