Small-ish high-performance CPU cooler.

[Azortharion]

I currently have a Noctua NH-D14 cooling my CPU, and while it's a sick air cooler, it's freaking huge which is annoying for when I frequently have to move my case about, also the look isn't really me and I am able to sell it for the price I bought it for.

So I am looking into getting a smaller air cooler at around a $140 budget - I've been considering the NXZT Havik 140 but I am not sure in that regard, depending on what I intend to buy tomorrow for a large computer upgrade, I might go with some water cooler, though.

I got a 2600k that I intend to overclock to 4.5 GHz or higher.

Would like suggestions for a nice, but relatively small air cooler, though!

[iTonyy]

The problem with any cooler is that to get better performance, the only option the manufacture has which would significantly increase cooling is to increase the surface area of the cooler which translates into an increase in size.

There really is no "small air cooler" that could deliver the kind of performance your looking for. They only get bigger and look increasingly gaudy.

I'd recommend you switch to liquid cooling especially if your upgrade budget is $140, you get much better performance than air cooler and you'll be able to hide the rad above which would give the cpu a much cleaner look. The H220 currently is $150 right now which would honestly deliver the best performance and allows expandability for a custom loop in the future but if you just want a very simple and well priced cooler then the H100i is definitely the way to go (assuming your case can fit a 240mm rad which most can these days)

[Azortharion]

Hm, think I'll go with a water cooler then.

I am not too savvy with all those things, though, and it seems that the H220 is kind of a middle-range performer until you do a lot of stuff to it which makes it tons better.

Can you recommend the Kraken X60?

Also my case is a Fractal Design Define R4, a pretty standard mid-tower.

I'll look at both the H100i and the H220 and get a look of what I'll get the most out of.

EDIT: I can't find the H220 at any Danish retailers, unfortunately. :o

[Helltech]

The Havik 140 is the best looking (imo) high performance air cooler there is. If it isn't your cup of tea then go with a Kraken or Corsair "i" cooler.

[Azortharion]

Looking around a bit it seems I cannot fit an X60 into my case, but a H100i will work fine, so that's what I am going with.

Thanks to both!

[Duver]

What about the 'Xigmatek Dark Knight Night Hawk Edition' doesnt look that big >>

review by Logan (Tek Syndicate)

Not sure about the price tho

[Azortharion]

What about the 'Xigmatek Dark Knight Night Hawk Edition' doesnt look that big >>

review by Logan (Tek Syndicate)

Not sure about the price tho

Yeah, I saw that review when it came out, but there are no retailers in Denmark that have it! :s