Should I bother with a different CPU cooler

[SouthernPotato]

I have a Intel i5 3350P 3.1 GHz (running at 3.3 GHz), non-K edition, and for the last three years I've been gaming on it with relative contentment. I've been using the Intel stock cooler. I've been wondering if I should get a new cooler for a while now, so I monitored my CPU temps while I was playing GTA 5 to see if I could find anything that would indicate a reason for a new CPU cooler. What I found was that the CPU hit a maximum of 56 C and that it didn't thermal throttle as far as I could tell. Does that make it worth the 50 or so dollars that a hyper 212x would cost? I've browsed around and what I can tell, it doesn't actually seem like it would make that much of a difference. So I ask you, should I test more rigorously, and is a cooler worth it?

 

Thank you for your time

[Electronics Wizardy]

that cpu cooler is fine

[crowy]

From a Thermal Standpoint it sounds like you don't need to upgrade, however from a Noise Standpoint you might want to, find a different cooler that has the same cooling rating with less noise.

[Simon771]

I had that same CPU, and I can tell you that you don't need any other cooler.

56°C is cold for CPU.

 

If it would get up to 80°C I would concider doing something about it.

But as long as your temps are under 70°C you are just fine.

 

It's not worth to get any other cooler for that CPU. There won't be any benefit from it. Thermal throttling will become active when you reach 95°C, so you are faaar away from that.

[LogicalDrm]

As said, only thing you are getting better is noise. And looks if you into those. If you go for cooler, think what your CPU is going to be going forward. Will you be OCing, will it be gaming or will it just be same kind of lower tier CPU.