Stock Temps: Cpu vs Core + Need Better Cooler

[dbit]

I've built my system w/ RIVE and a 3930k and have just been running some tests, installing my core applications, etc. This is a 24/7 work machine and I won't be pushing an OC hard, probably day to day 4.3 without exceeding 4.6 long term.

Since I planned on running the system stock for a little while I started with a simple hyper 212 evo, knowing I'd have to upgrade shortly, but just grabbed one off the shelf from my local microcenter.

I've just run a couple prime95 blend/torture tests and noticed that with RealTempGT I was getting temps per core of around 80c average, but up to as high as 84c occasionally on some cores. I'm assuming these are all my core temp readings, which as I understand it are hotter than overall cpu reading? Using Asus AI Suite Probe II I got an overall cpu temp of 71c. I'm assuming this single cpu temp is the primary temp to watch when comparing to quoted benchmarking temps for throttling, danger, etc?

Also, using a simple cooling solution like the Hyper Evo 212 are these pretty average temps? Would I have problems trying an auto or simple multiplier overclock to 4.2/4.3 with this cooler, or should I wait till I put a H100 or something into it? I was hoping to see how far I could get with air cooling. This is a primary work machine and I don't like the idea of having liquid cooling in it, but I have a feeling I'm not going to get more than a couple c's difference going to a noctua cooler or something.

Any advice about my temps, headroom, ect. is much appreciated. Also opinions on whether or not a more advanced air cooler is going to help much or if I'll need to go liquid would be welcome!

Thanks for reading!

d

[Arne_Saknussemm]

The core temps in RealTemp GT are the ones to watch and those do seem quite high for stock. Are you sure the cooler is mounted properly with 2011 fittings. Maybe it's just not up to 6 cores...these chips do get hot. I have an NH-D14 for air cooling and that can handle 4.6GHz ok. The H100 will be about the same...

The noctua ran load 60s at stock and 30 idle on my machine! I don't like to see anything over 75 personally but everyone is different with their comfort zone.

[HiVizMan]

That cooler is most definitely not suitable for the X79 processors. It is a reasonable budget cooler for SB.

To push a reasonable overclock you will need to get a pretty decent cooler and that will mean putting your hand in your pocket. 🙂

[dbit]

Thanks Arne and HiViz, you guys have been an invaluable source of help and information!

Soo, you think I can see significant improvement by grabbing an NH-D14? I'd prefer this route over adding liquid, but I want to confirm that I should see some serious difference moving from hyper evo to D14. I went with hyper evo because in many articles the D14 came out head to head with the Evo, although they might not have been being tested on this chip, which I should've taken into account.

If I NEED to go liquid I will, but would prefer to avoid it. You'd think with a 3.5k machine I'd have ample funds for a nice cooler, but I am literally drained! Especially since I need to pick up a usb audio interface (forgot my firewire solo isn't gonna work without a firewire card), and also a dvi kvm switch some time this weekend or next week. Grrrr! Anyhow, I will probably pick up the D14 if you guys think I will see improvements with it!

[Arne_Saknussemm]

I would be really surprised if you didn't see a good bit of difference like up to 8 to 10 degrees at the top end overclocking. The Noctua is twice the size! I can't imagine it drawing with the evo in any serious review unless they were cooling potato chips!:p

Just a couple of questions have you checked (In CPUz) what voltage was going to the CPU under load and what is your ambient temperature....are you somewhere tropical?

The only thing to watch out for is size related with this cooler. Will it fit in your case and will your ram fit under it? On the RIVE it's close to the first pcie slot but a bit of insulating tape solves that.... http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=faqs&step=2&products_id=34&lng=en
http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_ram_gen&products_id=34&lng=en

[dbit]

This was going to be my next question, how the noctua will fit with my RAM. I have a Cosmos II so case size is not a problem. I also have low profile g.skill ares ram. Will this clear the noctua? This was one of my initial worries. And that cooler is huge and ugly! Why on earth those colors?! But regardless, this is largely a work machine, I'm not going to worry about that! 😛

[Arne_Saknussemm]

That RAM will be no problem....and anyway, you can't see into your case 😉

[HiVizMan]

That is one fine cooler mate. I can vouch for it big time.

Here are two other options that I think are pretty good too.

Prolimatech Black Megahalems CPU Cooler (Socket LGA 775/1366/1156/1155/2011/AMD Socket AM2/2+/3/3+) [Black Series Megahalems]

Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E CPU Cooler (Socket LGA 2011/1366/LGA1155/LGA1156/LGA775/AM2/AM3/FM1) [Silver Arrow SB-E]

Phanteks PH-TC14PE CPU Cooler - Red(Socket LGA 2011/1155/1156/1366/775/AMD AM2/2+/AM3) [PH-TC14PE_RD]

The bottom one comes in all sorts of different colours. I like the white to be honest.

[Erro]

I have the Dark Rock Pro C1 from Be Quiet. It looks awesome, but will struggle with an overclock over 1.3V. If you require more volts its probably best to go for the NH-D14, Silver Arrow, H100 etc.

[Zka17]

Noctua NH-D14 SE2011! - can not think about a better air cooler than that...

Here is it's homepage, you can check all the details (compatibility, RAM fitting, etc): http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=41&lng=en&set=1