Cooling Vexation

I like the look of the Swiftech one, its pretty sweet and some of the folks on the overclock.net site say it cools their cpu pretty well

Thanks Arkansas.  It does look interesting and is getting some great reviews too.

Hey bprat - I'm curious as to what you think of some of those others when you get a second.  With regard to the special order question, when I was looking into this issue for the potential special order of the Noctua and the HAF-X case back in June of this year, my question to John at DS (whom Alex directed me toward) was:  Will DS warrant these special order parts?  

His reply was:

At the time, I do believe they were offering an extended warranty offer / special also.  So I came away from that thinking that even with extended warranty offerings for the special they were running at that time (adding an additional year kind of like they are doing now),  the special order part would only have the 1 year and if there were issues you couldn't return the rig.  I could be misinterpreting but that's what I got from that.  That said, if the manufacturers warranty on the hardware is longer, I guess that's moot but then you have the hassle of doing the RMA yourself.  I could be missing the boat/misinterpreting but it is something to consider...

You can really go bug-eyed trying to figure out the right pick , with all there is out there.    I can understand the vexation.  

They all cool to within 2-4 degrees of each other under heavy load, from the benches i saw.   So, they all get it done.   While i like the Swiftech, it can't do push/pull, which you probably won't do anyways, but the pump is noisy.  Can't control the pump so it is what it is.

The Kraken is real nice with great software.  Not sure if all the bugs they mentioned were ironed out, like getting it to work and temps off a bit.

The Thermaltake is huge and loud, other than that is gets about the best in reviews.

The Fractal s36/24 would be my pick of the AIO's if you special ordered.  Looks a top quality product.  Silent and great performing.  Looks like it was built to expand and the parts are designed to handle the addons, even if you don't.

Funny thing is, when I looked at benches comparing the Noctua to some of the AIO listed, it stays within 2-3 degrees, is generally quieter, except maybe the Fractal, and just works with no worries of extra wiring, software/firmware , etc.

I guess, if I was you.... If I didn't want to special order, I'd get the h110.  If I was going to Special Order, I'd get the Noctua as number 1 and the Fractal as plan B.  Kraken is close if the software is fixed.   

Another consideration.. I believe the Air 540 case would need a 360mm rad mounted to the front.   I would pick a rad size for the top and leave the front fans there to do their job.  The Fractal does have a 360 mm and 240mm version, if I'm not mistaken.   Kraken is 280mm which I think will fit up top. 

Hope this helps and doesn't just add to the confusion. 








Edited by bprat22 - 19 Nov 2014 at 10:35am

Yeah, your first 2 concerns are real and especially the first could be a pain if you had to troubleshoot ram.   The 3rd point about messing up airflow has been mentioned by others but I think it actually enhances airflow. A rad mounted above won't be effected by it and some tests have shown more airflow across the mobo because the fans hang lower. Concern #4 is legit. That sucker is heavy.    Slim chance but still there.

As much of an air guy I also am, my next rig might be a sealed liquid.   Not sure though. Might be nice for something new to experience.

I'm dying to what you finally pick.

For special ordered hardware, we cannot offer any support/warranty on them. If we order a cooler and it goes bad during test, or 1 or 3 years from then, you will be responsible to get it replaced with the manufacture.

Ideally, we highly suggest using components we normally sell because it makes it easier for us to offer warranty/support on them.

Alex, thanks and I understand.  Would special order fans also fall into this realm?