dont let them discourage you dude. my H50 is cooling my E8500 at 4.1GHZ 1.4v with max temps on IBT of 72c
That is a TERRIBLE result. I'm assuming your temps are that horrid because you fallowed the instructions on that useless, flawed manual that came with the device.
I own the H50, and I love it. It is a great cooler but the installation instructions are purely flawed. hear me out:
Other than the manual being very cloudy on installing the cpu bracket, the manual also clearly states that you're suppose to install that cpu bracket FIRST, and then screw the water block in after. What the hell is that? first of all, you're smeering the paste. That's a guarantee in high temps, or huge differentials in core temps. 2nd, if you're able to screw the water block into place, there obviously isn't enough pressure applied to properly transfer HEAT.
Now if you use the default thermal pad that came with the H50, heck there's enough paste on that you won't need any pressure to make any sort of contact. What I'm saying is, THERE'S WAY TOO MUCH PASTE!!! it took about 4 paper towels and a crap load of alcohol to remove all that paste. I used AS5 and the proper amount at that.
If you want the device to perform optimally, DO THIS:
CPU BLOCK INSTALL
1. install the back plate and the cpu bracket on the motherboard. Place the motherboard in the case, screw it all in. REMOVE THE CPU BRACKET. The back plate will stay in place by itself now that the motherboard is secured in the case.
2.
REMOVE THAT CRAPPY THERMAL PAD!!! and use your own paste, a good one...like AS5. Paste your CPU.
3. Mount the cpu bracket to the cpu block, then position it on top of the CPU. Hold it firmly while you screw in the 4 holes evenly, as how you would with any other logical heatstink/block installation. No smearing paste, no uneven contact. This way, you know you're applying the right amount of pressure.
RAD INSTALL
1. Use the fresh air intake, do not use as an exhaust. Add a 2nd fan to the other side of the rad to assist in air intake (push pull). I use a antec tricool, which is rated 78CFM and 24 static pressure. Not bad, but good enough.
2. Screw everything tightly so there's no air leakage through the static pressure.
3. Make sure there is an exhaust near by since the rad will be pushing hot air into the case. My cosmos has the 20cm side fan for exhaust, so that works quite well.
And finally, disable any smart fan features so your pump and your rad will be at 100% at all times.
Results?
e8400 one of the first batches. my cpu is a crappy one. The default voltage OC Walled at 3.4ghz.
Final OC: 4ghz 1.55v, 1.52 LOAD (LLC OFF).
OCCT 3.1 infinite CPU burn 10 hours MAX TEMP 66c. Awesome.
The thermal paste hasn't even settled in yet cuz i just installed this about a week ago.
Use my method, and you're guaranteed lower temps since i'm using such high voltage.
I'll post a pic when i get home, at work now,
Enjoy.