Should I add an extra CPU fan?

[Argyr]

I'm planning on getting an i5-8400 or a i5-9600K, and I never had such powerful CPU's so I gotta be careful with the usual entry-level budget coolers I'm used to buying.

I'm not into RGB stuff so it was a real challange finding a decent non-RGB CPU cooler that's a bit above entry level

Turns out Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition has no RGB, is recent with updated tech and looks awesome too.
http://www.coolermaster.com/cooling/cpu-air-cooler/hyper-212-black-edition/

Would you recommend getting an extra fan for the aforementioned CPU's, or should the basic setup work fine?
Let me refine the question: Is there a considerable advantage with 2 fans in cooling, like 3+ celsius less?
I'm asking because the extra Silencio FP120 PWM fan is a bit pricey..

Not planning to OC the CPU's, I know, the K stands for overclock-worthy but I like the 9600K for its other qualities.

Thanks in advance!

 

[infrared]

You should be just fine with a hyper 212 black with a single fan, especially if you don't plan to overclock. They're very decent coolers for the money. Enjoy the new CPU

Let me refine the question: Is there a considerable advantage with 2 fans in cooling, like 3+ celsius less?

It won't be a huge difference, your 3c guess is probably not far off, but I can't find any reviews where they actually test it 1 fan vs 2 so can't give you a solid answer on that I'm afraid.

 

[Argyr]

Enjoy the new CPU

Thank you very much
I thought the CPU's were a bit too much for budget coolers, but I'm relieved.

 

[Vario]

The i5 8600K and i5 8400 I have run cool at stock. The 8600K only runs hot if overclocked. Even so, the 212 would probably be adequate.

 

[Argyr]

The i5 8600K and i5 8400 I have run cool at stock. The 8600K only runs hot if overclocked. Even so, the 212 would probably be adequate.

good to know, thanks!

 

[bogmali]

Just what everyone else said, you're fine with a single fan config since you're not going to OC. I'm running a 6700K stock on a Hyper 212 EVO with a single fan and have no issues.

 

[Vario]

Just what everyone else said, you're fine with a single fan config since you're not going to OC. I'm running a 6700K stock on a Hyper 212 EVO with a single fan and have no issues.

I don't think adding a second fan to the 212 really helps that much anyway. If doing that, in most cases would be better running a single better fan. Usually the heatsink is close to the rear case exhaust anyway and that acts as the second fan.

 

[Devon68]

I dont think there is a cpu that the hyper 212 could not cool when running stock. Except maybe the FX-9590

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Make sure you check that the bottom of the cooler is perfectly flat... I bought a Hyper 212 for a friends build but this is what i found when i unboxed it....

you can see the closest heatpipe is way out of whack and wont make good contact with the CPU

 

[natr0n]

I always try to put max fans possible on coolers. My current one has 3 on it.

Even if you dont overclock you will get the best temps possible with 2 fans.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

On a side note.

If youre planning to go with two fans I recommend you go with some 120mm Noctua Redux fans. the 1700rpm version is very very cheap and i have used them on my own build and other builds. At lower RPMs they are as silent as anything.

If you want LEDs or RGB then its upto you but Corsair MLs get my vote. They are pricey but their performance is second to none. The non LED versions are slightly cheaper than their LED/RGB variants though but they still cant/wont beat the Noctua redux for price.

 

[jboydgolfer]

Make sure you check that the bottom of the cooler is perfectly flat.

+1 on that.

the Heat sink on my kids Gigabyte 1070 G1 Gaming is uneven, and the pipes are positioned so they seperate right in the middle of the GPU die, and the temps are awful.

 

[John Naylor]

At this point in time I have a very hard time recommending anything but the Scythe Mugen Max ($37) and Fuma ($45) Coolers. Anything is fine for the 8400, but with the 9600k, while ya might not wanna OC it today, you might change ya mind when it starts having issues "keeping up" as newer and tougher gaming loads arrive on the scene over time. It's ot worth it to throw on a $25 - $35 cooler methinks when those coolers are outperfrming the $90 flagship air coolers from Noctua and Cryorig as well and 98% of the 2 x 120 / 2 x 140mm CLC type coolers around. For an extra $2 - $10 investment, you're covered no matter what ya do... and no reinstall and new purchase of TIM / Cooler if that decision is made.

 

[Argyr]

Just what everyone else said, you're fine with a single fan config since you're not going to OC. I'm running a 6700K stock on a Hyper 212 EVO with a single fan and have no issues.

Make sure you check that the bottom of the cooler is perfectly flat... I bought a Hyper 212 for a friends build but this is what i found when i unboxed it....

you can see the closest heatpipe is way out of whack and wont make good contact with the CPU

I always try to put max fans possible on coolers. My current one has 3 on it.

Even if you dont overclock you will get the best temps possible with 2 fans.

On a side note.

If youre planning to go with two fans I recommend you go with some 120mm Noctua Redux fans. the 1700rpm version is very very cheap and i have used them on my own build and other builds. At lower RPMs they are as silent as anything.

If you want LEDs or RGB then its upto you but Corsair MLs get my vote. They are pricey but their performance is second to none. The non LED versions are slightly cheaper than their LED/RGB variants though but they still cant/wont beat the Noctua redux for price.

At this point in time I have a very hard time recommending anything but the Scythe Mugen Max ($37) and Fuma ($45) Coolers. Anything is fine for the 8400, but with the 9600k, while ya might not wanna OC it today, you might change ya mind when it starts having issues "keeping up" as newer and tougher gaming loads arrive on the scene over time. It's ot worth it to throw on a $25 - $35 cooler methinks when those coolers are outperfrming the $90 flagship air coolers from Noctua and Cryorig as well and 98% of the 2 x 120 / 2 x 140mm CLC type coolers around. For an extra $2 - $10 investment, you're covered no matter what ya do... and no reinstall and new purchase of TIM / Cooler if that decision is made.

Duly noted, thanks everyone for your kind help!

 

[Gorstak]

I'd recommend arctic freezer i32/i33, check their page for details...somewhat better then hyper...

If you want cheap + easy to install, look no further then LC-CC-100

 

[Jose Jeswin]

Hi...Dual fans will look cool tho.. and may or may not provide substantial cooling....i am using the old model with dual red cooler master xtraflo 120mm fans on my fx 8350 at stock settings..

some pics i took while assembly...

 

[Vayra86]

Pointless on this cooler. If you want extra cooling performance, add case fans and reduce ambient temp.

That said 212 will do 8600/9600k fine, but for an OC it won't be enough. Unless you want a very mild OC.

 

[tami626]

Pointless on this cooler. If you want extra cooling performance, add case fans and reduce ambient temp.

Wouldn't adding a fan to a tower CPU cooler improve airflow though?

 

[Vayra86]

Wouldn't adding a fan to a tower CPU cooler improve airflow though?

With this heatsink? No. Its too thin to benefit from a pull fan. Airflow is improved with case fans.

 

[Jose Jeswin]

minimal improvement in airflow in my case...the case exhaust fan is more powerful and thereby bypasses the rear fan on the heatsink...the temps though remain manageable around 40 - 45 Celsius at idle and 60 - 65 at load..

i have a rear exhaust fan and a side exhaust fan...both are connected to motherboard headers...they do a better job at keeping the temps down..

 

[Bones]

Make sure you check that the bottom of the cooler is perfectly flat... I bought a Hyper 212 for a friends build but this is what i found when i unboxed it....

you can see the closest heatpipe is way out of whack and wont make good contact with the CPU

THIS is why I won't ever buy a cooler without a base that makes direct contact with the CPU itself instead of pipes.
Even with one with such a base it's still possible to have problems but the likelyhood is far less. No real way to fix that and if you try to, may wind up cracking/breaking the tubing rendering it useless - Also trying to sand/file it down level with the rest is just right out.
Clear case of RMA with that one.

As for an additional fan, no real difference worth noting if a second is added, if replacing the stock fan with one of a higher CFM that would make a larger difference, but also make more noise too.

However.... The OP could do that along with upgrading/adding fans to the case - Remember that air inside the case is already being warmed by other components exhausting their heat in the same airspace the CPU cooler has to share with them for cooling use.
If said air is already warm it won't cool as well, in that instance either adding an extra fan or replacing the stock one with a higher CFM would have much if any effect at all.

This is why the OP can make sure airflow is moving in the right direction.
Heat rises naturally so any venting at the top of the case should be taken advantage of to exhaust the hot air upwards, exhaust can be at the top and rear of the case with the front and sides used for intake.
I don't suggest any at the bottom, some cases can have air coming in from there too (Mine is one that can if I want) but all that will do is suck dust into the case because dust naturally settles at the bottom of anything, be it a desk, floor or whatever else. Speaking of the floor, that's the worst place to have one because thats where the majority of it will be and unless you clean where the case is setting regularly, guess what you'll be sucking into the system.

Just my take on things with this.

 

[Jose Jeswin]

just curious bones, did you sand down the heat sink plate?

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Clear case of RMA with that one.

I sent it back for a refund and bought an ARCTIC Freezer 33

 

[Bones]

That's not my cooler - I woudn't ever buy one like that as said.
The ones I buy have a base period like the older ones do because of things like what's seen in the pic.

Example of one I do have: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106178
Note that it has heatpipes too BUT there is a base that's between these pipes and the CPU if mounted. No issues with pipes being messed up and if you really have to, the base can be sanded flat to fix any problems from that without the real risk of ruining the cooler itself just from trying to fix it.
The product pics in the listing shows the base of it at least once so it can be seen.

 

[Jose Jeswin]

oops...sorry..i thought it was yours bones..i just saw that its freedom eclipses'...

nice one...too bad ,can't get hold of thermaltake products in Kerala in India...but Coolermaster is a big thing here..