What is the best heatsink (bang-for-the-buck) that I can buy for an i3-10100 in an mITX board (AsRock H570m-ITX) and a Fractal Design Node 304 case? Should I be worried about the heatsink height of the RAM modules that I need to buy too?
Best heatsink for non-overclocked i3-10100
kevindd992002
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What is the best heatsink (bang-for-the-buck) that I can buy for an i3-10100 in an mITX board (AsRock H570m-ITX) and a Fractal Design Node 304 case? Should I be worried about the heatsink height of the RAM modules that I need to buy too?
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One didn't come in the box? I've run a few with just the stock Intel cooler and they worked fine.
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Any 4x heatpipe or more single tower cooler will do fine. Cooler with more heatpipes usually run quieter at same load. What kind of budget and links to websites you can order from would help us know what you can get.
All mITX motherboards are not all same layout.
AsRock H570m-ITX has plenty of room from center CPU toward PCIe for even the widest of coolers.
Yes, RAM height needs to be less than 48mm for 120mm, fan to fit over it and clear case.
All mITX motherboards are not all same layout.
AsRock H570m-ITX has plenty of room from center CPU toward PCIe for even the widest of coolers.
Center of CPU to near side of RAM is about 50mm, so if front of cooler fan is less more than 54mm from center of cooler base it will be over RAM modules.
Node 304 has 165mm CPU clearance so any cooler up to and including 165mm tall will fit.Yes, RAM height needs to be less than 48mm for 120mm, fan to fit over it and clear case.
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Any heatsink should work fine. The 10100 is a supremely chilly CPU for what it is.
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I know they work fine but I want something a bit better than stock. I hate those stock fans.
I see. How about the Noctua NH-L9i Chromax.Black? I'm reading good reviews about it. I can buy anywhere (US or locally here in the Philippines). I don't have a budget yet since I' not familiar with the prices of tower coolers these days but the Noctua at $54 looks to have a fair price. And yes, I'm aiming for a quiet case.
Yeah. I just want to consider noise too.Any heatsink should work fine. The 10100 is a supremely chilly CPU for what it is.
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NH-L9i is 2x heatpipe flat cooler with 92mm fan that flows air heated by CPU onto motherboard and out in all directions. A 120mm fanned tower cooler will cool much better at lower fan speed so less noise, and it's heated exhaust air flow toward rear vent and out of case instead of spreading out in case. Smaller fans make more noise too. And coolers that spread air preheat air going to component coolers. This means they have to work harder / fans run higher speed making more noise trying to cool with warmer air.
Give us a link or two to websites you can buy from and we can suggest a good low cost solution.
Give us a link or two to websites you can buy from and we can suggest a good low cost solution.
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That's what I thought. Well, I can buy from the following major websites:
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PPCS Home Page
Performance-PCs.com, located in Palm Bay, FL, is the worlds leading source of computer modification and watercooling hardware..in the world!
www.performance-pcs.com
Unfortunately, I can't buy from Newegg since they don't accept international credit cards but feel free to recommend a cooler from their site and I can do the work in sourcing that particular fan from other websites.
I think I can also use a 140mm AIO in my case but I doubt that it's worth it with an i3-10100.
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Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Plus is $26.95 on Amazon. Good little 4x 6mm heatpipe on 120mm finpack cooler.That's what I thought. Well, I can buy from the following major websites:
Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more.
Free shipping on millions of items. Get the best of Shopping and Entertainment with Prime. Enjoy low prices and great deals on the largest selection of everyday essentials and other products, including fashion, home, beauty, electronics, Alexa Devices, sporting goods, toys, automotive, pets...Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles & More | eBay
Buy & sell electronics, cars, clothes, collectibles & more on eBay, the world's online marketplace. Top brands, low prices & free shipping on many items.www.ebay.comPPCS Home Page
Performance-PCs.com, located in Palm Bay, FL, is the worlds leading source of computer modification and watercooling hardware..in the world!
Unfortunately, I can't buy from Newegg since they don't accept international credit cards but feel free to recommend a cooler from their site and I can do the work in sourcing that particular fan from other websites.
I think I can also use a 140mm AIO in my case but I doubt that it's worth it with an i3-10100.
Thermalright AK 120 Plus for $30.88 has 5x 6mm heatpipes in 120mm finpack.
Amazon.com: Thermalright Assassin King 120 Mini CPU Air Cooler, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12B PWM Fan, for AMD AM4/Intel 1150/1151/1200/2066 : Electronics
Buy Thermalright Assassin King 120 Mini CPU Air Cooler, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12B PWM Fan, for AMD AM4/Intel 1150/1151/1200/2066: CPU Cooling Fans - Amazon.com âś“ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
I can suggest bigger better coolers, but they cost more and shouldn't be needed.
I would not consider CLCs if you want quiet. This is because regardless of what they claim, pumps make noise that is audible at about 3 feet when system is at idle. Compound this with much shorter life expectancy and other potential problems and air cooling is best way forward.
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Thanks! Before transitioning to a custom water loop cooling in my main (gaming) system, I did use the Thermalright Silver Arrow and it was a very good cooler. So I know Thermalright does things right.Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 Plus is $26.95 on Amazon. Good little 4x 6mm heatpipe on 120mm finpack cooler.
Thermalright AK 120 Plus for $30.88 has 5x 6mm heatpipes in 120mm finpack.
Amazon.com: Thermalright Assassin King 120 Mini CPU Air Cooler, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12B PWM Fan, for AMD AM4/Intel 1150/1151/1200/2066 : Electronics
Buy Thermalright Assassin King 120 Mini CPU Air Cooler, 5 Heatpipes, TL-C12B PWM Fan, for AMD AM4/Intel 1150/1151/1200/2066: CPU Cooling Fans - Amazon.com âś“ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com
I can suggest bigger better coolers, but they cost more and shouldn't be needed.
I would not consider CLCs if you want quiet. This is because regardless of what they claim, pumps make noise that is audible at about 3 feet when system is at idle. Compound this with much shorter life expectancy and other potential problems and air cooling is best way forward.
How does the Assassin X line compared to the Assassin King? Or do you consider the Assassin X as one of your "bigger better coolers" that is not necessary for my use case? It looks like most of the Thermalright coolers in Amazon have the $3 off coupon.
If I remember correctly (I've been out of OCN for a while), I know you aren't really a big proponent of water cooling. Out of curiosity, is your claim about pump noise only applicable for CLC's or even for standalone pumps? I'm using an EK D5 pump and it's been very quiet.
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Assassin Spirit Plus 120 is one of the "better coolers" but not at all big. In fact it's size is one rather normal. "Bigger" sizes are deepler, wider and taller.
Assassin Spirit 120 Plus is discounted making it best value for quiet cooling in your application. I doubt you will find a cooler with similar cooling not costing at least $30. Also Assassin Spirit 120 Plus has 2x fans when one cools same at same noise level. Only time 2x fans vs 1x fan cools better is at full speed, and then it's making 2-3dB more noise. This means you have an extra fan to use as case fan instead of 2nd fan on cooler. If you want a little better cooling / less noise get AK120 Plus (why I gave you link to it too).
Assassin Spirit sereies are 4x 6mm heatpipes
Assassin X series are 4x 6mm heatpipes
Assassin King are 5x 6mm heatpipes. ($3.94 more for extra heatpipe)
D5 pump is well known as best choice in custom loops. It's variable speed rated up to 1500L/h or 3.9 liter lift, and users rarely run them full speed. I'm guessing yours isn't running full speed.
CLC pumps are not variable speed and rarely publis flow and lift specs, but independent testing has found them to flow 50-60L/h. For comparison that's about same flowrate as healthy young male urinating after drinking 5 or 6 cans of beer.
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I see. I'm more inclined to go with the AK120 Plus then. The difference between the two coolers is very minimal. So for the AK120, I also use just one fan? I'm guessing in push config towards the back of the case and probably install the 2nd fan in the rear area of the Node 304?Assassin Spirit Plus 120 is one of the "better coolers" but not at all big. In fact it's size is one rather normal. "Bigger" sizes are deepler, wider and taller.
Assassin Spirit 120 Plus is discounted making it best value for quiet cooling in your application. I doubt you will find a cooler with similar cooling not costing at least $30. Also Assassin Spirit 120 Plus has 2x fans when one cools same at same noise level. Only time 2x fans vs 1x fan cools better is at full speed, and then it's making 2-3dB more noise. This means you have an extra fan to use as case fan instead of 2nd fan on cooler. If you want a little better cooling / less noise get AK120 Plus (why I gave you link to it too).
Assassin Spirit sereies are 4x 6mm heatpipes
Assassin X series are 4x 6mm heatpipes
Assassin King are 5x 6mm heatpipes. ($3.94 more for extra heatpipe)
D5 pump is well known as best choice in custom loops. It's variable speed rated up to 1500L/h or 3.9 liter lift, and users rarely run them full speed. I'm guessing yours isn't running full speed.
As for the RAM, I'll go with a G. Skill Aegis kit which don't have spreaders. With all things in consideration (rear fan, hdd cages, case height, etc.), would I not have any size issues with the AK120 Plus?
Yeah, my D5 is PWM and it doesn't run at full speed. FWIW, I've built a mITX system for my sister a few years back with a Corsair H100i and it's relatively quiet too. Only noise that's more evident is coming from the rad fans.
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AK120 is what I would probably go with too.
adding a 5th heatpipe increases cooling abilty by about 25%, so it is quite a bit of difference, especially if you ever mount it on a higher wattage CPU. Single push fan on front vs 2 fans in push / pull isn't much difference. Using it as exhaust in back may or may not be better. What case fans do you plan to use and where will they be placed? No, you should have no problem with G. Skill Aegis at 31.2mm tall fitting under fan if need be. CLC pump noise is more audible when system is setting on desk vs on floor. Many users don't notice CLC pump noise, but there are many that do.
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Gotcha! I'm currently using the stock case fans of the Node 304 (2x 92 mm Silent Series R2 in front and 1x 140 mm Silent Series R2 in the back). Will it make sense to replace these fans with better ones for my use case?AK120 is what I would probably go with too.
CLC pump noise is more audible when system is setting on desk vs on floor. Many users don't notice CLC pump noise, but there are many that do.
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Oh crap, I was about to buy the AK 120 Plus from Amazon today and saw that it came back to its regular price of $44 Hopefully, they'll be on sale again on Black Friday.
Hopefully, they'll be on sale again on Black Friday.
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Bummer. My guess is it will be priced that low again. Lowest prices are often first month or so after release. Doesn't make sense to me to raise price a week before Black Friday sales, but only have to wait a week to find out.
In $46 price range I would get Frost Spirit 140 for $45.56. 140x121x158mm twin tower w/ 4x 8mm heatpipes. 8mm heatpipes move about 50% more heat than 6mm heatpipes (6mm = 40w vs 8mm = 60w TDP). Works something like 4x 6mm pipes move same 240w as 3x 8mm pipes do. Thermalright Silver Arrow (started as IFX-14, then Cogage Arrow, then Silver Arrow) had 4x 8mm heatpipes and cools as well as NH-D15 with same fans.
As for your cooling, if it was me I would get new cooler, install it and see what temps do. My guess is that will solve your problems. If system is stlll too warm maybe a couple better 92mm intakes. Sorry, I don't know of any to suggest off hand. Your 2x 92mm Fractal Design Silent Series R3 are rated 1500rpm, 24.6cfm 18.3dBA and 0.60mm H2O so extremely low pressure rating. Sorry, haven't used any 92mm fans in many years. Last ones I used were Thermalright TL-C12 rated 29.3 dBA, 49cfm or 1.53mmH2O @ 2500rpm. They do 27.3dBA, 44cfm or 1.43mmH2O@ 2000rpm/ That's much better than what you have, but kinda hard to find..
In $46 price range I would get Frost Spirit 140 for $45.56. 140x121x158mm twin tower w/ 4x 8mm heatpipes. 8mm heatpipes move about 50% more heat than 6mm heatpipes (6mm = 40w vs 8mm = 60w TDP). Works something like 4x 6mm pipes move same 240w as 3x 8mm pipes do. Thermalright Silver Arrow (started as IFX-14, then Cogage Arrow, then Silver Arrow) had 4x 8mm heatpipes and cools as well as NH-D15 with same fans.
Amazon.com: Thermalright Frost Spirit 140 CPU Air Cooler, 4x8mm Heat Pipes, TL-D14 140mm TL-C12 120mm PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/Intel 115X/1200/2066 : ElectronicsBuy Thermalright Frost Spirit 140 CPU Air Cooler, 4x8mm Heat Pipes, TL-D14 140mm TL-C12 120mm PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/Intel 115X/1200/2066: CPU Cooling Fans - Amazon.com âś“ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
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As for your cooling, if it was me I would get new cooler, install it and see what temps do. My guess is that will solve your problems. If system is stlll too warm maybe a couple better 92mm intakes. Sorry, I don't know of any to suggest off hand. Your 2x 92mm Fractal Design Silent Series R3 are rated 1500rpm, 24.6cfm 18.3dBA and 0.60mm H2O so extremely low pressure rating. Sorry, haven't used any 92mm fans in many years. Last ones I used were Thermalright TL-C12 rated 29.3 dBA, 49cfm or 1.53mmH2O @ 2500rpm. They do 27.3dBA, 44cfm or 1.43mmH2O@ 2000rpm/ That's much better than what you have, but kinda hard to find..
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Bummer indeed. I was dead set on the AK 120 Plus. I just didn't know they were going to bring them back to their regular prices that fast. Are you saying that the AK120 Plus is new? In Amazon, I see that it was first listed Nov. 2, 2020. But yeah, I guess I'd have to wait for Black Friday and hopefully they price it at $30 again.Bummer. My guess is it will be priced that low again. Lowest prices are often first month or so after release. Doesn't make sense to me to raise price a week before Black Friday sales, but only have to wait a week to find out.
In $46 price range I would get Frost Spirit 140 for $45.56. 140x121x158mm twin tower w/ 4x 8mm heatpipes. 8mm heatpipes move about 50% more heat than 6mm heatpipes (6mm = 40w vs 8mm = 60w TDP). Works something like 4x 6mm pipes move same 240w as 3x 8mm pipes do. Thermalright Silver Arrow (started as IFX-14, then Cogage Arrow, then Silver Arrow) had 4x 8mm heatpipes and cools as well as NH-D15 with same fans.
Amazon.com: Thermalright Frost Spirit 140 CPU Air Cooler, 4x8mm Heat Pipes, TL-D14 140mm TL-C12 120mm PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/Intel 115X/1200/2066 : Electronics
Buy Thermalright Frost Spirit 140 CPU Air Cooler, 4x8mm Heat Pipes, TL-D14 140mm TL-C12 120mm PWM Fan, AGHP Technology, for AMD AM4/Intel 115X/1200/2066: CPU Cooling Fans - Amazon.com âś“ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com
As for your cooling, if it was me I would get new cooler, install it and see what temps do. My guess is that will solve your problems. If system is stlll too warm maybe a couple better 92mm intakes. Sorry, I don't know of any to suggest off hand. Your 2x 92mm Fractal Design Silent Series R3 are rated 1500rpm, 24.6cfm 18.3dBA and 0.60mm H2O so extremely low pressure rating. Sorry, haven't used any 92mm fans in many years. Last ones I used were Thermalright TL-C12 rated 29.3 dBA, 49cfm or 1.53mmH2O @ 2500rpm. They do 27.3dBA, 44cfm or 1.43mmH2O@ 2000rpm/ That's much better than what you have, but kinda hard to find..
No issues with spacing when using twin towers too?
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Node 4 has 165mm CPU clearance and Frost Spirit140 158mm plus 5mm with 140mm fan on top of thumbscrew holding mount crossbar to cooler base is a total of 162mm total height. This leaves at least 4mm case clearance. If you remove thumbscrew fan is flush with top of case so 158mm total height. As long as RAM height is less than 48mm 120mm will fit between top of RAM and case cover. Don't remember if you said what RAM is in this build.
As said before, i3-10100 is a low wattage CPU easily cooled with any of the basic 4x 6mm heatpipe 120mm fanned coolers.
Quick Google looks like almost all cooler are at normal prices now. Seems almost all discounted / sales prices have been pulled. Guess it's leading up to Black Friday sales, so might see some even better deals then. I'll be around next weekend if you need to ask anything.
As said before, i3-10100 is a low wattage CPU easily cooled with any of the basic 4x 6mm heatpipe 120mm fanned coolers.
Quick Google looks like almost all cooler are at normal prices now. Seems almost all discounted / sales prices have been pulled. Guess it's leading up to Black Friday sales, so might see some even better deals then. I'll be around next weekend if you need to ask anything.
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Got it. Thanks for the help. I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled up until Black Friday. I really hope they have some sales ongoing. I will be using a G. Skill Aegis kit so that should have no problems with clearance, I reckon.
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