I know Swiftech had some patent issue with the H220 awhile back - they can't sell it in the U.S. now. That aside is there any reason to avoid Swiftech? I sure like the looks (and reviews) of the H220 and the H320. In my research I came across a complaint about Swiftech...can't remember exactly...something along the lines of "they're no good anymore."
I'm not set on Swiftech. I want an expandable system because I want to water-cool my GPU too (eventually). My priority is bringing down the temps on the CPU and establishing a healthy OC. Once that's accomplished I will include the 780 in the loop.
I need to do something soon about the rising temps on my 980X. For 3 years it rarely went above 70C (huge case / good airflow). Lately I'm seeing 83C on a few cores (max 87C). Granted it's summer. But even with the AC running I still hit 80C+ when rendering.
The most demanding load I throw at the CPU is when I'm rendering out of Cinema 4D. Also Premiere Pro if I have a project with lot of tracks/FX. I haven't run any of the CPU stress tests, just never bothered with them. If that would help you advise me I'd be happy to run Prime95 or whatever.
I should replace the TIM, though I don't expect that will bring down temps very much. Unless...I'm not an experienced system builder...could "old, used-up TIM" explain the temps I'm seeing?
Well if you have an ideas - and/or opinions on Swiftech - I'd love to hear what you think. It's time for me to OC this 980 so I need better cooling. I don't have the time and patience to setup a totally custom loop - not yet - so I want to get that H320 from Swiftech (or maybe the 220 - have to do some measuring first). Unless you guys know a reason not to ... I'll have to order it from NCIX I guess.
HAF X
core i7 980X - stock HSF (best one from Intel I've ever seen - the DBX-B) http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Intel-DBX-B-CPU-Cooler-Review/1000/1
EVGA GTX 780 6GB SC w/EVGA ACX Cooler (06G-P4-3787-KR)
MSI Big Bang XPower X58
Corsair HX850
Thanks you guys, I really appreciate any thoughts you can share. BTW, from what I understand the H220 really benefits from a little fan-speed tweaking and that doing so via the voltage isn't recommended. But doesn't PWM require 4 pins? If so I'll need a fan controller - but that's a different thread I guess Thanks again!