Coolermaster Hyper 212 or Hyper Z600?

[Unixlord]

I'm changing to the Intel platform this summer. I'm getting a Gigabyte X38/X48 DQ6 (By circumstance rather than choice), with a (recently dropped in price) Q6600 and any OC friendly ram I can get my hands on.

As far as aftermarket cooling is concerned, my options are limited to the Coolermaster Hyper 212 or the Hyper Z600. Yep, I can't buy a zalman 9700 or a tuniq tower or a thermalright ultra extreme, not due to price but because of availability/shipping issues.

I've read the excellent TechARP review for the 212 and it does look pretty impressive. I like the fact that it also directs airflow over the motherboard components (which would otherwise be receiving poor direct airflow). The Z600 apparently performs even better, being able to add two 120mm fans is also great but the weight of over 1KG concerns me (depsite the use of a backplate) a bit.

I'd like some opinions about the pros and cons of each heatsink and coolermaster heatsinks in general as I've never owned one. Thanks.

[generalRage1982hrv]

i never seen this day coming LOL (unix going for intel)
anyway coolers looks great but why q6600 ??
well i would rather take q9300(less cache but faster) or q9450 more cache and more performance over q6600 and you just cant oc it that much
well bro i would not take that one if you ask me

[Unixlord]

The CPU is not that important. I've got a deal with it that makes it nearly half the price of the Q9300 in local shops. In fact even the E8200 is priced higher. It doesn't matter. What matters is the compatibility of those coolermaster coolers with the gigabyte motherboards. Unlike zalman, coolermaster doesn't have a motherboard compatilibty list on their website so I've had to email them, no answer so far.

[Mac Daddy]

Originally Posted by Unixlord

The CPU is not that important. I've got a deal with it that makes it nearly half the price of the Q9300 in local shops. In fact even the E8200 is priced higher. It doesn't matter. What matters is the compatibility of those coolermaster coolers with the gigabyte motherboards. Unlike zalman, coolermaster doesn't have a motherboard compatilibty list on their website so I've had to email them, no answer so far.

I installed a Coolermaster Hyper212 on a Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6 for this review Bro with few issues <<Here>>

The only issues I experienced were with the "Crazy Cooler" for the Northbridge on that board. Gigabyte includes instructions to completely remove it which I didn't want to do, underside cooling is SO important on motherboards. What I did is made a few simple modifications to the heatsink itself which I will document as a revision on that article soon

[Unixlord]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the underside cooling from the CPU looks like it's seperate from the NB and SB underside cooler parts. I'm looking at this image.

I'm pretty sure there won't be any clearance issues on the top side. Since both coolers require a backplate I used the compatibility list of one of noctua's fans (that required a backplate) as a reference to spot obstacles while I wait for CM's reply.

Had any other issues with your x38-DQ6 worthy of note?

[Mac Daddy]

Yes as I mentioned the bottom cooler can be removed if you wish. I used the Gigabyte cooler itself instead of the supplied bracket as well as a modified plate. The supplied backplate isn't aluminum or copper its steel. It's your preference

On the X38-DQ6 no real issues just make sure you update your BIOS it includes some memory and voltage options that weren't on the F6 BIOS my board came with. I had no clearance issues with anything on that mobo.

[Unixlord]

Thanks for the info mate. I'm actually looking at Asus' offerings too since they feature smaller backplates that don't hinder aftermarket coolers.

[generalRage1982hrv]

Originally Posted by Unixlord

Thanks for the info mate. I'm actually looking at Asus' offerings too since they feature smaller backplates that don't hinder aftermarket coolers.

well asus mbos like any x38mbos have issues with large coolers
mostly because of heat pipes that goes around cpu they are just too close(6-10mm from zalman 9500) and those two coolers are larger so there will be problems bro
i dont know how high is that cooler but if it is wider than 96mm it will make problems trust me
i have P5E and all other asus mbos are similar to it
i would recommend sonic tower maybe because he is 20mm higher (from cpu to fins there is space for 20mm and that would be enough to avoid mbos heatpipes)

[Unixlord]

Those 2 coolers are my only options. Do you think the 1KG+ weight has the potential to cause any problems? Btw the backplate has plastic on it to prevent short circuiting the MB.

[generalRage1982hrv]

Originally Posted by Unixlord

Those 2 coolers are my only options. Do you think the 1KG+ weight has the potential to cause any problems? Btw the backplate has plastic on it to prevent short circuiting the MB.

ok bro
have fun , then i hope you will put some extra support on your mbo and case (that cooler wonth bend your mbo)