Hi all,

I am finishing a component list for my next PC, and am still undecided about CPU cooling part. I will probably not choose a water-cooling device as I guess those are not the most efficient + silent choice.

Here is part of my config :

CPU: Intel i7 3770K
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula
Graphic Card: Asus Matrix HD 7970 Platinum
Case: Corsair Obsidian 800D
Power Supply: SeaSonic X-Series 750W

I would like a cpu cooling heatsink/fan with the following characteristics :
- good cooling results, both for standard and OC CPU (I will not use extreme OC but will probably use the standard OC setting of the motherboard)
- very good noise ratio (what would be one of the best component to choose for maximum noise reduction)
- good look, as the other components are quite nice to look at (overall black, red parts) and will be seen through the case window.

I am currently wondering about the following components :
- be quiet! Dark Rock 2 (nice look, low noise)
- ThermalRight Macho (good overall performance and noise),
- ThermalRight Silver Arrow (good performance and noise),
- ThermalRight Silver Arrow Extreme (good performance and look, but higher noise ?)
- Noctua NH-U12P (good performance and noise, not very good look)
- other one ?

Given my configuration and my goals, what would be your advices ?

Thanks for your help
Chris

Most of the coolers from Noctua will meet your quiet and cool requirements; however, unless you have a wood-grained themed PC, they won't look good. The Dark Rock 2 seems legit; however, it is rather bulky compared to the others. I don't know enough about ThermalRight to type anything of value.