aftermarket CPU cooling for i5-2500k

[Jokes]

I'm in the market for some decent cooling so I can OC my CPU more aggressively. I am currently using stock cooling(which barely does the job at stock temps). I'm wonder what you guys are using and if you have any advice or suggestions.

Oh, and what thermal compound do you like for that particular cpu? Will my standard AS5 do?

[Mortis462]

I can highly recommend the Cooler Master V8 if you have the room. Keeps my OC i7 920 at ~25c on idle and lower than 40c under full load for hours. I also use GELID Solutions GC-Extreme Thermal Compound. Tho AS5 is good stuff, I got 1 or 2 degree drop with the GELID

V8 Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835103055
Gelid link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835426020

[MrBlah]

Your thermal compound chosen will be just fine.

For air coolers, I would look at one thing: how many fins it has and how large each fin is. The more the better, that's all. Copper = better than Aluminum at heat transfer. That's basic heat transfer for ya and all you need to know.

[One_Medic_Army]

You can check placed like Tom's hardware and hardocp and read reviews. Generally the number of fins and size is a good indicator, but there are other factors as well which can make a cooler less efficient.

[Checkm8]

Whatever you get, take size into consideration. Does your case allow it to fit and will it cover up anything vital on your motherboard. My CPU cooler slightly rests over one of my RAM slots but luckily I am not using it as 8 gigs is enough for my use.

[OmgOhnoes]

If your case can fit it and you are looking for air cooling the Noctua NH-D14 is fantastic and silent and can be had for relatively cheap when on sale.

That's what i use while OC'ing mine.

I also tried the Corsair H50 which is basically water/air cooling but their recommended setup is just dumb and you just end up blowing hot air into your case which screws up every other component.

[Clay Pigeon]

I use a hyper 212 plus. It keeps my 2500k cool. It and its successor the 212 evo are the best bang/buck heatsinks available now.

The noctua NH-D14 gives a little better performance, but costs signficantly more.

[Jokes]

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips.

The hyper 212+ looks like it'll meet my needs just fine at a great price point. Thanks again for the help, everyone