Recommendation for a CPU Cooler that doesn't require removal of the motherboard?

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BLaZiNg_SPEED

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#1 BLaZiNg_SPEED
Member since 2009 • 406 Posts

Currently I am using Intels Stock CPU Cooler for my Quad Core Q8400 2.66 GHz stock CPU LGA775 Socket.

The problem I've got is that when I run games like Battlefield 3/Bad Company 2 suddenly after like 40 minutes of play, usually when a multiplayer map is being loading the temp jumps to 71 degrees celcius for one of the cores the rest of the 3 cores stay at 62, 64, 66 when testing RealTemp or Core Temp.

Idle temps remain at 38, 38, 33, 37 degrees celcius. I do know that the max safe temperature for my CPU is 71.4 degrees. So I need to make sure that the temperatures are below 71.4 degrees celcius. 

Anyway, I used to have before that an Arctic Freezer Pro 7 Rev 2 Aftermarket cooler for 2 years which did the job perfectly. This was easy to connect and didn't require removal of the motherboard for it to be mounted in. This was doing my job well with max temps of 67 degrees, never crossing any higher than that.

The problem is that until recently 3 months ago, the plastic mounting part that was holding the cooler developed a crack. This caused major problems where my CPU temps were suddenly rocking high at 70+ even at idle. So I quickly replaced back to my stock Intel CPU Cooler applied fresh thermal paste, etc, all was okay. But not great in games like BF3/BFBC2 where the temps jump to 71 degrees celcius.

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Now I am looking for a CPU Cooler that's better than the Arctic Freezer Pro 7 without needing to remove the motherboard, but at the same time with the mounting being made out of metal. I would prefer it to be made out of metal instead of plastic, that way I won't have to worry about it cracking again.

Initially I ordered Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO which I know is very good, but as soon as I found out that I need removal of the motherboard, I cancelled the order. I know I can remove the mobo, but it is a big hassle to remove the motherboard especially when my system is pretty outdated anyway. There's no way of attaching the metallic bracket at the back of my motherboard of my PC Case without requiring the removal of the mobo. So I really do want to avoid having to remove the motherboard altogether just to fit the cooler in.

Can anyone recommend a CPU Cooler that is much better than the Arctic Freezer Pro 7 without requiring removal of the motherboard and without the plastic stand? Something that's compatible for Micro ATX motherboard, LGA 775 Socket, Quad Core Q8400 2.66 GHz stock.

Thanks!  

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FaustArp

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#2 FaustArp
Member since 2013 • 1036 Posts

Open the side of your case and point a gigantic fan directly at your CPU.

Seriously, why are you so opposed to removing your motherboard?  :|

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kraken2109

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#3 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

212+ is good, just spend an hour taking the mobo out, it's annoying but it'll be worth it in the end.

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deactivated-579f651eab962

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#4 deactivated-579f651eab962
Member since 2003 • 5404 Posts
Any decent cooler will require a backplate. Just suck it up, it's a good opportunity to clean it all out.
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#5 BLaZiNg_SPEED
Member since 2009 • 406 Posts

Yeah I was aware that most decent CPU coolers would require opening the motherboard for the backplate.

Well, after much research I went with this CPU Cooler!
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Zalman-CNPS7X-LED-CPU-Cooler-Review/1320/4
I know it's also made out of plastic stand but I can see considerable improvements compared to the previous cooler that I had and it doesn't require opening the motherboard. It has 4 plastic pins that directly clip into the motherboard through push pins. It uses the same installation mechanism as the stock Intel CPU Cooler.

I remember it was the same mechanism like the Arctic Freezer Pro 7 which didn't require removal of the motherboard..
And according to the benchmarks over at Hardware secrets shows.

Zalman CNPS7X LED max temp 40 degrees Celsius
Arctic Freezer 7 PRO Rev. 2 max temp 54 degrees Celsius

Not bad. I think next time when I build a completely new computer from scratch, I'll consider buying a better cooler with a backplate.:)