Hi all, need some advice as I'm driving myself crazy.
Decided to build a new PC - partswise:
I have a 9850x3D, DDR5 (Klevv Fit V, as I wanted something fairly low profile) and an MSI Tomahawk B850 Max Wifi II board, with a 5070ti.
The case I have is an NZXT H9 Flow RGB+ from 2025 - had to buy a new case to fit the 5070TI, and wanted a dual chamber case with existing fans to save on my initial purchase, so, I went with the H9 flow as it fits everything I have.
I'm also sticking with air cooling, as, not looking to move to water cooling anytime soon.
Anyway, my previous build was an i7 12700k. It never really seemed to run hot, but the 9850x3d appears to be a mini supernova in comparison and I don't know if I am trying to achieve something unrealistic.
I have a Noctua DH-15s. The website says the DH-15 and later doesn't fit my current case. I would have got one of the higher tier Noctua CPU fans if I knew they would fit but, all indicators are that there isn't enough clearance in the case
The case has a lot of built in NZXT fans (due to RGB+) -
2x NZXT F420 fan banks - essentially 3x fans on the base and 3x fans on the front, looks like 3x 140mm fans per bank.
Also got 1x 120mm NZXT F120 fan on the rear exhaust and I have added a 140mm Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 exhaust fan on the top of the case above the cooler.
The CPU idles at about 48 degrees. Casual use takes it up to about 55 degrees. Gaming sees it rise to between 60 and 78 degrees - stabilises generally around the high 60s.
Cinemark seems to take it to 85 degrees and holds it there.
So my question is -
is there anything I can do to reduce temps further?
Is it safe having these temps?
Are these temps normal and I'm overreacting?
I have considered adding an intake fan to the top of the case at the front, to pull air in, and keep the other exhaust fan near the CPU to try create a bigger airflow.
I could equally add a second exhaust fan to the top of the case instead, but no idea if that's a good idea. A lot of research indicates that may make it worse.
I have considered replacing the rear 120mm NZXT fan with another 140mm Noctua exhaust to try cool the CPU heatsink faster.
I don't know how these NZXT fans rate compared to others. They seem pretty noisy above 1000rpm - sort of like an attack helicopter meets a hovercraft vibes. I have since changed the fan curves to make it quieter so they don't spin up past 45% til the CPU hits 70 degrees, and the temps seem to hold but I am a bit nervous - the occasional heat spike sets them off.
Could replacing these NZXT fans do much?
Looking for some options/thoughts from people - especially if it looks like something with my setup is wrong! Thankyou in advance!