Building PCs for video editing class and have a question.

[ingeborgdot]

I am building some PCs for a video editing class we are starting. I have most of the materials picked out what I will be using. The CPU will be the Xeon E3-1230 V2. We cannot overclock so I am going with a Xeon cpu. Anyway my question is with video editing and no gaming do I need an aftermarket cooler? Thanks.

[Selur]

Normal stock cpu cooler should be fine, but will probably not be as efficient as a decent aftermarket cooler, so you will get:
a. higher cpu temperatures (which normally also means higher in case temperatures and lower component longevity)
b. more noise (probably not much of a problem)

[poisondeathray]

If you buy retail box version (not OEM) , no you don't need an aftermarket cooler . OEM versions often don't come with heatsink,fan

[ingeborgdot]

Buying the retail version. How much difference do you believe the aftermarket coolers can make? I have never used stock coolers on my computers but we are on a budget but if an aftermarket cooler will help the computer last longer what is $32 extra.

[poisondeathray]

It won't make a difference in longevity at stock speeds, unless your conditions are extreme (ambient temperatures are extrememly high, eg. you live in a desert) , or you have a bad case design or organization (heat not dumped out of the case and ventilated out of the room, but stays in the case)

But even "cheap" aftermarket coolers can make a difference of 20-30 celcius lower loaded CPU temps than the stock cooler , but it's definitely not required

[ingeborgdot]

The room will be air conditioned and kept cool for sure. These things will be used many hours a day 5 days a week.

This is the case I am looking at:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139018

I was thinking about the Hydro series H60 or this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103100

If I could get by without one that would be great but recommendations from people who have used stock coolers would really help. Thanks.

[poisondeathray]

100% certain you do not need a stock cooler. That case looks fine if you keep the cables organized inside (clutter prevents good airflow)

Think of all the schools, institutions that use stock coolers, even in non air conditioned environments.

The TJ Max for modern Intel CPU's is typically ~ 100 degrees celcius, that's a lot of headroom . They are designed like that for general use with the stock cooler

If you decide to go aftermarket, don't buy the retail box version (OEM versions are less expensive because they don't come with HSF)

[ingeborgdot]

Oh yeah. Maybe that would be an option also. I will look into that. Thanks.

[poisondeathray]

But the other consideration when buying OEM is the warranty is different - that might be fine for personal computer, but it's an important difference when purchasing for a school or institution . I would say the vast majority of schools buy retail box (stock HSF)

[ingeborgdot]

Well, anyway it does not matter because the one I am looking at only comes retail that I can find. The Xeon E3-1230 V2. Nothing OEM around. If the warranty would have been different I would not have purchased it either unless it was the same. Thanks for the insight.

[Nelson37]

The warranty is void if you use a non-stock cooler. Doesn't sound to me as though you need an aftermarket unit.

[ingeborgdot]

That makes no sense though because actually you are keeping the cpu cooler than it would be with stock. Funny stuff. I was on another forum where they are trying to tell me that Xeon will not be as good as i7 for video. I can't find an i7 for even close to $234 though. Budget, budget, budget.

[Brainiac]

In my last 2 - 4 builds and CPU upgrades I've used the stock coolers and have never, ever had a problem with overheating.

Brainiac