Building Mini ITX - Need CPU Cooling Suggestions

[Zapper_Weisman]

I am planning to build my first HTPC/SteamBox soon. I have just about everything planned out but I cannot decide how I want to cool the CPU. I plan to use a Maximus VI Impact in an Elite 130 case with a Haswell 4771 and some Corsair CMD16GX3M2A160​0C7.

 

I want to use a Corsair Hydro system but I have some concerns. It is my understanding that they need an internal USB header for the Corsair Link system. I do not want to sacrifice my front USB ports for the CPU cooling system and the motherboard only has one internal USB 2.0 header. Do I have to connect the Hydros to the USB header or can I leave it disconnected without problems?

 

Also, which would be the best Corsair Hydro for this build? I am thinking the H80i seems best.

 

Any other tips or useful information? I have not built a mini ITX system before. I am an old-hand at desktops but since this is my first mini ITX I want to make sure I get all the right stuff the first time.

 

Thanks!

[Dragynfyre]

If you're going for such a high end build then get a better case like the Node 304. With the Node 304 you can use a USB 3 header for the front panel instead and save the USB 2 header for an H80i.

[Zapper_Weisman]

The Elite 130 has 2x 3.0 ports upfront and 1x USB 2.0. I could possibly forgo the 2.0 port up front but I'd rather not.

 

That still does not answer my question though. Is the USB connection to the Hydro coolers necessary?

[Dragynfyre]

It's necessary if you want to use Corsair Link on a i series cooler. If you don't care about monitoring the temperature of your cooler and changing the fan and LED settings through Corsair Link software then you don't need it.

[Zapper_Weisman]

Thank you for clearing that up. I haven't used one of these coolers yet so I am fuzzy on the details.

 

I guess I might just say screw it and just use the USB header for the Corsair link. The 2x 3.0's up front should be good enough.

 

Does anyone know of any compatibility issues or things to watch out for with the H80i and the Elite 130? The only thing I can find is that I can only use one fan in a push configuration. It's my understanding that there are things in the way that makes adding a pull fan difficult if not impossible without modding the case which I don't want to do.

[gotto]

I would sacrifice a usb port and use the cosair link as that's how you control your fan speeds and monitor your temps very well worth it. as well as you can make custom profiles on the beta version if your running windows 8 or 8.1. as well as you can control your pump speed as well. another suggestion is I would get 4 pin pwm fans so you have more performance if you need it

[Zapper_Weisman]

Oh, I always use 4 pin fans. ;-) That will not be a problem.

 

I will probably do as you both suggested. It's one lost USB port. There will still be 8 in the back and 2 up front. I am just OCD about everything on the front of the case actually doing something. :-P I don't like dead ports. lol

[gotto]

right now my temps are H100I temp is 28.1 c and my i7-3770 temp is 34.3 c and everythings maxxed

[JKeifer]

I would sacrifice a usb port and use the Corsair link as that's how you control your fan speeds and monitor your temps very well worth it. as well as you can make custom profiles on the beta version if your running windows 8 or 8.1. as well as you can control your pump speed as well. another suggestion is I would get 4 pin pwm fans so you have more performance if you need it

 

Sorry for jumping in here, but the pump speed is intended to be around 2200 rpm regardless of what is happening in the system. As the pump is powered by the required SATA power connector and the tachometer wire only is connected to the CPU fan header, I am pretty sure the pump speed is fixed and unchangeable. I could be wrong but this is how my H80i worked.