I am having built a 2600K system and I need to know the quietest cooling option(s) for air on an overclocked system. I have hearing issues that are not good for high speed fans. Actually, on my last system, I didn't really need liquid cooling, but went that route just to get my noise down. I had one leak ... and well ... I don't want to go into it ... but I want to do air this time.Please offer me a couple of products to consider that are QUIET. I know low RPM case fans are important ... But I've never shopped, nor am I knowledgeable of 3rd party coolers.Thank you, Steve

I have two different models in my two rigs, and both are excellent.These two coolers are fully compatible with the LGA 1155 socket.Noctua:http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&setlng=en&products_id=31Only one fan installed.and this:http://www.prolimatech.com/en/products/detail.asp?id=155&page=1This comes without fan, and i bought this:http://www.be-quiet.net/be-quiet.net/index.php?StoryID=30&ProductID=56&websiteLang=enI couldn´t tell you which is better...but you can´t go wrong with one or another.And Silence is assured.Best.Miquel

If you want quiet cooling, Air is not an option, go with water.I have been using Corsair H50 for a year and it is running great, keeps my i7 OC 4.1Ghz running cool AND quiet.You can also consider their H70.For either the H50 or H70, use 2 fans for a push and pull configuration. Tom

If you want quiet cooling, Air is not an option, go with water.I have been using Corsair H50 for a year and it is running great, keeps my i7 OC 4.1Ghz running cool AND quiet.You can also consider their H70.For either the H50 or H70, use 2 fans for a push and pull configuration. Tom

Water yes, but custom WC, something the OP is obviously aware of and explicitly mentioned he won't go that route again. Why would A H50-70 with two fans be less noisy than a megahalems with the same fans?Miquel's suggestions are great. The best compromise between noise and performance for what I know is Scythe Gentle Typhoon fans. The 1150 RPM version would work good for a nice overclock and still very quiet. Maybe getting a fan controller to adjust speed at will would be a good idea

Hi , my fans run at 950 rpm , the Noctua (3 pins connector and ULNA adapter), and the Be Quiet at 700-900 with PWM connector. Both , really quiet.Also my chassis fan is a Be Quiet Silent Wongs with 3 pins at 700 rpm in silent mode. Best.Miquel.

Hi Dazz,I am a slient freak as well.My setup is I use 2x 120mm Noctua, push and pull with my H50 rad.These fans are extremely quiet, i had pretty much changed all case fan with the same model.Of course, the CPU temp, as with Air or Water, depends on the ambient temperatures.So a good case air flow is very important.ThanksTom

I can too say only good things about Noctua. Great fans - have them installed on my water-radiator.But one thing: air will never be as quiet as water. Especially considering HDDs and GPU.But hey, if you lost a battle on the water ground, I guess you are annoyed by that. I am using water since 2006, and it's one of the best things computer world invented IMHO...How you managed to get a leak, virtually beats me.

Thank you all very much for your helpful input. I think I'm ready to order some quiet air cooling when the time comes. Thought it was right now, but may be a few months with the Intel chipset debacle.

Then you have time to check out Scythe Mugen 2. Bought it for the exact reason that it's ultra quiet and very efficient, and it's pretty cheap. Great value for bucks if you don't need disco bling lights. Bjorn