Push-pull TX3 or upgrade to 120mm?

[Runt.]

I have a Cooler Master TX3 HSF and recently my CPU temps have risen between low-mid 70s under gaming load (DOTA 2).

I am thinking if I were to add a second fan to it for a push-pull setup, which specific fans would be best to use. Would adding a second fan provide enough cooling to drop my CPU temps by ~5C?

It seems like the same fan that came with the TX3 is available for $11 on NE. If I spend a little more I can just get a 120mm HSF instead.

Thoughts?

 

[geok1ng]

2nd fan usually don't lower 5C. More like 2-3C. I hope that you can find a lower price tag for a second fan, because $11 is serious money for push-pull a $18 HSF.

What do you meant "recently"?
Temps were lower before?

You could always try to re-settle the HSF/ reapply thermal paste ( CM HSFs come with a syringe of half decent paste AFAIK) .

Depending on where you live you are better off investing in a better HSF than on a second fan.
Hyper N520 - same CM brand, 5 heatpipes, 2 fans, for $29, shipped.

if you have the space in your case, Hyper T4 and hyper 212 evo cost the same and are better/much better than the TX3.

 

[W.Feather]

mid 70s is not much to worry about either ... I personally wouldnt waste the money, only worry when your up to the 90s in temps IMO ... this is coming from a F@H back ground, where you realize quickly 70s is nothing temp wise.

 

[Deleted member 184142]

mid 70s is not much to worry about either ... I personally wouldnt waste the money, only worry when your up to the 90s in temps IMO ... this is coming from a F@H back ground, where you realize quickly 70s is nothing temp wise.

Indeed, 70 is nothing. So for temp reasons I would not bother, if it's noise then look for a good 120mm cooler, as you will drop temps far more than an extra fan and drop allot of noise at the same time.

 

[Runt.]

A couple years ago I got the TX3 to try out overclocking for the first time since it was only $15 and I was too cheap to get the Hyper 212 for $25 or $30. Also I wasn't sure how beneficial an OC'd CPU would be with respect to gaming.

Yeah I have a full tower so I do have space for a 120mm and will probably go that route in a future build. I guess for now I won't add a 2nd fan since for the price I won't be getting much back in performance.

Regarding my temps the games I use to play only got to high 60s and only when I did encoding that it got to mid 70s. Perhaps I should try re-applying thermal paste and/or clean my CPU fan and my intake fans. It has been probably about a year since I last cleaned it out.

Thanks to everyone for your input, appreciate it.