How to cool the i7-8700 Coffee Lake processor? Getting back into Aces High

[DaveBB]

I desperately need a new computer so that I may get back into Aces High.  For some reason, my current computer just doesn't cut it (i7 4770k with GeForce 680 and 16gb of ram).

I've been looking at building (or having built) a system based on the i7 8700.  However, this is a hot processor.  People are using water cooled processor coolers.  There is one constant in the universe, water cooled systems always leak.  Is it possible to cool this processor sufficiently with a traditional fan?  If so, do you guys have any recommendations?

[Bruv119]

pretty sure a new gfx card would be more worthwhile.   

[Dace]

I have a 4770K paired with a 1050ti and can get a constant 60 FPS with graphics maxed (environment slider set to 1). So, like Bruv says, I think all you need is a new GPU.

[Greebo]

If your only requirement for the upgrade is to play Aces High at higher FPS a better video card like a GTX1080 in your existing system ought to get you a lot more bang for your buck. What video card you need is partly down to the display res you are running and/or whether you intend to use VR.

In general liquid cooling only becomes necessary when a CPU is overclocked to very high speeds. If you are intending to do this make sure the CPU you get is the 8700K as the 8700 can't be overclocked.
 

[Bruv119]

1080s are still overkill for AH, unless dave intends to stream / record etc

My 1060 6gb runs it just fine and other games with more intensive graphics too.   

Have been impressed with this line of cards also sucking less juice than my old card.

[Skuzzy]

Something is out of whack.  Your computer, performance wise, is about the same as my home computer and it runs Aces High III just fine, on a 2560x1440 resolution monitor using an AMD 7950 video card and i7-3770K (running stock clocks).

I disabled post lighting and shadows since going to the higher resolution monitor and with vertical sync disabled I usually hang around 70 to 80 FPS in the air.  60 to 70 FPS on the ground.

If you insist on updating, then the video card will get more bang for the buck, but I would look hard at the current performance of your computer.  Whatever is holding the performance back will also impact the performance of a new card.

[Gman]

Couple things DaveBB-

Others are right, the performance gains you'll see from going from a 4700 to 8700(k, get the k if you go this route), will be neglibeable compared to a GPU upgrade, and your system/mother board should easily accept a new GPU.  As Skuzzy said, sounds like gremlins of some kind in your settings, drivers, whatever, are causing issues.  Lots of guys here able to help, post some data/intel here so people can analyze it a bit and help you out.

Regarding water cooling, there are really 2 major types of PC water cooling (there are 6 or more really, but for most gamers/PC users, 2 will do IMO), custom loops, and closed loop factory made units with the pump, fans, res, hoses, etc all in one easy to install unit. I'm sure you probably know this already.  The custom setups require stand alone pumps, resovoirs, lots of fittings, hoses, and custom blocks for your GPU etc if you're doing that...much more complicated, and THESE are the setups more prone to leaking.  The provide more cooling for guys looking to really push their overclocks, but IMO the factory H20 units will suffice for most of us.

I've bought 2 or 3 gaming systems every year from the same company in Calgary, Memory Express, since 1997.  They have nearly 10 stores now across Western Canada, and I've talk to their PC builders frequently.  They've told me one of the items that they have the fewest RMAs and returns/problems with is the factory water cooling units, from Corsair, NZXT, and so on.

I've been using the NZXT Kraken X61 on 2 systems, and an x62 on another, for over 2 years now on the first 2, and about 3 months on the x62.  No problems, and others I know running the NZXT or Corsair coolers likewise have had no issues.

So, TLDR/Tildeer - don't worry about the factory units leaking, yes, there are stories online of some having leak problems, but like any PC component, there can and will be failures.  Pretty slim odds on it happening to you, but if it does worry you enough to not use one, just go with a good air cooler like the Noctuas.  Easy Peasy.

Good luck getting your PC upgraded, be great if you got back into the game more.  I myself plan on getting into AH3 a lot more this spring myself, be good to see you in the friendly skies.

[DaveBB]

I tried playing Aces High for a while, but the frame rate and strange stuttering near the ground made for an unsatisfactory experience.  There is probably something wrong my computer.  I used the high res packs also.

[Skuzzy]

Aces High III has no high res pack.

[Mister Fork]

Aces High III has no high res pack.

Yep, and you can select several graphic options both at the main launch page and inside the game to 'turn down' the fluff and make it work. Both my sons use VR headsets (Acer) with Aces High on a 1050Ti with 3Gb ram and it works great.

Try turning down the graphics first and if it's still too choppy, look at getting a 1060Ti 6Gb graphics card if money is an issue. Your CPU is fine (I'm running a 4 year old i7) and just a good video card should suffice.