We always use the same test system and tests with CPU coolers that we compare against each other. The full specifications of our test system as follows:
Test system:
ASUS P8Z77-V, LGA 1155 socket, Z77 chipset
Intel Core i5 3570K with Noctua NT-H1 under the IHS
16GB Kingston 1866Mhz DDR3
512GB OCZ SSD
be quiet! Dark Power Pro 800W
Cooler Master Test Bench v1.0
All testing conducted using NT-H1 thermal paste
We’d like to say a big thank you to ASUS, Noctua, Kingston, Cooler Master, and be quiet! and Intel for providing components that make this testing possible.
Testing Methodology:
We always use Noctua Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste to make sure testing reveals the efficiency of the tested coolers not the efficiency of the bundled thermal paste.
Prime 95 is run for 10 minutes to calculate “load” results.
The average temperature across the four cores is taken on our quad-core processor.
Fans are left to operate at default PWM profile speeds unless otherwise stated.
Multiple fan speed tests twill be removed from future reviews to avoid clutter. If you would like to see more fan speed results for a particular product, please check its individual review.
For water cooling tests, all pumps have been operated at 12 volts unless otherwise stated.
Delta temperatures are always used (Observed temperature minus ambient temperature), and we keep the ambient at 22 (+/- 1) degrees for all testing. Delta temperatures should correct for any marginal ambient differences between 21-23 degrees.
Acoustic measurements are taken 10cm horizontally away from the CPU cooler with the VGA fan disabled, the hard drive in idle and power supply isolated
The cooling performance tests are run at stock 3.4GHz (with Intel Turbo up to 3.8GHz) and overclocked 4.5GHz (1.35v) settings. Voltages are fixed to prevent inaccuracy between comparisons.
All other coolers in the graphs were also tested under identical settings.
Each test is repeated 3 times to ensure consistency.
There is approximately a 1-degree Celsius margin of error in our temperature recording software CPUID HW Monitor
There is approximately a 1.5dBA margin of error with our Benetech GM1351 decibel meter
In all these graphs we may have a few “reference” results of particular products that do not fit within that category for comparative purposes.
As a child still in my 30's (but not for long), I spend my day combining my love of music and movies with a life-long passion for gaming, from arcade classics and retro consoles to the latest high-end PC and console games. So it's no wonder I write about tech and test the latest hardware while I enjoy my hobbies!