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 are as follows:
Test system:
ASUS F2A85-V Pro Motherboard
AMD A10 6800K @ 3.1GHz with 1.1volts to simulate 65W CPU
Onboard GPU
2GB Exceleram 1333MHz
Kingston HyperX 240GB SSD
Corsair AX1050 Watt Power Supply
We’d like to say a big thank you to ASUS, Kingston, AMD, Corsair and Exceleramfor providing components that makes this testing possible.
Testing Methodology:
Prime 95 is run for 10 minutes and then the average maximum temperatures as recorded by CPUID HWMonitor are noted
Fans are mostly left to operate at default PWM profile speeds and with maximum fan speed for reference.If PWM functions are not supported then fixed fan speeds are used and sometimes a low noise adapter if appropriate/provided. If fixed fan speeds or low noise adapters are used it will be clearly pointed out either on the graphs or in the write-up.
All default result entries on graphs are for PWM performance unless otherwise specified. A variety of fan speed results are done for a particular product review and then removed from the graphs in future reviews of other products to avoid clutter. If you would like to see more fan speed results for a particular product please check its individual review.
For watercooling tests all pumps have been operated at 12 volts directly from the power supply.
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 directly abovethe CPU cooler with the power supply isolated. These are taken at desktop idle and Prime95 load, the decibel meter is pointed towards the CPU fan.
All other coolers in the graphs have been tested under identical settings so are fully comparable.
Each test is repeated 3 times with 3 remounts for consistency of results.
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.