Xigmatek LOKI SD963 CPU Cooler Review

Test SetupWe decided to compare the Xigmatek SD963 Loki against the Intel LGA 1155 heatsink supplied with our Core i7 2600K CPU. Seeing as neither of these coolers are built primarily for heavy overclocking, we decided to use an overclock of 4.0GHz with a BIOS set CPU voltage of 1.20V instead of our usual 4.4GHz, 1.24V overclock. We didn’t want to choke the coolers and test them above their realistic limits and targets after all.

Testing method:

• Stable recorded CPU temperature from a 15 minute idle test
• Stable recorded CPU temperature from a 15 minute load test
• The cooler’s fans are set at 100% speed unless otherwise stated
• Both tests are repeated with an overclocked processor
• All tests are repeated to check the consistency and reliability of the results
• Delta temperatures are used in the charts to provide more accurate results
• Maximum recorded noise output at 100% fan speed
• The supplied thermal paste is always used to make the results a fair interpretation of the cooler’s stock performance.

Test system:

• MSI P67A-GD65
• Intel Core i7 2600K
• 4GB Corsair Dominator DDR3 1600MHz
• XFX Radeon HD 4870 1GB
• 128GB Kingston SSDnow V100 (OS)
• Corsair TX650
• NZXT Phantom
• Supplied KMSC thermal paste.

Comparison used:

• Intel LGA 1155 stock cooler
• Overclocked to 4.0GHz @ 1.20V (BIOS)
• Overclocked to 4.4GHz @ 1.24V (BIOS)

Software used:

• Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
• HWMonitor
• Prime95