Overclocking.Guide

To test the CPU cooling units we use the der8auer-Test-Bench. It has been modified with a Intel Core i7 4770K Heatspreader on the contact surface. The contact surface itself has been cut down to the shape of a 4770K DIE. This will make sure that the test bench creates heat load similar to a normal CPU and the results are equal to a normal test.

We use the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste for all coolers to make sure the thermal paste is not limiting the test results.

Each cooler is mounted 3 times and we measure the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the heat-base. This means that a lower temperature-difference (dT) equals a better performance.

In addition we measure the sound-level of all coolers in 30 cm distance.

All tests are done at 3 different fan speeds. 5 Volt, 7 Volt and 12 Volt.

The result-table is fully sortable. Simply click on a category of the header such as Vendor or Height.

If you click on the Product in the table you can view the detailed product review page.

dT @ x V:

Delta Temperature at a given voltage (5, 7 or 12). Lower dT = better

A delta temperature of over 40 Kelvin is not recommended and would cause your CPU to overheat.

dB @ x V:

Sound-Level at a given voltage (5,7 or 12) in dB. Lower dB = better

<30 dB: unhearable
30-35 dB: very silent
35-40 dB: silent
40-45 dB: hearable
45-50 dB: distinctly hearable
>50 dB: annoying

Height (mm):

The total hight of the cooler measured in mm.