Roundup: Six Sub-$40 Performance CPU Coolers Compared
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Cooling
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Remember when overclocking was all about getting more performance for less money? It's hard to do that when you're spending top dollar on premium heatsinks and fans. Today we round up six true value-oriented coolers that could help unleash hidden speed.
Roundup: Six Sub-$40 Performance CPU Coolers Compared : Read more
Roundup: Six Sub-$40 Performance CPU Coolers Compared : Read more
More about : roundup performance cpu coolers compared
amk09
November 24, 2010 4:23:07 AM
amk09i wished you included a cooler such as the coolermaster hyper 212, that seems to be a highly recommended cooler and it would have been nice to see how it squared up against these ones.
We did:http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
That's why the same system was used for both tests. It's all mentioned in the article, too.
Score
18
Related resources
- What are some CPU coolers that are comparable in performance to the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO? - Forum
duk3
November 24, 2010 5:22:42 AM
sudeshc
November 24, 2010 5:23:58 AM
Anonymous
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CPUs
November 24, 2010 5:45:22 AM
DavC
November 24, 2010 6:00:12 AM
SpadeM
November 24, 2010 6:01:33 AM
Great article tackling the budget builder but with an overclocker's heart
. There are a few things I would like to mention/request:
- Heatpipe orientation .. I know all about capillary action but since I don't know of any manufacturer that advertises/places the type of wick they use on the box of the cooler, believing that all coolers are the same and therefor heatpipe orientation does not matter, is a bit idiotic. I know that on a open test bed with the motherboard sitting flat/horizontally the heatpipe orientation isn't relevant but inside a PC case it might be .. and here is my dilemma. Did some research about this, but other then forums and "i believe so" arguments I haven't found anything relevant on this subject. The thing is I was looking these past few weeks at reviews for arctic cooling's 13 on different websites and even though the test method (and room temp)is slightly different from one reviewer to the other, the temp values differ quite a bit which is normal but the biggest difference seams to stem from it's orientation in a pc case.
Main point of my rambling ... since this is probably one of the oldest tech websites out there, could you bust/prove this myth? Get a bunch of coolers from all price ranges (i have a feeling that cheaper coolers would turn up a bigger difference in values that the expensive ones) and place them est-west and north-south inside a closed pc case. Run a couple of tests and gives us the results.
PS: i know that case fans matter but since most pc cases now have a psu mounted at the bottom and there is a exhaust fan/grill at the top, you could use that as the "standard case" for this test.
. There are a few things I would like to mention/request:- Heatpipe orientation .. I know all about capillary action but since I don't know of any manufacturer that advertises/places the type of wick they use on the box of the cooler, believing that all coolers are the same and therefor heatpipe orientation does not matter, is a bit idiotic. I know that on a open test bed with the motherboard sitting flat/horizontally the heatpipe orientation isn't relevant but inside a PC case it might be .. and here is my dilemma. Did some research about this, but other then forums and "i believe so" arguments I haven't found anything relevant on this subject. The thing is I was looking these past few weeks at reviews for arctic cooling's 13 on different websites and even though the test method (and room temp)is slightly different from one reviewer to the other, the temp values differ quite a bit which is normal but the biggest difference seams to stem from it's orientation in a pc case.
Main point of my rambling ... since this is probably one of the oldest tech websites out there, could you bust/prove this myth? Get a bunch of coolers from all price ranges (i have a feeling that cheaper coolers would turn up a bigger difference in values that the expensive ones) and place them est-west and north-south inside a closed pc case. Run a couple of tests and gives us the results.
PS: i know that case fans matter but since most pc cases now have a psu mounted at the bottom and there is a exhaust fan/grill at the top, you could use that as the "standard case" for this test.
Score
8
djmik21
November 24, 2010 7:10:25 AM
Thanks tom.
Great article.
I wanted a comparison between the CM 212+ and Xigmatek Gaia.
I think i'm going for the Gaia for its easier installation and to use it in a 2-fan setup with a fan that i allready have and don't know where to use it.
It would be even better if you added the performance of the coolers that support 2-fan setups.
Great article.
I wanted a comparison between the CM 212+ and Xigmatek Gaia.
I think i'm going for the Gaia for its easier installation and to use it in a 2-fan setup with a fan that i allready have and don't know where to use it.
It would be even better if you added the performance of the coolers that support 2-fan setups.
Score
0
djmik21Thanks tom.Great article.I wanted a comparison between the CM 212+ and Xigmatek Gaia.I think i'm going for the Gaia for its easier installation and to use it in a 2-fan setup with a fan that i allready have and don't know where to use it.It would be even better if you added the performance of the coolers that support 2-fan setups.
Sorry, but the Hyper 212+ is too old to be part of a "new for 2010" cooler roundup, but that's why the link was provided in the article and the response thread:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
Score
0
djmik21
November 24, 2010 8:31:48 AM
Anonymous
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CPUs
November 24, 2010 8:39:42 AM
Crashman nice article ... seriously.
I can see this time you took your time editing it and the end result is excellent.
On an unrelated note ... any news on whether your "grumpiness" is improving or can I expect a "slap" for my cheeky comment ... heh heh.
Seriously, If this is the new standard required for the other reviewers then the rest (Bar Chris and Don) have some work to do mate.
Well done ... very well done.
I can see this time you took your time editing it and the end result is excellent.
On an unrelated note ... any news on whether your "grumpiness" is improving or can I expect a "slap" for my cheeky comment ... heh heh.
Seriously, If this is the new standard required for the other reviewers then the rest (Bar Chris and Don) have some work to do mate.
Well done ... very well done.
Score
1
nevertell
November 24, 2010 12:16:33 PM
malnute
November 24, 2010 12:35:51 PM
malnute
November 24, 2010 12:36:28 PM
dark_lord69
November 24, 2010 12:59:53 PM
This is what I'm gonna buy.
http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/cpu-cooler/mugen-2...
It's as quiet as the quietest one compared in this article.
It costs $35 (not expensive).
And cools better than the Cooler Master Hyper 212.
The only drawback is the size. It's big enough that the fan hangs over the ram. So if you use high profile cooling for your ram this baby won't fit. But thanks to OCZ that's not an issue for me.
http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/cpu-cooler/mugen-2...
It's as quiet as the quietest one compared in this article.
It costs $35 (not expensive).
And cools better than the Cooler Master Hyper 212.
The only drawback is the size. It's big enough that the fan hangs over the ram. So if you use high profile cooling for your ram this baby won't fit. But thanks to OCZ that's not an issue for me.
Score
1
cushgod
November 24, 2010 1:25:18 PM
Deadstick50
November 24, 2010 1:51:06 PM
TheRockMonsi
November 24, 2010 2:33:11 PM
Well, I have the PERFORMA on a Phenom II 965, and it's pretty good. It keeps my CPU under 62 degrees with 1.5875v@19%LLC@2.8VDDA while running Prime95 - it's the only way I can get a 4GHz OC.
With that being said, I don't know if I'd recommend it to anybody, mainly because it wasn't this good when I first got it - it was actually pretty terrible. I couldn't even achieve a 3.7GHz OC@1.4v without going over 62 degrees just playing games. When I got the cooler there were some black marks on it, and a good amount of scratches too. I ended up having to pay an extra $10 at an auto shop to get some sand paper and lap it up to 2500 grit.
With that being said, I don't know if I'd recommend it to anybody, mainly because it wasn't this good when I first got it - it was actually pretty terrible. I couldn't even achieve a 3.7GHz OC@1.4v without going over 62 degrees just playing games. When I got the cooler there were some black marks on it, and a good amount of scratches too. I ended up having to pay an extra $10 at an auto shop to get some sand paper and lap it up to 2500 grit.
Score
0
Peciura
November 24, 2010 2:35:39 PM
Obviously "CoolerMaster Hyper 212+" became reference cooler for many people. There are some reasons for that:
1. good performer
2. cheap
3. compatible to all recent sockets
4. easy to install
5. clips for a second fan
6. it is truly available (for little money) in all regions
Last year test configuration doubles value of both articles - it should have been mentioned in the head.
1. good performer
2. cheap
3. compatible to all recent sockets
4. easy to install
5. clips for a second fan
6. it is truly available (for little money) in all regions
Last year test configuration doubles value of both articles - it should have been mentioned in the head.
Score
2
Anonymous
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November 24, 2010 3:21:55 PM
ramxilliw
November 24, 2010 4:20:05 PM
jimmyzline
November 24, 2010 5:05:01 PM
mattmock
November 24, 2010 5:33:30 PM
The article mentions that most of the fans have can be controlled by PWM or voltage. The last time I tried a PWM fan, I found that the switching speed was just low enough to create a high-pitched whine when the card was at less then 100%. It sounded similar to the electronic whine you can sometimes get from video cards or motherboards. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this happen with all PWM fans or just some models?
Score
1
Th-z
November 24, 2010 5:33:48 PM
Quote:
Thomas Soderstrom: We ran into a bit of trouble while testing Deepcool's solution: after watching our first motherboard’s voltage regulator go up in smoke, we had to lower our ambient temperature to 10 C to finish testing on a second, identical motherboard. Ouch sorry to hear that, is the board still salvageable? So it seems Deepcool Matrix 400 is something you wouldn't recommend, but you didn't mention any of that in the conclusion.
The way stock cooler is facing down so VRMs can get adequate cooling is taken for granted, but when all of sudden we replace it with after market tower cooler, it's not so sure anymore. To be honest when I read these cooler reviews, the only things I care about is how low the CPU temperature can get and how quiet they are, never thought VRM could go up in smoke because of overheating. So I have to thank you for including this info. And it also brings up another issue, VRM temperature can be a problem with water cooling.
Score
0
lewac
November 24, 2010 6:06:29 PM
my thermal issues are resolved in an entirely different manner. External whole box fan. I don't use ANY internal fans at all (even the power supply fan(s) are removed). Just the CPU heatsink. the downside of my method is that it takes a bit more mechanical skill here. First I install a 12" X 12" X 1" filter into a "cooling box" mounted within the room somewhat near the box to cooled. Then I use aluminum 4" diameter dryer vent hose from the input air box (somewhat similar to a vehicle diesel engine's) whose airflow is derived from a large 115VAC, 265 CFM squirrel cage fan) whose output is ducted back to a 2" X 10" cutout in the rear of the box. the output is redirected within the box by another box inserted about 8" into same whose motherboard side is open. This directs a massive amount of air directly onto the CPU heatsink; memory sticks, support chips and sinks, hard drives, and everyhing else mounted in the box. So not only is the CPU super cooled.. but so is everything else mounted within the box. The warm air is vented out through the FRONT AND REAR of the box to the point that any paper, even pens sitting in front of same will be blown clear across the room!
And not only that. My box stays super clean inside even after years of service... just change the input filter every quarter. fan to use? look here:
http://www.horticulturesource.com/hydrofarm-active-air-...
you pay more, yes. but you also get a LOT more. oh... plug the fan power into your UPS. when the UPS turns on so does the fan (thus a switch for the fan is not necessary). this particular fan draws about 1 amp from the UPS which is about typical for the amount of CFM. The fan is good for at least 5 YEARS of 24/7 use.
And not only that. My box stays super clean inside even after years of service... just change the input filter every quarter. fan to use? look here:
http://www.horticulturesource.com/hydrofarm-active-air-...
you pay more, yes. but you also get a LOT more. oh... plug the fan power into your UPS. when the UPS turns on so does the fan (thus a switch for the fan is not necessary). this particular fan draws about 1 amp from the UPS which is about typical for the amount of CFM. The fan is good for at least 5 YEARS of 24/7 use.
Score
2
dark_lord69This is what I'm gonna buy.http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/produc [...] ooler.htmlIt's as quiet as the quietest one compared in this article.It costs $35 (not expensive).And cools better than the Cooler Master Hyper 212.The only drawback is the size. It's big enough that the fan hangs over the ram. So if you use high profile cooling for your ram this baby won't fit. But thanks to OCZ that's not an issue for me.
Looks good to me:http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
Th-zOuch sorry to hear that, is the board still salvageable? So it seems Deepcool Matrix 400 is something you wouldn't recommend, but you didn't mention any of that in the conclusion. The way stock cooler is facing down so VRMs can get adequate cooling is taken for granted, but when all of sudden we replace it with after market tower cooler, it's not so sure anymore. To be honest when I read these cooler reviews, the only things I care about is how low the CPU temperature can get and how quiet they are, never thought VRM could go up in smoke because of overheating. So I have to thank you for including this info. And it also brings up another issue, VRM temperature can be a problem with water cooling.
I normally use an Antec SpotCool for VRM cooling in water-cooled systems. Of course there's always the option to use a lower O/C voltage, or fewer CPU cores, to reduce VRM output and heat.Score
2
tpi2007
November 24, 2010 8:26:04 PM
tpi2007Why didn't you test something from Arctic Cooling ?I have a 775 based system with an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, and they still make an updated version for new platforms, both Intel and AMD. It's just that when I read value for money, Arctic Cooling is a classic.
Like this?http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
Arctic Cooling said they didn't want the previous 2010 models added because they had new 2010 models coming out...oh, like around now...after the article was finished.
Score
2
youssef 2010
November 24, 2010 8:56:25 PM
tpi2007
November 24, 2010 8:56:46 PM
CrashmanLike this?http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 535-3.htmlArctic Cooling said they didn't want the previous 2010 models added because they had new 2010 models coming out...oh, like around now...after the article was finished.
Exactly! Mine is now more than two years old now, working perfectly, first with a Core 2 Duo E8400, now with a Core 2 Quad Q9550. Mine still has a black fan, which I find better looking (especially when it's dirty LOL. A white fan might make you more aware it needs cleaning though LOL).
Well, given that new models are now out, you have another excuse to do another article soon
Or why not even update this article ? Score
0
youssef 2010
November 24, 2010 8:59:10 PM
lewacmy thermal issues are resolved in an entirely different manner. External whole box fan. I don't use ANY internal fans at all (even the power supply fan(s) are removed). Just the CPU heatsink. the downside of my method is that it takes a bit more mechanical skill here. First I install a 12" X 12" X 1" filter into a "cooling box" mounted within the room somewhat near the box to cooled. Then I use aluminum 4" diameter dryer vent hose from the input air box (somewhat similar to a vehicle diesel engine's) whose airflow is derived from a large 115VAC, 265 CFM squirrel cage fan) whose output is ducted back to a 2" X 10" cutout in the rear of the box. the output is redirected within the box by another box inserted about 8" into same whose motherboard side is open. This directs a massive amount of air directly onto the CPU heatsink; memory sticks, support chips and sinks, hard drives, and everyhing else mounted in the box. So not only is the CPU super cooled.. but so is everything else mounted within the box. The warm air is vented out through the FRONT AND REAR of the box to the point that any paper, even pens sitting in front of same will be blown clear across the room! And not only that. My box stays super clean inside even after years of service... just change the input filter every quarter. fan to use? look here:http://www.horticulturesource.com/ [...] d4afabc6bdyou pay more, yes. but you also get a LOT more. oh... plug the fan power into your UPS. when the UPS turns on so does the fan (thus a switch for the fan is not necessary). this particular fan draws about 1 amp from the UPS which is about typical for the amount of CFM. The fan is good for at least 5 YEARS of 24/7 use.
very interesting but soooooo much hassle
Score
2
youssef 2010where is cooler master? thermaltake? Scythe?
Another complainer that didn't actually read the review, or even bother reading the SECOND POST in this thread?http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lga-1156-heatsink,2...
Everyone got invited. One company decided to wait for the next roundup because its new product wasn't ready. The new article has new models, the old article has older models, the same system was used in both article and all this information was yours for the reading, in the newer article.
Score
1
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