Coolermaster puts two versions on the starting grid from the outset: one regulated and one unregulated.

The derivation of these coolers from the reference design is clearly evident here, but Coolermaster does not split the fins, using a larger number of them (84) instead. These too are bent in the direction in which the fan turns. The height of the Coolermaster heatsink is the same as the Intel reference design.

The regulated version...

...and its little brother without speed regulation.

The only difference between the two Coolermaster models is the fan that is fitted. The unregulated version uses a fan produced in-house, while the regulated model uses a Delta Electronics model. This AFB0912VH has the new four-pin connector.

Coolermaster goes for a half-copper core.

When the DPS board is used with the Gigabyte 915/925X boards, the Coolermaster cooler no longer fits. If the fan is unscrewed and turned 45°, however, it works.

The "small" Coolermaster version comes in at 46 dB(A), which is really quiet. The regulated version reached a significantly louder 62 dB(A) in the stress test, and even hit an ear-splitting 66.5 dB(A) at maximum speed. Exactly the opposite applies to thermal resistance. The unregulated cooler reaches just 0.54 K/W in this case, while its big brother keeps the CPU significantly cooler, with a thermal resistance of 0.48 K/W.

Users can get Coolermaster's top-of-the-range model for $29 (29 €), while the unregulated version comes in a little cheaper at $24 (24 €)