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For our CPU cooling tests, we use the same hardware, overclock and configuration for each and every test to minimize environment variables in testing. This allows for all results across all coolers tested on the platform to be viable as side-by-side examination for direct compare/contrast.
CPU | Intel i9-10850k LGA1200 (Comet Lake), all 10 cores 4.6Ghz @ 1.190v |
Row 1 - Cell 0 | (3.60Ghz stock speed, single core boost @ 5.2Ghz) |
Motherboard | MSI Z490 MEG Godlike (bios vers. 7C70v12) |
Memory | Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB, 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3600 |
Storage | Corsair MP600 m.2 2280 NVMe, 500GB |
Graphics | Gigabyte GTX 1050Ti |
Power Supply | be quiet! Dark Power Pro11 1200w |
Chassis | Corsair Graphite 760T |
Monitoring | CrystalFontz CFA-633-TMI-KU, 4x Dallas One Wire WR-DOW-Y17 sensors |
Fan Control | Windows 10 Pro 64bit |
Networking | Disconnected, not used |
Thermal Compound | Arctic MX-4 |
Data comparisons are based on data collected from testing performed on our new Intel Core i9-10850K system, including re-visiting many previously covered products which were originally covered on the prior testing platform which pivoted around an i7-5930k (4.20ghz @1.20v).
All data reported for this article has been collected on the current Intel i9-10850k platform and will be maintained as a like-for-like evaluation of ongoing cooling coverage.
Prime95 v29.4b8 (no AVX) is used for two-hour intervals, one managing fans at 50% PWM and the other at 100% PWM, with RPM measurements being taken every 3 seconds and averaged across the duration of each two-hour capture. Omitting AVX instruction sets allows for accurate, 100% loads at chosen clock speeds, while allowing AVX instructions would provide higher (albeit unrealistic) synthetic CPU loads and excessive heat production, less indicative of real-world use.
This also allows for a greater range CPU coolers to be tested and compared without the need to configure the system differently for smaller coolers which may not handle the excessive thermal loads being generated during testing, while larger coolers might be better equipped to manage heat output produced by the i9-10850K.
While the test platform is quite capable of a 10-core overclock at 5.0Ghz and 1.265v, we were seeing 360mm AIOs struggle to keep core temperatures in check at lower fan speeds, providing insight that the enthusiast-grade i9s need excellent cooling if the goal is overclocking.
HWInfo64 is used for real-time core temperature readout, thermal throttling alerts, motherboard power consumption, CPU speed and logging of data, while a CrystalFontz CFA-633-TMI-KU is used to monitor and later average both ambient room (2 probes) and motherboard voltage regulator heatsink (2 probes)
Current page: Test System Setup
Prev Page Features and Specifications Next Page Comparison Coolers, Testing Results and ConclusionGarrett Carver is a contributor for Tom’s Hardware, primarily covering thermal compound comparisons and CPU cooling reviews; both air and liquid, including multiple variations of each.
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nofanneeded A small hint to EK, which is better ? double the fans or doubling the thickness of the radiator ?Reply
The answer is : Double the Radiator is better . that more thickness is wasted. -
PlanesFly nofanneeded said:A small hint to EK, which is better ? double the fans or doubling the thickness of the radiator ?
The answer is : Double the Radiator is better . that more thickness is wasted.
What you neglected to reason out is that 50-60mm radiators need push/pull to work best. Thick radiators also require higher airflow to get the benefit as they are 2 pass and without elevated airflow the 2nd pass nets you little. -
nofanneeded PlanesFly said:What you neglected to reason out is that 50-60mm radiators need push/pull to work best. Thick radiators also require higher airflow to get the benefit as they are 2 pass and without elevated airflow the 2nd pass nets you little.
True but thats for optimal result . it is still better result with double thick Radiator VS push pull fans and half the radiator. -
Smackaroy Wonder why it performance is a bit better than the other aios, It has 3 extra fans for god sake! this just proves that all aios perform the same it just depends what fans you put on itReply -
TallentedOne I'm curious why you have been using the ML360P Silver Edition in recent comparisons instead of the ML360R? Your own review of the Silver Edition (https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooler-master-masterliquid-ml360p-silver-edition,6341.html) showed it performed worse from a cooling perspective compared to the ML360R.Reply -
Phaaze88 Well, that's a waste.Reply
Surely the manufacturers/engineers know what's holding back performance on hybrid coolers isn't moar fans and moar radiator, but what's on the other end?
¯\(ツ)/¯ -
Darkbreeze
Not higher "airflow" but higher static pressure. You can put fans with 200CFM on there, but if they have .098mm H20 static pressure, they aren't going to do much. In fact, they'll probably do a lot of stalling and suffer from major inversion leakage. A fan with 70CFM and a 2.5mm H20 static pressure however, will likely handle the thicker radiator, or heatsink, just fine.PlanesFly said:What you neglected to reason out is that 50-60mm radiators need push/pull to work best. Thick radiators also require higher airflow to get the benefit as they are 2 pass and without elevated airflow the 2nd pass nets you little.
With 3.16mm H20 static pressure, those 120mm Vardar 120ER RGB fans can likely push their 77CFM through a thicker radiator just fine. Or this radiator for that matter. I'd like to see the same tests done again with ONLY the front three fans installed, to compare the difference. I imagine there isn't a terrific difference, maybe 1-5°C, which makes the cost of the additional three fans that are tacked onto the price of this unit somewhat hard to swallow. Barring some astounding different in performance between a three fan setup compared to six, I'd prefer to see them take the cost of three fans off and sell the unit as is or as mentioned, maybe with a thicker radiator. Those fans have plenty of static pressure and CFM to handle it I think.
It would also be a heck of a lot quieter with only three fans running full out, rather than six. -
Asryan I have the previous version of this aio but might have to rma it.Reply
I am not sure i can fit a push pull but does the new pump makes a difference without being extra noisy at this pump rpm?