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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, (3.60Ghz stock speed, single core boost @ 5.2Ghz) |
Motherboard | MSI Z490 MEG Godlike (bios vers. 7C70v12) |
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX, 32GB (4x8GB) DDR4-3000 |
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 | Corsair Commander Pro, 100%/50% PWM Speed profiles (liquid cooling pump always @100%, if applicable) |
OS | 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 like-for-like evaluation of ongoing cooling coverage. We’ve recently swapped the taller, Corsair Dominator RGB DIMMs with Corsair Vengeance LPX for lower-profile memory allowing for higher cooler compatibility for testing.
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 2-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 i9’s 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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Phaaze88 Page 3, last sentence:Reply
"Just keep your expectations in check, or opt for something more-expensive (and lager) if you’re after the highest possible overclocks on high-core CPUs."
Besides not having had a beer in a couple years, I guess that was a typo for larger. -
Mr5oh This was an excellent review. It's actually compared to all the dual tower coolers that you would expect, even Noctua, which usually gets left out. I like that everyone's old standby the 212 is on the list too, sort of helps gives a baseline (or determine if it's money well spent?).Reply -
uwhusky1991 Would like to see the Scythe Fuma 2 in there. It's the same price. Most of those are a little more.Reply -
watzupken
I agree. The Fuma 2 is a formidable dual tower cooler despite its price and size when compared to dual tower cooler from brand like BeQuiet. In my own experience using both the Fuma 2 and Dark Rock 4 Pro, the latter only edges out by around 2 to 3 degrees cooling my 3900X with an ambient temp of around 27 degs.uwhusky1991 said:Would like to see the Scythe Fuma 2 in there. It's the same price. Most of those are a little more.
I suspect the issue with this cooler from ID Cooling is the fan used. Swapping out the fans will cost more money, but I think should help improve cooling. Perhaps the review can include tests to see if it is a problem with the fan or with the heatsink itself that is limiting cooling performance. -
Darkbreeze Nice review Garret, as usual.Reply
My take on this is, "pass". As in, "I'll pass".
Because what's the point of dealing with the difficulties of a big, twin finstack cooler that only performs as well as a premium single stack cooler? If I'm going to deal with a giant cooler, I'd better get giant cooler-ish performance, or else it's absolutely not worth it and I might as well use a smaller premium cooler like the U14S, U12A, Direct 140, etc., which can usually be had for around the same price AND come with higher quality fans that likely will offer a longer lifetime of performance anyhow. -
Enlighter4407 Hmm, how does this compare to Thermalright Frost 140? In my area the ID Cooling and the Thermalright are virtually at the same price (52-55 USD after VAT). I have yet to see a proper review on the Frost 140 , though...Reply -
Darkbreeze That's probably because you haven't defined WHICH of them you are looking at. There are a variety of different models of "Frost 140" and they all perform differently.Reply