Lord Kryo - Part 2: 24 CPU Coolers in Review

Conclusion: The Silverado Is The Technological Highlight

In the end, this very comprehensive test field offers only two genuine highlights: The cooler with the best cooling performance - the Swiftech MC462 - and the cooler with the lowest operating noise and corresponding cooling capacity - the Silverado by Noise Control.

For us, the Silverado is the clear winner. Its well-planned design distinctly sets it apart from the other contestants. The contact area to the CPU consists of 50 grams of pure silver, ensuring almost optimal heat transfer. In addition, the cooler consists of two encapsulated fan propellers that operate almost devoid of any sound.

Entirely different, however, is the Swiftech MC462: Its contact area to the CPU is made of solid copper, causing it to weigh almost 800 grams. The quality is exemplary and distinguishes itself from the remaining test candidates. A fan from Pabst generates the airflow, and the cooler can be used for processors up to 2000 MHz.

The trend is clear: Fans with high cooling capacity but increased noise levels are available on the market. In a future test, we will devote ourselves to extreme coolers that come closer to the goal of high cooling capability and low noise levels.

One thing should be clear to any user: Powerful coolers cost money. Noise Control's Silverado and Swiftech M462 cost at least $70 each. Next to these heavyweights, phoneys such as Thermal Take's Super Orb look really old.