Lord Kryo - Part 2: 24 CPU Coolers in Review
New Coolers For Extreme Tuning - Target: 2000 MHz
The highest bid is on the table; there are no higher offers. Six new candidates have arrived since the last CPU cooler comparison test , bringing the total to 24.
The newcomers include heavyweights such as the Swiftech M462 and the Silverado by Noise Control. Such coolers are a must for processors clocked at 1000 MHz or higher, as well as for fast AMD Athlons starting at 1300 MHz.
CPU cooling is no longer the trivial topic it was just half a year ago. As processors become faster, they require more efficient heat dissipation. Gone are the days when cheap and poor quality no-name products were built for no more than 3 dollars.
The following table shows AMD Athlon's heat output at different clocking speeds.
| CPU clock | CPU core voltage | Maximum Thermal Power | Typical Thermal Power | Maximum Die Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 MHz | 1.75 volts | 38 W | 34 W | 90°C |
| 700 MHz | 1.75 volts | 40 W | 36 W | 90°C |
| 750 MHz | 1.75 volts | 43 W | 38 W | 90°C |
| 800 MHz | 1.75 volts | 45 W | 40 W | 90°C |
| 850 MHz | 1.75 volts | 47 W | 42 W | 90°C |
| 900 MHz | 1.75 volts | 50 W | 44 W | 90°C |
| 950 MHz | 1.75 volts | 52 W | 47 W | 90°C |
| 1000 MHz | 1.75 volts | 54 W | 49 W | 90°C |
| 1100 MHz | 1.75 volts | 60 W | 54 W | 95°C |
| 1133 MHz | 1.75 volts | 63 W | 56 W | 95°C |
| 1200 MHz | 1.75 volts | 66 W | 59 W | 95°C |
| 1266 MHz | 1.75 volts | 69 W | 62 W | 95°C |
| 1300 MHz | 1.75 volts | 71 W | 64 W | 95°C |
| 1333 MHz | 1.75 volts | 73 W | 65 W | 95°C |
| 1400 MHz | 1.75 volts | 76 W | 68 W | 95°C |
| 1466 MHz | 1.75 volts | 80 W | 71 W | 95°C |
| 1533 MHz | 1.75 volts | 83 W | 74 W | 95°C |
This table lists all Athlon processors planned by AMD, some of which are not yet available on the market. The Athlon 1333 will be introduced at the CeBIT 2001, additional models up to 1533 MHz will follow. Important: All CPUs are consistently operated with 1.75V.
Noticeably, the thermal output increases as the clock rate increases. For example, the AMD Athlon 1200 outputs a maximum of 66 watts of heat. To ensure the safety of the processor, this heat has to be dissipated quickly and continuously. Only a powerful cooler can handle such a task. Otherwise, electro-migration occurs in the CPU core, which can quickly destroy the processor.
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