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.

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CPU clockCPU core voltageMaximum Thermal PowerTypical Thermal PowerMaximum Die Temperature
650 MHz1.75 volts38 W34 W90°C
700 MHz1.75 volts40 W36 W90°C
750 MHz1.75 volts43 W38 W90°C
800 MHz1.75 volts45 W40 W90°C
850 MHz1.75 volts47 W42 W90°C
900 MHz1.75 volts50 W44 W90°C
950 MHz1.75 volts52 W47 W90°C
1000 MHz1.75 volts54 W49 W90°C
1100 MHz1.75 volts60 W54 W95°C
1133 MHz1.75 volts63 W56 W95°C
1200 MHz1.75 volts66 W59 W95°C
1266 MHz1.75 volts69 W62 W95°C
1300 MHz1.75 volts71 W64 W95°C
1333 MHz1.75 volts73 W65 W95°C
1400 MHz1.75 volts76 W68 W95°C
1466 MHz1.75 volts80 W71 W95°C
1533 MHz1.75 volts83 W74 W95°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.