Test System and Methodology
We always use the same test system and tests with CPU coolers that we compare against each other. The full specifications of our test system are as follows:
Test system:
- CPU: AMD FX-8350 at stock values
- GPU: Sapphire R9 290X Tri-X OC 4GB
- Motherboard: ASUS 970 PRO GAMING/AURA AM3+
- RAM: Klevv Neo 16GB (2x8GB) 1600MHz
- Case: Lian Li T80 Test Bench
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 64-bit
- PSU: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 11 850W
Testing Methodology:
- We always use Gelid GC-Extreme thermal paste to make sure testing reveals the efficiency of the tested coolers not the efficiency of the bundled thermal paste.
- Prime 95 is run for 10 minutes and then the average and maximum temperatures as recorded by CPUID HWMonitor are noted
- Fans are mostly left to operate at default PWM profile speeds and with maximum fan speed for reference.If PWM functions are not supported then fixed fan speeds are used and sometimes a low noise adapter if appropriate/provided. If fixed fan speeds or low noise adapters are used it will be clearly pointed out either on the graphs or in the write-up.
- All default result entries on graphs are for PWM performance unless otherwise specified. A variety of fan speed results are done for a particular product review and then removed from the graphs in future reviews of other products to avoid clutter. If you would like to see more fan speed results for a particular product please check its individual review.
- Delta temperatures are always used (Observed temperature minus ambient temperature) for all testing.
- Acoustic measurements are taken 10cm horizontally away from the CPU cooler with the hard drive in idle and power supply isolated. These are taken at desktop idle and Prime95 load.
- The cooling performance tests were all run at stock values
- Each test is repeated 3 times with 3 remounts for consistency of results
- There is approximately a 1-degree celsius margin of error in our temperature recording software CPUID HW Monitor
- There is approximately a 1.5dBA margin of error with our Benetech GM1351 decibel meter
Software Used
