We always use the same test system with CPU coolers that we compare against each other. The full specifications of our test system are as follows:
Test system:
- ASUS P8Z77-V
- Intel Core i5 3570K with Gelid GC Extreme under the IHS
- 16GB Kingston HyperX 1866MHz DDR3
- AMD Radeon HD 5870
- 128GB Kingston SSDnow V100 (Boot Drive) and Samsung F3 1TB (storage)
- Antec High Current Gamer 620W
- Cooler Master Test Bench v1.0
We’d like to say a big thank you to ASUS, Antec, Kingston, Cooler Master and Intel for providing components that makes this testing possible.
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 maximum temperatures as recorded by CPUID HWMonitor are noted
- The system is left in idle for 10 minutes on the desktop and then the average minimum temperatures as recorded by CPUID HWMonitor are noted
- Fans are always left to operate at PWM speeds, if this is not supported then 100% fan speed is used (and a low noise adapter for 3 pins if provided)
- Delta temperatures are always used (Observed temperature minus ambient temperature) and we keep the ambient at 22 (+/- 1) degrees for all testing although Delta temperatures correct for the changing ambient anyway
- The average temperature across the four cores is taken on our quad core Intel processor
- Acoustic measurements are taken 10cm away from the CPU cooler with the VGA fan disabled
- The cooling performance tests are run at stock 3.4GHz (with Intel Turbo up to 3.8GHz and stock voltage) and overclocked 4.5GHz (1.3 volts) settings
- All other coolers in the graphs have been tested under identical settings
- Each test is repeated 3 times for consistency of results
- There is approximately a 1 degree celsius margin of error in our temperature recording software
- There is approximately a 1dBA margin of error with our decibel meter
Software Used
I can’t say for sure but apparently the included TIM is of very good quality. I feel Corsair should have bundled these units with one of their excellent SP120 series fans.
I agree to an extent. It definitely needs a PWM fan, the SP120 or AF120 fans would of been ideal but even something cheaper with a lower fan speed would of just been better. I am not sure how good the included TIM is, we always use Gelid GC-Extreme because it keeps consistency and is the best TIM on the market
I’m not sure I agree with your idea of a cheaper low speed fan but I do agree wholeheartedly with your choice of TIM.
When you compare any of the Corsair or similar water cooling solutions to and equally or lower priced heatsink/fan, the heatsink/fan cools better, has lower noise and can’t leak water. Who actually buys these water cooling systems when they are inferior? It doesn’t make any sense to me especially with the know hardware damage that has happen when thes leak.
Well in my opinion the H55 is clearly offering a lot of performance here on Ivy Bridge. I understand the concerns about leakages, but what you have to consider is that if you install the product correctly and handle it appropriately, it will probably never leak. The risk is minimal but yes you are right it does still exist. As personal preference, I’d much rather have a good dual tower heatsink with 3 silent low RPM fans but AIO water loops do represent something more flexible and more compatible with most cases on the market. yes you don’t get as much bang for buck, but for some reason they are in fashion.
My plans are to buy another water cooled or liguid cooled system and as far as the price and performance the Corsair H55 would be great choice but I also have my eys oe Corsiar H100i! So I guess I got a decsion t mae! Masurering for clearnce in my csae will be the first thing I have t do to seeif the H100i will fit then I will able to decide then!