NZXT Respire T20 CPU Cooler Review

Like the Respire T40, the Respire T20 uses a 3 pin 120mm fan (the same one in fact). This means fan speed does not adjust to temperatures but is fixed. Since NZXT provided a low noise adapter we ran tests with both a normal fan speed and a low noise adapter fan speed. The normal fan speed is denoted with (high) and the low noise adapter speed is denoted with (low).

Note the NZXT Respire T40 results in the graph below are from the low fan speeds with the Respire T40, we feel because the noise is so high at 1800 RPM it is not fair to use these temperatures to compare against other CPU coolers because if they had fans this fast and noisy then their temperatures would be better too. In future reviews the Respire T20 results will be included in graphs with the low fan speed results, this is for the same reason as just mentioned above about the Respire T40.

With stock CPU temperatures the Respire T20 is only a few degrees behind the Respire T40 and delivers a very respectable level of performance.

Once we factor in some overclocking then the Respire T20 drops off a lot. Yes it posts competitive figures with a high fan speed but as already mentioned this is so loud in relation to the competition that its hardly something to brag about yet alone consider objectively. When the noise is brought down to competitive levels we see the Respire T20 drop to the back of the field. Given its price point this isn’t bad, but we feel the performance is nothing special considering other tower heatsink options at the same price point.