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To test all CPU coolers, we devised an easily repeatable test with no variables other than the coolers themselves. This ensures that figures from every cooler we test are comparable with each other.
Test rig
Using an open-air test bench, we deploy an Intel Core i7-4790K plugged into a Gigabyte Z97X-SOC Force motherboard. Alongside this is 16GB of 2400MHz Corsair Vengeance DDR3, as well as a 120GB OCZ Trion 150 SSD. Powering everything is a Corsair RM750x PSU.
The test process
Testing coolers involves taking a total of 4 temperature readings per cooler. First, we measure the idle temperature of the i7-4790K at stock speeds (turbo boost disabled), before measuring its temperature under load at stock speeds. Next, we overclock the CPU to 4.5GHz using a 1.3 Vcore, ensuring greater heat output. In its overclocked state we then measure the idle and load temperatures of the CPU again. The figures we present are temperature deltas – meaning we take each temperature reading and minus the ambient temperature from it. This allows us to test in an environment that is not temperature-controlled.
To ward off potential comments or questions, we know 4.5GHz using a 1.3 Vcore is not the ‘best’ overclock – this particular CPU could reach that frequency at closer to 1.25 on the Vcore, which is more efficient. That is not the point, however. We are trying to stress the coolers to see how they deal with excess heat … hence the higher than necessary Vcore.
Where possible, each cooler’s fans are plugged directly into the motherboard using the CPU_Fan or CPU_Opt headers. Some AIOs, however, ship with their own fan controllers or PWM hubs. If we are unable to plug the fans directly into the motherboard, it is specified in the performance section of the review.
An idle reading comes from leaving Windows on the desktop for 15 minutes. A load reading comes from running Prime95’s (version 26.6) Small FFTs test for 15 minutes – enough time for temperatures to plateau.
Noise output
Unfortunately I am unable to accurately measure the sound output of CPU coolers using a digital sound meter. This is because I am based alongside a busy road (with high ambient noise levels). Using a sound meter is, as such, not possible as there are variables out of my control. However, I will try my best to subjectively describe the noise output in a helpful manner.
I want one….great review..
In your review you did not mention whether it can support threadripper.
Why didn’t they use 1,200rpm fans like the h115i is using? I wonder how it compares to a NHD15 noise/perf wise..
Usually AIO’s have always been louder, would be nice if that’s changed now.. It’s taken long enough.
It doesn’t. The list of supported platforms is on the first page of the review.
Intel LGA 1150 • Intel LGA 1155 • Intel LGA
1156 • Intel LGA 1366 • Intel LGA 2011 • Intel LGA 2011-3 • Intel LGA
2066 • AMD AM2 • AMD AM3 • AMD AM4 • AMD FM1 • AMD FM2
it has been mentioned in other reviews that a threadripper plate may be available as an accessory
I know you tested it with the fans connected to the motherboard but would that not have spun the fans up a lot higher speed then using the pumps cables. I think the idea is the LINK software will let you set the mode and its aimed at QUIETER . Would the results here be different by much ? Would have been nice to see another test done using these just so we could compare and changing cables would take less then a minute 🙂
It must really suck to be these websites that get paid by Corsair to do advertising then they can’t do a proper review. On all reviews I saw, the 360 model lost to 280/240 AIO’s (like on this one) on the comparisons chart, yet, on the conclusion part no one mention it and said “great product”.
What is “great” about a 360mm that loses to a 280mm AIO that is more cheap? Wtf..
How difficult would it be to swap out those bland fans with RGB fans, Let’s say.. AZZA Hurricane RGB Fans for example?
I’d have to agree. Marketing it as an RGB item only because of the cooling block is kinda lame. For that price, stop being cheapskates and put on some RGB fans as well. Bland black fans are kinda, well.. boring as hell.
well have the 115i RGB and have changed my mind slightly, the RGB on the head is a lot better then the previous version and unless you have the RAD at the front you wont get any use from the RGB fans.
still should be RGB fans………..