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Today we are using the latest Intel Core i7 990x Extreme Edition processor which we reviewed a short while ago. This is the current mainstream flagship processor from Intel. This is the best way to test a cooler as we want to stress it as much as possible.
While we could use an open test bench, we like to try and mirror more ‘realistic’ conditions, so we have built the system inside an Antec Twelve Hundred chassis. Room ambient temperatures are maintained at a steady 18c throughout testing. We use diodes to measure core temperatures.
Intel System:
Processor: Intel Core i7 990x
Motherboard: Asus Rampage III Black Edition
Thermal Paste: Noctua NT H1
Power Supply: Corsair TX850W
Chassis: Antec Twelve Hundred
Memory: GSkill RipJaws DDR3 2000mhz 6GB 7-8-7
Graphics Card: Sapphire HD5670 Ultimate Edition
Comparison coolers:
Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920
Antec KÜHLER H₂O 620
Corsair H50
Corsair H70
Coolit ECO A.L.C.
Coolit Vantage A.L.C.
Titan Hati Cooler
Noctua NH D14
All coolers were set to their default fan speeds for this section of the review – we haven’t added any extra fans to any of the coolers – what you buy is what we tested. We used Noctua NT H1 thermal material on all coolers, as it is higher quality than any of the supplied paste from other manufacturers.
Testing the coolers at reference speeds and voltages doesn't really show the whole picture, but it gives a good reference point to start testing.
We are overclocking the Intel 990x to 4.8 ghz on this board with the core voltage set to 1.475, extremely high levels and a quick way to judge ultimate overclocked cooling performance.
Performance from the NH U12P Special Edition SE2 is very strong, in the same performance ballpark as the Antec Kuhler H20 620 liquid cooler when fully loaded.
Only problem I see is the pricing, while you can get the coolers at the prices you mention, the D14 is as cheap as £63 and the U12P SE2 as expensive as £57.
It becomes a tougher sell thanks to the UK pricing of D14 atm.
Why do you have the heatsink pictured with a Gigabyte P67 mobo when the system specs show an Asus Rampage III Black Edition X58 mobo?
Sometimes we show installation on different slot configurations (especially as people want to see there no fitting problems with 1155), even though we tend to test on 1366 (to generate the most heat). Variety is the spice of life.
Good coolers. expensive mind you
Great coolers, my concern is the size. I prefer all in one coolers now from antec, corsair etc. they leave so much room free for an install, especially at memory slots.
REckon Noctua will make an all in one liquid cooler sometime?
Im quite happy with my Corsair H50, very quiet too 🙂
Awesome cooler, had mine for 6 months now. ive a 2600k with it at 4.8ghz. hits 67c under load 🙂
I’ve had this running for five years in my Fractal Design R4 Case and it’s never missed a beat. Fantastic cooler. It’s no longer on sale here and I’m now looking at Noctua NH-U14S for my new build.