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In this review we are overclocking the Core i7 3770k to 4.8ghz with voltage set at 1.31V. This is a hot running processor when the voltage is cranked to 1.3, so it is a good test of the ultimate performance of the coolers on test today. As a reference point, all coolers maintained sub 45c load temperatures of the 3770k at reference speeds and voltages.
Test System:
Processor: Intel Core i7 3770k
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
Memory: G.Skill Trident 8GB
Graphics Card: AMD HD7870
Power Supply: ADATA 1200W.
Optical Drive: Asus BluRay Drive.
Chassis: Cooler Master Cosmos 2.
Monitors: Dell U3011.
Boot Drive: Kingston SSDNow V+200 90GB.
Storage Drive: Patriot 240GB Wildfire.
Comparison Coolers:
Noctua NH D14
Phanteks PH-TC14PE
To test the performance of the coolers, we loaded the system in a loop of CineBench R11.5 64 bit and recorded the maximum temperature from a diode we attached to the CPU core. Processor idle temperatures were measured after 30 minutes with no active programs running in the operating system. All heatsink fan speeds were set on maximum.
Room temperature was measured at 20c throughout the duration of the test phase. We used the same high grade Arctic Cooling thermal paste on all coolers to ensure this wasn't a variable.
It proved very difficult to separate the cooler performance as shown above. The Frio Extreme and Phanteks PH-TC14PE delivered almost identical results.
We therefore pushed things a step further and increased core voltage to 1.35v, a fairly dangerous level we won't recommend at home for this processor unless you are using liquid cooling. The purpose of this test however is to see if we can measure any increased variable between coolers at these settings.
Almost a degree of difference between the Frio Extreme and the Phanteks PH-TC14PE at these crazy settings. Interesting to see the Noctua NH D14 suffering a little at these settings.
wow thats expensive. its good, but the prices are crazy for these coolers.
I still like the D14, but this is a good job. im glad they ditrched the plastic bit around it, made the fans easy to attach but it was sure to stop the airflow a little.
Very impressed with that, but i think the liquid coolers make more sense as you have a ton of room inside the case and no problems with memory fitting etc.
The all important question was never answered.
Can they technically get them any bigger in the future? 🙂
Great review.I’m still thinking which Air Cooler should I use when I buy the i7 3930k or the i73820
Very interesting read, thanks.
Nice to see Thermaltake finally challenging the highest performing air coolers on the market. What speed were the fans when running the cooling test? No doubt the Frio Extreme has shown good performance but the PH-TC14PE performs closely with much lower RPM fans which I bet are much quieter too.
As you said in the review though, the fan installation method seems awkward. They closely resemble the method used on Thermalright’s Silver Arrow, another heatsink which was a PITA to install fans onto.
Well done to Thermaltake though. Extra competition is usually good for the consumer :D!