How We Test
CPU coolers are tested using Intel Core i5 2500K loaded LinX AVX Edition software, temperatures are taken wih RealTemp, which shows DTS (Digital Thermal Sensor) data. Coolers are tested 3 times using different CPU overclock settings or until critical temperature is reached (usually when testing low-end coolers). We use the following overclock settings for i5 2500K: 3.7 GHz @ 1.22V, 4.2 GHz @1.3V and 4.5 GHz @ 1.35V. We take away room temperature and calculate the average maximum temperature of all four cores. Coolers are tested twice with every CPU overclock configuration - once with fans running at maximum speed with supplied 12V voltage and once at low speed with 7V voltage.
Test System:
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K
MB: Gigabyte Z68A-D3
RAM: Patriot 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz 9-9-9-24-1
SSD: Samsung 830 256GB
VGA: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Gaming
PSU: Seasonic S12II-620 Bronze
Case: Bitfenix Ghost
CPU Coolers used in this review:
- Deepcool Neptwin
- Prolimatech Megahalems Rev. C (with Ultra Sleek Vortex 14)
- Deepcool Ice Blade Pro V2.0
- Scythe Ashura
- SilverStone Argon AR01