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We wanted to detail the install on the popular Z68 platform earlier in the review, however to get test results, we moved the cooler over to an ASUS Rampage IV Extreme Motherboard – this means we can use a hotter running Core i7 3960X Extreme Edition processor to push the cooler to the limit.
While we could use an open test bench, we like to try and mirror more ‘realistic’ conditions so today we will use one of my favourite chassis, the Lian Li PC-A77FR Aluminum (in stunning red).
Rest assured if you use a 2500k or 2600k system then your temperature results will be better than those we achieve today as those ‘mainstream enthusiast' processors run cooler than the 3960X EE.
Intel System:
Processor: Intel i7 3960X EE
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme
Cooler: Arctic Freezer i30
Memory: 16GB G.Skill 2400mhz memory
Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX580
Comparison coolers:
Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920
Antec KÜHLER H₂O 620
Corsair H100
Corsair H50
Corsair H70
Coolit ECO A.L.C.
Coolit Vantage A.L.C.
Noctua NH D14
Noctua recently supplied us with a fitting kit for Socket 2011. Corsair brackets also have been made available for socket 2011. We used an Intel mounting bracket for the Antec coolers, which we received on X79 launch day. For the Coolit models, we built the system flat, and someone was at hand to apply additional pressure on a custom mount we put together for the review.
We use a diode attached to the CPU, as software monitoring is often inaccurate by a couple of degrees Celcius (or more). Room ambient was maintained at 22c throughout testing. We loop Cinebench 11.5 for 30 minutes to mirror real world working conditions under 100% load.
Firstly we tested at reference clocks and voltages.
The cooler has no problems maintaining good temperatures at reference clock speeds, hovering around 62c under load.
Next we overclocked the 3960X EE to 4.6ghz with a voltage increase to 1.435v.
When overclocked, the temperatures increase from 62.3c to around 78c under load, which is still perfectly usable 24/7 long term. The Corsair H70 certainly gives better results than the Arctic i30, however it is worth bearing in mind that it is almost twice the price.
