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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.
