Part 3. Test results, Conclusions

Part 1. Devices from Cooler Master, GlacialTech, and Scythe

Part 2. Devices from Thermaltake, Titan, and Zalman

Testbed Configuration 1:

• Motherboard: ASUS P5AD2-E Premium rev. 1.05
• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 550 (3.4 GHz Prescott, HT Technology)
• OS: Microsoft Windows XP

We use the S&M utility to simulate maximum thermal load of a processor, and Speedfan - to monitor temperatures. Thermal Monitor is disabled in all the tests.

Testbed Configuration 2:

• Motherboard: Fujitsu Siemens Computers D1607-G
• Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3700+ (Clawhammer)
• OS: Microsoft Windows XP

We use the S&M utility to simulate maximum thermal load of a processor, and SystemGuard from Fujitsu-Siemens to monitor temperatures.

Notes
Each cooler was tested with the stock thermal interface
The diagram contains complex results
^*Thermaltake Big Water (external) - the water cooler is mounted outside the test box, environment temperature is 25°C
Thermaltake Big Water (internal) - the water cooler is mounted inside the test box

Notes
Each cooler was tested with the stock thermal interface
The diagram contains complex results ^*Thermaltake Big Water (external) - the water cooler is mounted outside the test box, environment temperature is 25°C
Thermaltake Big Water (internal) - the water cooler is mounted inside the test box

Note
Thermal resistance θ_ja is defined as the relation
θ_ja = (T_j — T_a)/P_h, where T_j is the temperature of a CPU core, T_a is the environment temperature (it's 33°C in this case), P_h is the thermal capacity of a processor (in this case it's 125 W).

Note
Thermal resistance θ_ja is defined as the relation
θ_ja = (T_j — T_a)/P_h, where T_j is the temperature of a CPU core, T_a is the environment temperature (it's 33°C in this case), P_h is the thermal capacity of a processor (in this case it's 80 Watts).

Finally, at the end of this article we publish the noise measurement results (the method of testing is described in the article Noise characteristics of coolers and the noise measurement method) as well as the efficiency/noise rating of coolers.

Note: Background noise level 18 dBA

Note
The efficiency/noise ratio (ENR) is calculated as:

ENR = DM*(R_t/TC)/(NL/R_n), where

R_t — reference temperature (the reference thermal resistance θ_ja of the cooling system - 0.25°C/W), TC — the core temperature with the operating cooling system, R_n — reference noise (the reference noise level is 25 dBA), NL — noise level, generated by the cooling system, DM — denominate multiplier (10).

Note
The efficiency/noise ratio (ENR) is calculated as:

ENR = DM*(R_t/TC)/(NL/R_n), where

R_t — reference temperature (the reference thermal resistance θ_ja of the cooling system - 0.3°C/Watt), TC — the core temperature with the operating cooling system, R_n — reference noise (the reference noise level is 25 dBA), NL — noise level, generated by the cooling system, DM — denominate multiplier (10).

There seems to be no need in any comments here. Let's draw the bottom line!

Conclusions

Here is our verdict for today: our contenders have aced the tests, demonstrating good thermal efficiency and proving out their Hi-End status. It's rather hard to single out an absolute leader (as well as an absolute outsider). Nevertheless, the most attractive coolers in usability terms are Scythe Ninja and Zalman CNPS9500 LED - they demonstrate champion-like results, skillfully combining neat technical quality, the highest thermal efficiency, and ergonomic noise parameters.

Drum-roll. Time has come for the high tide of our shootout - awarding selected products. We have two lucky models today: Scythe Shogun and Zalman CNPS9500 LED get the Original Design award for truly original and refined technical solutions. Congratulations!

Well, we wish the leading cooler brands - Cooler Master, GlacialTech, Scythe, Thermaltake, Titan, and Zalman new successes and achievements in the noble cause of manufacturing Hi-End cooling systems! Let's hope they will gratify us with no less interesting coolers next year as well.