Performance Test Platform

The hardware chosen was picked to reflect that of a relatively modern computer system that an enthusiast may own. The configuration of the system is as follows:

• Intel Core i7 2700k
• ASRock Z68 Extreme3 motherboard
• Crucial 2x2GB DDR3-1600 memory kit
• Asus Radeon 4870 512MB video card
• OCZ Vertex 3 240GB solid state drive
• Western Digital Black 640GB SATA hard drive
• Liteon iHAS124B SATA DVD-writer

Testing Methodology

Noctua's NT-H1 thermal compound was used for all CPU cooler testing results.  In our last thermal compound roundup, we found it to be one of the best performing thermal compounds tested.  Application of the thermal compound was done as recommended by the installation guide provided by the cooler manufacturer.  If no method was recommended, then a pea sized amount was applied to the center of the CPU's heatspreader (with pressure from the installed cooler to spread it).

We employ an open test bed (not installed in a case).  This is to remove positive/negative factors that a case can apply to coolers depending on design.  Keep in mind that temperatures achieved in this article will be lower than what a user will achieve when the cooler is installed in a case.  The ambient environmental temperature is maintained at 24 degrees celcius (plus/minus 1 degree celcius).

CPU temperatures are recorded using OCCT.  Since the temperature of each core is recorded individually, the average of these measurements is used to represent the 'Average' measure in the results.  The highest temperature recorded during testing among the individual cores is used to represent the 'Maximum' measure in the results.  Stress testing measurements are conducted using OCCT's CPU Test with the Small Data Set.  This is left to run for 30 minutes.  Idle measurements are taken 30 minutes after the the stress test has been completed (same method as the 'Average' stress test results).

The following motherboard configuration was used:

• Hyperthreading disabled
• Speedstep disabled
• Turbo disabled
• C1E, C3 & C6 State Support disabled
• CPU Thermal Throttling disabled
• CPU Load Line Calibration set to maintain level voltage regardless of load
• Stock mode: default voltage, CPU Ratio set to 35 = 3500MHz
• Overclocked mode: 1.3v, CPU ratio set to 45 = 4500MHz

Performance Test Results

Running with stock CPU settings, both of the Freezer coolers accomplish their missions of being effective replacements of the stock Intel cooler.  Looking at aftermarket coolers, the Freezer 13 PRO is right on the heels of the other value coolers.  The Freezer i30 falls further behind.

Ramping the heat load up with our overclocked configuration, both of the Freezer coolers fall further behind.  Keep in mind that all of the coolers were remounted and retested multiple times to verify that we were getting consistent results, and all of the fans (unless specified) were running at their maximum speeds and not subject to speed regulation.

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