Posted by BoT on 03 May 2011 /
6 Comments
Tests, Tools and Methodology:
How We Tested:
We have updated our testing methodology and added a medium overclock to the spectrum.
We test with 3 different configuration settings as outlined below. We repeated each test 3 times for each configuration and fan with a fresh remount of the HSF and fresh application of TIM.
Setup #1: Stock @ 2.66 GHz (2.80 GHz)
| BCLK | 133 MHz |
| CPU Ratio | x21 |
| Vcore | 1.15v – LLC Enabled |
| VTT | 1.2v |
| UNcore | x21 |
| RAM DDR3 | 1066 / 7-7-7-20 1T |
Setup #2: Medium OC @ 3.60 GHz
| BCLK | 180 MHz |
| CPU Ratio | x20 |
| Vcore | 1.3v – LLC Enabled |
| VTT | 1.2125v |
| UNcore | x18 |
| RAM DDR3 | 1440 / 8-8-8-24 1T |
Setup #3: Overclocked @ 4.00 GHz
| BCLK | 200 MHz |
| CPU Ratio | x20 |
| Vcore | 1.4v – LLC Enabled |
| VTT | 1.35v |
| UNcore | x16 |
| RAM DDR3 | 1600 / 8-8-8-24 1T |
Each configuration consists of at least 3 tests with each predefined fan. One extra test is added if the cooler includes a fan.
| FAN #1: | SanAce | xxxxxx1011 | 120x120x38 | 120 CFM |
| FAN #2: | Scythe Gentle Typhoon 15 | 120x120x25 | 58 CFM |
| FAN #3: | Xigmatek | 120x120x25 | 52 CFM |
Bench Table:
All tests will be conducted on an open test benchmark table.
- Lian Li T60B is the bench table used for all benchmarks and stress testing.
- Arctic Cooling MX-4 Ultra Premium Thermal Compound was used for all tests.
- Arctic Silver ACN-60ML + Microfiber cloth is used for TIM removal.
Test Tools:
| Thermometer #1: | CystalFontz DB635-AKTMF-KU3 |
| Thermometer #2: | 2x CystalFontz WRDOW17 Temp Sensor |
Hardware:
| CPU: | Intel Core i7 930 D0 2.66G GHz |
| Motherboard: | ASUS P6X58D-E |
| Memory: | OCZ Gold DDR3 PC3-12800 / 1600 MHz |
| Video Card: | ASUS NVIDIA GeForce GT210 |
BIOS Configuration:
| EIST | Disabled |
| C1E | Disabled |
OS and Settings:
| OS: | Microsoft Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1 |
| Power Options: | Performance Mode |
Testing Applications:
| Temp App | RealTemp v3.6 | |
| Stress App | Prime95 v25.11 | |
6 Comments
I fitted this fan into a build for my partner. The Asus board P8Z68 V accepted it without problems, leaving enough side clearance at the nearest memory module. It keeps the CPU Intel i5 2400 LGA1155-at a steady 19/20c at idle.
I paid about £13.50 for it and it has proved to be an excellent cooler.
Highly recommended. 5/5
I would like to get another fan as supplied for it, but to date I have not been able to locate one.
[...] Xigmatek LOKI SD963 @ TechREACTION [...]
Thanks for that real world feedback. =)
Forgot….you should also lubricate the fan before using it. I opened it up and it looked bone dry so far as I could tell.
I installed this puppy today. Few observations. a) The base is polished but not perfectly smooth. There are very clear and machining marks, but they are very shallow. b) The base is completely flat on all axes compared against a razor blade. c) There is a gap between the copper heat pipe and the aluminum bits of the base.
Other than that it works much better than the stock AM3 cooler. Installation is pretty painless too.
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