Performance

So, here are the results we got at the regular and overclocked frequency of the processor.

* The system would overheat and shut down with the box Intel cooler in S&M.

The advantages of the COOL system in terms of CPU cooling are evident. And, unlike many air coolers, it works almost silently. The noise from the pump and the external fan isn’t any louder than the noise from the Zalman CNPS7700Cu at 2200rpm, and this air cooler is considered among the quietest.

Efficient cooling of the CPU with liquid-cooling systems allows to reach new peaks in overclocking. As you see, we conquered 4.3GHz frequency with the COOL by Corsair kit. The processor remained stable at this clock rate even in the hardest operational modes. The box air cooler from Intel couldn’t cope with such a load, while the all-copper Zalman CNPS7700Cu evidently worked at its full capacity, close to the limit.

Unfortunately, we can’t correctly compare the efficiency of COOL with other consumer liquid-cooling systems like the recently tested 3D Galaxy from Gigabyte (for details see our article called "Out of This World" Liquid-Cooling System: Gigabyte 3D Galaxy Review). But the COOL is at least no worse than Gigabyte’s solution. The main characteristics of the systems coincide but COOL includes a more efficient copper radiator. This fact is reflected in the price of the product: Corsair’s liquid-cooling solution sells currently for about $180, while Gigabyte’s one is cheaper by half.