X-bit labs

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

25 Modern Processor Coolers Compared. Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Your Money

BeHardware web-site has issued an article where the web-sites staff compares 25 of the most popular coolers available on the market. Products from such manufacturers as Thermaltake, Zalman and Coolermaster are evaluated in terms of noise level and thermal dispersion efficiency using a very thorough testing methodology for its coolers.

“Each CPU cooler is installed at least three times to make sure it is in the right position; an assembling error is always possible (we compared the delta obtained + measure errors). Once in position, it goes through 16 periods of at least 20 minutes altogether, at the end of which we measured the temperature. After these 20 minutes, experience shows that the transitional running is over and that it is possible to collect reliable data,” explains BeHardware.

“Thermalright confirms its leadership with the XP90, 90C and 120. Amongst the three products, the XP90C is the one that provides the best performances but its counterpart is a high price at US$60 without fan with an optional LGA775 set. The XP120, at the same price, is slightly less efficient and is only a little bit lighter. But if you choose a product with lower performances it is best to take the standard XP90,” the web-site concludes.

• BeHardware: Test of 25 CPU Coolers.

In-depth Investigation of Mushkin Products. Mushkin Attempts to Return

Mushkin has been a well-known maker of computer components for enthusiasts, particularly memory modules, for a number of years, but in the course of the last couple of years the company’s efforts have been overshadowed by marketing campaigns of companies like Corsair Memory and OCZ Technology. Nevertheless, the firm still has some interesting devices to offer.

Madshrimps has posted a couple of articles related to Mushkin and its products, which may be interesting to the company’s loyal customers and those who always looking for something new.

The first editorial contains performance comparison of seven new memory products from Mushkin for enthusiast and overclockers as well as OEM clients.

“For each specific test I’ve chosen to run the sample at manufacturer specifications and then push the modules to their performance ceiling in DC (Dual Channel) mode. I employed a multifarious approach including memory voltage adjustment (increase), BIOS tweaking etc. Prior to each set of benchmarks I’ve provided screenshots from CPUZ v.1.28 (Memory and SPD views) along with H Oda’s WCPUID (WCPUCLK) indicating real-time CPU-clock speed. Prior to each test thumbnails are included to verify CPU/Memory speeds and latencies, including SPD (Serial Presence Detect) info,” writes Madshrimps web-site.

The second post is an interview with Mushkin official representative, who talks about Mushkin origins, it rise as a state-of-the-art memory manufacturer and unveils some future plans of the module maker.

“Today to compliment our in-depth Mushkin product review, we offer a true insight into the Denver based company vying for “Lord of the RAM.” As surreal as it may seem, quite often company Representatives have little to no working technical knowledge of the products they represent. This interview challenges what I see as an insult to our intelligence as PC user’s and the patronizing misconception PC-user’s have no working knowledge of their own systems. Read on as we are invited along into the throne room at MushkinG,” starts the interview Madshrimps.

• Madshrimps: Lord of the RAM, Return of the Mushkin.
• Madshrimps: Return of the Mushkin, Interview.