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Reference Heatsinks
So, there you have it. You've waded through four pages of theory, and, hopefully,
you've learned something. We realize that hearing about the nuts and bolts of
heatsink testing isn't everybody's cup of tea, so here's something for the rest
of you: We've re-tested four of our favorite heatsinks so that we have a frame
of reference when we test our first heatsink on this new test bed. So, here's
a quick summary of how the heavyweights performed.
The four heatsinks tested were:
All of the heatsinks except for the Zalman (which has its own proprietary fan)
were tested with our reference 120mm fan. The results are presented below:
Ambient temperature during testing was 21°C.
|
Reference Heatsink Roundup
|
|
Fan Voltage
|
Scythe
Ninja
|
Thermalright
XP-120
|
Thermalright
Ultra-120
|
Zalman
CNPS9500 LED
|
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W
|
°C Rise
|
°C/W
|
|
12V
|
14
|
0.18
|
25
|
0.32
|
15
|
0.19
|
13
|
0.17
|
|
9V
|
16
|
0.21
|
26
|
0.33
|
17
|
0.22
|
16
|
0.21
|
|
7V
|
17
|
0.22
|
28
|
0.36
|
21
|
0.27
|
16
|
0.21
|
|
5V
|
21
|
0.27
|
34
|
0.44
|
26
|
0.33
|
19
|
0.24
|
This is not the place for extensive analysis, but a few results stand out:
- The Zalman appears to be the best performer... until you realize that its
stock fan produces much more airflow and noise at the various voltage levels
than the reference fan does. At full speed, this difference is 37 dBA@1m vs.
22 dBA@1m. The stock fan doesn't reach 22 dBA@1m until it is run at 5V...
- The XP-120 is clearly outclassed, and was beaten soundly by the rest of
the heatsinks. Its day is past...
- As we saw in the review of the Ultra-120, it and the Ninja are very close.
Except, this time, it was the Ninja that came out on top. Consider this a
warning against making a big deal out of a degree or two.
* * *
Articles of Related Interest
Recommended Heatsinks
SPCR's Fan Testing Methodology
Scythe SCNJ-1000
Ninja Heatsink
Thermalright Gets
Back on Top with the Ultra-120
*
* *
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