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COMPARABLES
Since the Nirvana fan is not easily replaceable, it cannot be easily compared to other 120mm fan heatsinks where our reference quiet fan was used. So we compared it with its own stock fan set to the same SPL levels as the reference fan. This is a patently unfair comparison, but it shows precisely how bad the stock Nirvana package is for quiet cooling.
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°C rise Comparison: The Best of the Best
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Heatsink
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Nexus 120mm fan voltage / SPL @1m
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12V
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9V
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7V
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5V
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16 dBA
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13 dBA
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12 dBA
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11 dBA
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Prolimatech Megahalems
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10
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14
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17
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20
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Thermalright U120E
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12
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14
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17
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24
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Thermalright HR-01+
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13
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15
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16
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20
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Xigmatek HDT-S1283
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13
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15
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18
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22
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Scythe Kabuto
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13
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15
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19
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26
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Noctua NH-U12P
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14
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16
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17
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21
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Zalman CNPS10X Extreme
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14
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17
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21
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26
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Zerotherm Zen
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15
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16
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19
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24
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Scythe Mugen-2
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15
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17
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19
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23
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Thermalright U120
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15
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17
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21
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26
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Noctua NH-C12P
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16
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18
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21
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26
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Scythe Ninja 2
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17
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18
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20
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23
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Thermolab Baram
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18
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20
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22
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25
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ZEROtherm Nirvana
( 16 & 13 dBA@1m points extrapolated; see graph below)
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21
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32
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-
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-
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The Nirvana has the look of a top-performer, but its fan is a loser. When we compare
cooling results with its stock fan set to noise levels equivalent to those of our reference
fan, the Nirvana trails the Thermolab Baram by only 3°C at 16 dBA. However
when airflow is reduced further, its performance tanks, with the difference widening
to double-digits. The main culprit is that stock custom fan.
MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own 11 dBA ambient anechoic chamber, then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
The recording starts with 10 second segments of room ambiance, then the fan
at various levels. For the most realistic results, set the volume so that
the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don't change the volume
setting again.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 PWM is a disappointment. Not
only does it fail to match any of the top coolers we've tested in the past 2-3
years, it cannot even stand up to its own predecessor, the Zen
FZ120. The noise of the fan is poor, made worse by the decision
to mount it on a metal stand — this also makes replacing the fan problematic.
And while the base is nickel-plated, its surface could certainly be a lot smoother.
It's rare to see distinct ridges on a base without looking for them, let alone
being able to actually detect them by touch. The only thing
not made worse is the mounting system, which uses a backplate for Intel installations
and a rotatable frame for AMD boards. This seems to be the Nirvana's one saving
grace.
It is possible with with a much hotter CPU at full load, the cooling performance of the Nirvana at full fan speed could match some of the low noise kings we exalt. But that would be a very different target — maximum cooling, never mind the noise — than the one SPCR seeks: Best cooling with near-inaudible fan noise.
The main problem is the fan — and not just how it's mounted.
Taking away the box frame results in a drop in pressure which the fan needs
to efficiently push air through the tightly-spaced fins, especially through the "honeycomb" pattern at the center.
The end result is a cooler that cannot compete with competitors in the
same class, especially at low fan speeds. Despite having the dimensions of a high-performance
tower heatsink, its cooling proficiency is clearly 2nd tier. It's difficult
to recommend given the many available coolers that are cheaper, perform
better and generate less noise. There are even a few smaller coolers with
92 mm fans that can give the Nirvana a run for its money. Sorry, Zerotherm, better luck next time!
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ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 PWM
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PROS
* Good, not great performance
* AMD mount can be rotated
* Secure LGA775/1366 mount |
CONS
* Loud fan with poor mounting design
* Base surface could be smoother
* No LGA1156 mounting frame
* Poor performance:size ratio
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Our thanks to ZEROtherm
for the Nirvana NV120 PWM heatsink sample.
* * *
Articles of Related Interest
Smallish LGA775 Heatsink Roundup
- Part 2
Scythe Top-Down Coolers:
Kabuto vs. Zipang 2
LGA775 Low Profile Heatsink
Roundup
Scythe Mugen-2 CPU Cooler
Scythe Katana 3: Same slant, new version
Zerotherm Zen FZ120 CPU Cooler
* * *
Discuss this article in the
SPCR forums.
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