Test: New and promising performance by innovative Noise Limit CPU cooler

The Test

I have some earlier results that emerged from the same setup I have in the machine today, so it would be relevant to compare with these. Luckily, the test was also with very relevant coolers, such as, Zalman CNPS 9500, Zalman CNPS 9700, and Scythe Infinity.

The test setup is the following:

P4 651 Socket 775 processor

Asus P5B Deluxe/Wifi

Inno3D 7900 GT

Mist 500 W power supply

2 x Maxtor HDD (noise source, heat source)

At all Vcore settings, the temperature is at full load and the automatic fan adjustment has been shut off, so the fans constantly yield their maximum, regardless of the temperature.
Full load is carried out with a Prime 95 In-Place Large FFT test at the same time as Sisoft's torture test over 20 cycles.

The full license to Sisoft Sandra 2005 and 2007 has been sponsored by:
www.Sisoftware.co.uk

All tests have been carried out at a room temperature of 22 °C, in a closed cabinet with good circulation.

At a standard Vcore of 1.365v, the CPU has a standard speed of 3400 MHz.
At a Vcore of 1.425v, the CPU's FSB speed is 230, which gives a speed of 3900 MHz.

Because Sisoft software currently doesn't support the P5B card very well, the CPU doesn't have the CPU probe and I have used Asus' own PC Probe II software to keep an eye on the temperature, while Prime and Sisoft puts a load on the processor.


First a direct comparison:

1,365v Full load 200 FSB

Zalman CNPS 9500 AT VS. Scythe Infinity VS. Zalman CNPS 9700 LED VS. Noise Limit SilentFlux ATX





The little one was beaten by the big guys but it is not far from the others.

1,425v Full load 230 FSB
Zalman CNPS 9500 AT VS. Scythe Infinity VS. Zalman CNPS 9700 LED VS. Noise Limit SilentFlux ATX






Now, things are much more interesting for our newcomer. Contrary to direct logic, it is the lightweight unit that quickly catches up when the heat is turned up. It is a very exciting result that the SilentFlux cooler technology actually becomes more effective as the power increases compared to the heat pipe models. And it is equally interesting that such a small cooler now suddenly gives results that are just as good as the larger and thoroughly optimized competitors.

In light of the fact that the SilentFlux cooler is a 200g cooler, with a 200g fan on top, it is nothing less than impressive.

The Noise Section

Link for noise comparison video

As hoped, the noise generated from the fan is at its lowest level. And if you have an energy efficient processor, you can even take the fan out as long as you don't overclock it too much.

However, one can hear that Scythe have gone a stage further in this area. And this would be a sensible place for Noise Limit to focus on. I have also heard rumors that this might well be addressed before the product hits the retail market.