Xigmatek HDT S1284 CPU Cooler Review

Page 3 - Testing methods and test results

Once we mounted the radiator we're ready to continue with the tests, beginning with information about the more important hardware used in the review.

• Processor: Intel C2D E8500 (default 333x9.5)
• Motherboard: ASUS P5K-E WiFi

We'll be using the following coolers for comparison:

• Intel box cooler for E8500
• Evercool Buffalo
• Noctua NH-U12P
• Cooler Master Hyper Z600
• Noctua NH-C12P
• Sunbeam Core-Contact Freezer
• Gelid Silent Spirit

For the tests of Xigmatek HDT S1284 we checked how will it fare with cooling the processor on default frequency and after hefty overclock.

Testing in IDLE mode, was done by leaving the machine at Windows desktop for about 10 minutes with no other programs running. For tests under load we gathered results from RealTemp 2.70 (the most adequate program for obtaining temperatures of 45nm Intel processor for now), after 30 minutes of running OCCT 2.0. Results you see are degrees centigrade ABOVE ROOM TEMPERATURE, this way the eliminating the influence of ambient conditions and get better results. This way assuming the room temperature to be 20 degrees and the table shows value of 15 degrees, that means the actual temperature was 35 degrees.

The result from the first test might surprise you, but bear in mind that at such temperatures the PWM fan is running at low speed and also these coolers have optimal efficiency at higher temperatures. Here Xigmatek HDT S1284 performs similarly to Core-Contact Freezer.

A little more voltage and frequency later and the real heat dispersing capabilities of Xigmatek HDT S1284 begin to show.

The hotter the processor gets the better the cooler performs. At 4GHz, Xigmatek HDT S1284 is equal to Noctua NH-C12P and Core-Contact Freezer - the best coolers we at ModReactor had tested so far.

For 4250MHz a bigger voltage step is needed - whole 1.4V, in order to have a stable processor for the tests. Xigmatek HDT S1284 performs adequately on equal level with the other coolers capable of cooling the CPU at that frequency. All in all at these temperatures the heatpipe technology performs best.