Akasa Nero AK-967 CPU Cooler Review

Page 3 - Testing methods and test results

Once we attached the cooler we were ready to continue with the tests. But first, here is some information about the hardware used in the review.

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

For comparison we'll use the following coolers:

• Intel BOX cooler for E8500
• Evercool Buffalo
• Noctua NH-U12P
• Cooler Master Hyper Z600
• Noctua NH-C12P
• Sunbeam Core-Contact Freezer
• Gelid Silent Spirit
• GlacialТech UFO V51
• Xigmatek HDT S1284

For the tests of Akasa Nero AK-967 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.

As we've determined from previous experience, at lower frequencies these coolers aren't the ones with best performance, but at least they are very quiet because of their 120mm PWM fans. In the case of Akasa Nero AK-967 you'll have to keep in mind that it, unlike its direct competitors, has only 3 heatpipes and therefore trailing a tad behind.

A little more voltage and a little higher frequency and Akasa Nero AK-967 enters a more normal work mode while still maintaining similar performance – between the 4 heatpipe Xigmatec and the 2 heatpipe Evercool Buffalo.

the increase of the generated temperature starts to reveal the limits of the 3 heatpipes, the arrangement changes a little too.

Getting to 4250MHz and having a stable processor at that requires a higher voltage - whole 1.4V to be precise. Akasa Nero AK-967 performs on the level, considering its limitations. True, it's last but one, yet it still does perform good at these serious frequencies, enough to stay in the race with its bigger brothers to say the least. All in all at these temperatures the heatpipe technology is utilizing its potential to the fullest.