Four More Closed-Loop Liquid Coolers Take On The NH-D14
With big radiators and no vents, closed-loop
coolers give us a taste of liquid-cooling’s benefits, sans the risk.
While less punishing on the motherboard than big air, can any
closed-loop liquid cooler beat Noctua's famed NH-D14 in thermal
performance?
Whether we’re talking Porsche engines or performance PCs, surface area has always been liquid cooling’s greatest advantage. You get additional benefits from moving your radiator to a cooler part of your case, though few PC enclosures are designed for this (here’s one). And while it's possible to build an air-only solution similar in size to our favorite liquid-based products, we don't like the thought of a multi-pound copper heat sink hanging from our motherboards. After all, we've seen big coolers devastate processors and sockets when they're strapped in and shipped.
As a result of those logistic nightmares, most boutique builders use liquid cooling of some sort in their overclocked PCs. Of course, those high-end shops have enough experience to know not to ship a filled water-cooled box with an air vent. And they certainly can't expect most of their customers to know how to top-off their own systems, or follow a regular flush and fill routine. Closed-loop coolers are consequently popular because they prevent both leakage and maintenance hassles.
If you don't plan to move your PC, you might not be as stressed about the weight of a big air cooler. For you, liquid cooling is all about temperature control. Therefore, the preeminent big air cooler serves as today’s performance baseline in a follow-up to December's Four Closed-Loop CPU Coolers Take On Noctua's NH-D14.
Whether we’re talking Porsche engines or performance PCs, surface area has always been liquid cooling’s greatest advantage. You get additional benefits from moving your radiator to a cooler part of your case, though few PC enclosures are designed for this (here’s one). And while it's possible to build an air-only solution similar in size to our favorite liquid-based products, we don't like the thought of a multi-pound copper heat sink hanging from our motherboards. After all, we've seen big coolers devastate processors and sockets when they're strapped in and shipped.
As a result of those logistic nightmares, most boutique builders use liquid cooling of some sort in their overclocked PCs. Of course, those high-end shops have enough experience to know not to ship a filled water-cooled box with an air vent. And they certainly can't expect most of their customers to know how to top-off their own systems, or follow a regular flush and fill routine. Closed-loop coolers are consequently popular because they prevent both leakage and maintenance hassles.
| Closed-Loop CPU Cooler Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsair Hydro H90 | Enermax ELC120 | NZXT Kraken X40 | Thermaltake Water2.0 Extreme | |
| Length | 6.8" | 6.0" | 6.8" | 10.7" |
| Width | 5.5" | 4.8" | 5.4" | 4.8" |
| Rad. Thickness | 1.1" | 1.3" | 1.1" | 1.5" |
| Cooling Fans | 1 x 140 x 25 mm | 2 x 120 x 25 mm | 1 x 140 x 25 mm | 2 x 120 x 25 mm |
| Total Thickness | 2.1" | 3.3" | 2.1" | 2.5" |
| Control Type | Motherboard Fan Headers | Motherboard Fan Headers | Software Programmable | Software Programmable |
| Weight | 28 Ounces | 28 Ounces | 32 Ounces | 41 Ounces |
| AMD Sockets | AM2 to AM3+ | AM2 to AM3+ | AM2 to AM3+ | AM2 to AM3+ |
| Intel Interfaces | 1156/1155, 1366, 2011 | 775, 1156/1155, 1366, 2011 | 1156/1155, 1366, 2011 | 1156/1155, 1366, 2011 |
| Web Price | $100 | $90 | $85 | $145 |
If you don't plan to move your PC, you might not be as stressed about the weight of a big air cooler. For you, liquid cooling is all about temperature control. Therefore, the preeminent big air cooler serves as today’s performance baseline in a follow-up to December's Four Closed-Loop CPU Coolers Take On Noctua's NH-D14.
Corsair Hydro Series H90
Unlike the recently-reviewed H100i, Corsair’s H90 uses a single oversized fan to boost cooling, albeit only in cases equipped to handle 140 mm-fans.
But the differences don’t end there. The H90 also uses an Asetek-supplied pump and bracket kit instead of the CoolIt components bundled with the H100i. This means that Corsair's H90 must rely on motherboard-based fan controls, rather than its own software, to provide the optimal balance of cool and quiet.
Not that there’s anything wrong with motherboard-based controls. After all, motherboards are able to read CPU and voltage regulator temperature directly, as opposed to extrapolating it from coolant and contact plate temperatures.
The H90’s mounting kit replaces the four-hole factory-installed bracket of AMD’s Socket AM2 to AM3+ motherboards, in addition to Intel’s LGA 1155, 1156, 1366, and 2011. While LGA 775 holes can still be found in the socket support plate, the top mounting bracket’s spacers only have 1155/1156 and 1366/2011 positions.
But the differences don’t end there. The H90 also uses an Asetek-supplied pump and bracket kit instead of the CoolIt components bundled with the H100i. This means that Corsair's H90 must rely on motherboard-based fan controls, rather than its own software, to provide the optimal balance of cool and quiet.
Not that there’s anything wrong with motherboard-based controls. After all, motherboards are able to read CPU and voltage regulator temperature directly, as opposed to extrapolating it from coolant and contact plate temperatures.
The H90’s mounting kit replaces the four-hole factory-installed bracket of AMD’s Socket AM2 to AM3+ motherboards, in addition to Intel’s LGA 1155, 1156, 1366, and 2011. While LGA 775 holes can still be found in the socket support plate, the top mounting bracket’s spacers only have 1155/1156 and 1366/2011 positions.
Installing Corsair's H90
The H90’s mounting bracket must be attached from the bottom.
Just slide it past the corresponding tabs on the pump body. Then, rotate
the bracket so that its hooks align with the tabs on the pump body. A
large, plastic, locking ring prevents the pieces from rotating any
further, keeping everything in place.
Corsair suggests that the H90’s radiator be mounted with its fan on the back panel, acting as an intake. With two intake fans already located in front and no dust filtration in back, our case is designed to have an exhaust fan on the back panel. Therefore, we tested the H90 in both intake and exhaust orientations.
Installing the H90 as directed required us to remove our case’s stock fan. We re-mounted it on the top panel, to act as an exhaust.
The H90’s lower reservoir tank overlaps the top slot of most compatible cases, which in turn requires our graphics card to be mounted in the second slot. Luckily for Corsair, we recently switched from the Asus P9X79 WS to the P9X79, which leaves our case’s top slot empty.
Four LGA 2011–specific spring-loaded screws secure the H90’s cooling head. The unit’s fan and pump each plug into separate motherboard headers.
Corsair suggests that the H90’s radiator be mounted with its fan on the back panel, acting as an intake. With two intake fans already located in front and no dust filtration in back, our case is designed to have an exhaust fan on the back panel. Therefore, we tested the H90 in both intake and exhaust orientations.
Installing the H90 as directed required us to remove our case’s stock fan. We re-mounted it on the top panel, to act as an exhaust.
The H90’s lower reservoir tank overlaps the top slot of most compatible cases, which in turn requires our graphics card to be mounted in the second slot. Luckily for Corsair, we recently switched from the Asus P9X79 WS to the P9X79, which leaves our case’s top slot empty.
Four LGA 2011–specific spring-loaded screws secure the H90’s cooling head. The unit’s fan and pump each plug into separate motherboard headers.
Enermax ELC120
When it comes to radiator size, wider beats thicker, and
thicker beats thinner. Enermax designed the ELC120 with a 25%-thicker
radiator and push-pull fan orientation to help it approach the
performance of the company’s wider ELC240.
As with the ELC240, Enermax launched the ELC120 primarily in foreign markets, along with the promise of eventual U.S. availability. Both coolers are currently available within the European Union, with the ELC120-TA going for around $90 before tax.
Both Enermax coolers use the same head/pump assembly, which is powered from the CPU fan header. The pump’s power lead also branches off to feed both fans, and it relies on one of those fans to provide the motherboard’s RPM detection.
As with the ELC240, Enermax launched the ELC120 primarily in foreign markets, along with the promise of eventual U.S. availability. Both coolers are currently available within the European Union, with the ELC120-TA going for around $90 before tax.
Both Enermax coolers use the same head/pump assembly, which is powered from the CPU fan header. The pump’s power lead also branches off to feed both fans, and it relies on one of those fans to provide the motherboard’s RPM detection.
Installing Enermax's ELC120
Like with Corsair's H90, we moved our case’s stock exhaust fan to the top panel in order to make room for the ELC120’s radiator and fans.
The easiest way we found to install the ELC120’s head was to first attach its bracket loosely, and then insert the cooler’s base between the grooves and twist to lock.
After twisting the cooler head to engage its installation bracket tabs, we tightened the spring-loaded screws. This particular sample gave us a little more spring pressure than the previously-tested ELC240, so we didn’t need to add spacers.
The radiator and fan assembly’s enormous 3.25” thickness eclipses the back of our motherboard, completely hiding two of its DIMM slots. Fortunately, this 120 mm-fan radiator is short enough to allow full access to the case’s top expansion card slot.
The easiest way we found to install the ELC120’s head was to first attach its bracket loosely, and then insert the cooler’s base between the grooves and twist to lock.
After twisting the cooler head to engage its installation bracket tabs, we tightened the spring-loaded screws. This particular sample gave us a little more spring pressure than the previously-tested ELC240, so we didn’t need to add spacers.
The radiator and fan assembly’s enormous 3.25” thickness eclipses the back of our motherboard, completely hiding two of its DIMM slots. Fortunately, this 120 mm-fan radiator is short enough to allow full access to the case’s top expansion card slot.
NZXT Kraken X40
NZXT was the impetus for today’s follow-up comparison, as its products showed up a little too late for our previous round-up. Among these were the Kraken X60, which doesn't fit any of our recently-reviewed cases, and the Kraken X40 tested today.
The X40 is NZXT’s single-fan alternative to the double-width X60. Both products are equipped with the company’s low-noise 140 mm fan. Unfortunately, most cases that support dual 140 mm coolers still don’t have enough space above the motherboard for a radiator in that location. However, most modern performance-oriented cases do have a 140 mm exhaust fan, so the single-width X40 simply mounts in this location.
NZXT diverges from the familiar Asetek design of several competitors by equipping the X40 with software fan controls via a USB header. Meanwhile, pump and fan power is still supplied by the CPU’s fan connector.
Asetek-supplied mounting brackets remain, though. Dual-position spacers select between either LGA 1155/1156 or LGA 1366/2011 spacing. The alternative AMD installation kit replaces a motherboard’s original four-screw (or pin) bracket.
The X40 is NZXT’s single-fan alternative to the double-width X60. Both products are equipped with the company’s low-noise 140 mm fan. Unfortunately, most cases that support dual 140 mm coolers still don’t have enough space above the motherboard for a radiator in that location. However, most modern performance-oriented cases do have a 140 mm exhaust fan, so the single-width X40 simply mounts in this location.
NZXT diverges from the familiar Asetek design of several competitors by equipping the X40 with software fan controls via a USB header. Meanwhile, pump and fan power is still supplied by the CPU’s fan connector.
Asetek-supplied mounting brackets remain, though. Dual-position spacers select between either LGA 1155/1156 or LGA 1366/2011 spacing. The alternative AMD installation kit replaces a motherboard’s original four-screw (or pin) bracket.
Installing NZXT's Kraken X40
The X40 uses the same lock ring as Corsair’s H90 and the
previously-reviewed Zalman LQ320 to hold its mounting bracket in
position, engaging tabs on the pump body.
Since the Kraken X40 mounts in place of our original 140 mm exhaust fan, we once again repositioned the case’s original fan on the top panel.
Tanks on the radiator’s top and bottom extend past the fan, covering the top slot position of most cases. Understanding the importance of exhaust, NZXT’s installation manual shows the fan pulling air from inside the case through the radiator and out the back.
Since the Kraken X40 mounts in place of our original 140 mm exhaust fan, we once again repositioned the case’s original fan on the top panel.
Tanks on the radiator’s top and bottom extend past the fan, covering the top slot position of most cases. Understanding the importance of exhaust, NZXT’s installation manual shows the fan pulling air from inside the case through the radiator and out the back.
NZXT Control Software
We downloaded the latest version of NZXT’s control software,
only to find an empty box where “CPU Temperatures” would be displayed.
While this is somewhat understandable, since platforms use different
detection methods, it ultimately means that the software has to depend
on coolant temperature to regulate fan speed.
On the plus side, the software does provide a handy graph of temperature over time.
The Kraken X40’s default fan profile is labeled Custom. The displayed curve can be manipulated to follow higher or lower set points.
Light controls alter the appearance of the NZXT logo on the Kraken X40’s pump.
The General Settings tab controls software functionality, including auto-start and notifications.
Supporting dual 120 mm top-mounted radiators, as well as 120 mm and 140 mm rear-mounted radiators, Nanoxia’s top-performing Deep Silence 1 is retained from our previous cooling round-up.
While most cases don’t have a pop-down top-panel cover, our does. We removed this cover to simulate the open top panel of "typical" top-vented cases.
Asus’ overclocking-friendly P9X79 is also retained from our previous cooling round-up.
On the plus side, the software does provide a handy graph of temperature over time.
The Kraken X40’s default fan profile is labeled Custom. The displayed curve can be manipulated to follow higher or lower set points.
Light controls alter the appearance of the NZXT logo on the Kraken X40’s pump.
The General Settings tab controls software functionality, including auto-start and notifications.
Thermaltake Water2.0 Extreme
If thicker is better, and wider is better still, what happens
when we get both? Thermaltake put these concepts together in the
1.5”-thick dual-fan radiator of the Water2.0 Extreme.
Though the Water2.0 Extreme uses the current-generation Asetek-supplied installation kit, it appears to use that supplier’s previous-generation thermal plate. Perhaps radiator size will prove itself the more significant dictator of performance?
While the Water2.0 Extreme’s pump and both fans are powered by the motherboard CPU fan header, the unit does not rely on motherboard speed controls. Instead, it includes control software, which requires the included USB header cable to operate.
Though the Water2.0 Extreme uses the current-generation Asetek-supplied installation kit, it appears to use that supplier’s previous-generation thermal plate. Perhaps radiator size will prove itself the more significant dictator of performance?
While the Water2.0 Extreme’s pump and both fans are powered by the motherboard CPU fan header, the unit does not rely on motherboard speed controls. Instead, it includes control software, which requires the included USB header cable to operate.
Installing Thermaltake's Water2.0 Extreme
A pair of plastic spacers offset screws to align the
Intel-type mounting bracket to either LGA 1156/1156 or LGA 2011/1366
spacing. Another bracket set replaces the standard clip mount of Socket
AM2 through AM3+ boards.
Unlike the previously-detailed Corsair and NZXT models, the Thermaltake Water2.0 Extreme’s wider twin-fan radiator fits our case’s top-panel fan mounts. This allows us to keep our case’s stock exhaust fan in its original rear-panel position.
Our test chassis provides around an inch of radiator offset on its left side, which allows the Water2.0 Extreme’s fans to clear our motherboard without touching any of its components.
Unlike the previously-detailed Corsair and NZXT models, the Thermaltake Water2.0 Extreme’s wider twin-fan radiator fits our case’s top-panel fan mounts. This allows us to keep our case’s stock exhaust fan in its original rear-panel position.
Our test chassis provides around an inch of radiator offset on its left side, which allows the Water2.0 Extreme’s fans to clear our motherboard without touching any of its components.
Thermaltake Control Software
Realizing the limitations of its monitoring software,
Thermaltake’s control panel displays only the liquid temperature
readings. The Sound Level meter beneath it really corresponds to fan
speed, not any actual noise level.
Liquid temperature and fan speed are also logged to a graph, which inexplicably shows no time scale.
The Water2.0 Extreme’s default cooling profile is designed to maintain a range of 40° to 50° Celsius under full CPU load. Since CPU temperature can climb far more quickly than coolant temperature (which is actually what is being measures), overheating is still possible. Therefore, we recommend lowering the thresholds on highly-overclocked systems. Alternatively, the Extreme profile can be used to set the entire cooling system to maximum speed.
Finally, the Settings menu controls the application’s appearance, start-up options, and monitoring frequency.
Liquid temperature and fan speed are also logged to a graph, which inexplicably shows no time scale.
The Water2.0 Extreme’s default cooling profile is designed to maintain a range of 40° to 50° Celsius under full CPU load. Since CPU temperature can climb far more quickly than coolant temperature (which is actually what is being measures), overheating is still possible. Therefore, we recommend lowering the thresholds on highly-overclocked systems. Alternatively, the Extreme profile can be used to set the entire cooling system to maximum speed.
Finally, the Settings menu controls the application’s appearance, start-up options, and monitoring frequency.
Test Hardware Configuration
While most cases don’t have a pop-down top-panel cover, our does. We removed this cover to simulate the open top panel of "typical" top-vented cases.
Asus’ overclocking-friendly P9X79 is also retained from our previous cooling round-up.
| Test System Configuration | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-3960X (Sandy Bridge-E): 3.30 GHz, Six Cores O/C to 4.25 GHz (34 x 125 MHz) at 1.325 V Core |
| Case | Nanoxia Deep Silence 1 |
| Motherboard | Asus P9X79: LGA 2011, Intel X79 Express, Firmware 0906 (12-22-2011), O/C at 125 MHz BCLK |
| RAM | G.Skill F3-17600CL9Q-16GBXLD 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) DDR3-2200 Benchmarked at DDR3-1666 CAS 9 defaults |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 580: 772 MHz GPU, GDDR5-4008 Maximum Fan for Thermal Tests, SLI |
| Hard Drives | Samsung 470 Series MZ5PA256HMDR, 256 GB SSD |
| Sound | Integrated HD Audio |
| Network | Integrated Gigabit Networking |
| Power | Seasonic X760 SS-760KM ATX12V v2.3, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold |
| Software | |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 296.10 WHQL |
| Chipset | Intel INF 9.2.3.1020 |
| Benchmark Configuration | |
| Prime 95 v25.8 | 64-bit executable, Small FFTs, eight threads |
| RealTemp 3.00 | Highest core reading at full CPU load (60 minutes) Highest core reading at 30 minutes idle |
| Galaxy CM-140 SPL Meter | Tested at 1/2 m, corrected to 1 m (-6 db), dB(A) weighting |
-D14
Cooling, Fan Speed, And Noise
As a general rule, our charts are sorted by performance. On
the other hand, many readers have instead asked for consistency between
charts. Being a rebel, I arranged the first chart in order of
sealed-liquid thermal performance, but then retained this order
consistently throughout the remaining charts.
Thermaltake’s huge radiator cements the Water2.0 Extreme at the top of our charts, at least at maximum fan speed. Since following Corsair’s instructions by mounting the rear-panel exhaust fan as an intake violates the thermal design of our chassis, we’re calling second place for the more consistent NZXT Kraken X40. Slow fans at default settings explain how the Water2.0 Extreme dropped from first place to third in our thermal charts. In light of this result, some users may wish to disconnect its USB interface entirely and instead use the motherboard-based fan controls, which rely actual CPU temperatures. The Kraken X40 is surprisingly noisy for its size, though it also produced surprisingly low CPU temperatures. The H90’s low fan speeds help reduce its noise profile when mounted in the exhaust orientation, though it can get noisy when mounted as an intake. You see, reversing a fan places its blades next to the vent holes, and each hole can make a tiny whistling noise as the blade passes; the cumulative effect is quite noticeable. Evaluating Performance Results
So far we’ve seen Thermaltake’s Water2.0 Extreme enjoy a big
performance advantage from its huge radiator, while the NZXT Kraken X40
uses higher fan speed to beat an identically-configured Corsair
H90. In return, Corsair recommends that users reverse the fan. Yet,
doing so creates an imbalance in air pressure and circumvents our case’s
dust filtration. While all of these solutions cool our overclocked
Sandy Bridge-E-based processor sufficiently, how do they compare in
terms of overall performance?
Performance comparisons always start out with a baseline of 1x, yet efficiency can never exceed 100%. We adjusted the efficiency chart accordingly, and found that the Water2.0 Extreme in “Auto” mode beats the average of all test configurations by 20% (originally, 1.2x the average). That makes it the only closed-loop liquid cooler in today’s test to have an overall performance advantage over the venerable NH-D14 air cooler. The Water2.0 Extreme’s cooling-to-noise ratio drops below the big air cooler at full fan speed. Fortunately, though, most enthusiasts won't need to use it at its maximum setting. Since the default configuration already beats Noctua's NH-D14 in CPU temperature, the biggest reason we might be tempted to push the fan further would be reducing voltage regulator temperature. As it turns out, the Water2.0 Extreme is the only liquid cooler to provide sufficient airflow around the CPU voltage regulator on its own, but only when its fans are adjusted faster-than the default speed profile.  Starting at $85, the NZXT Kraken X40 is inexpensive enough to dominate our cooling-to-price chart. Keep in mind, though, that this chart is really only useful to folks who put performance above variables like noise. The only closed-loop cooler that doesn’t require us to recommend an auxiliary voltage regulator fan is the Water2.0 Extreme, but again, only when operating above its baseline fan speed. Closed-Loop Cooling: Value Versus Versatility
Unlike our previous round-up, two of today’s closed-loop
coolers are actually able to top the huge NH-D14 heat sink and fan in
thermal performance. Those two coolers are the low-cost NZXT Kraken X40
and the extra-cold Thermaltake Water2.0 Extreme. Of these, the Kraken
X40 is even able to beat the NH-D14 in cooling value (that is, when
temperature and price are our only concerns; it doesn't fare as well
acoustically).
Of course, anyone can bolster their cooling performance by using a noisy fan, which is effectively what NZXT does. Adding noise to the equation, we find that air cooling still provides the best value to stationary systems. Even though big air delivers the best performance value, companies that ship complete system may find even utility in the lower support cost of compact liquid coolers. Our recent experiences show that heavy coolers damaging motherboards during shipping is now a rule, rather than the exception. We hate to think about what could happen if a system were to fall on its side while supporting two pounds of metal from its PCB. Naturally, then, closed-loop coolers are the top option for damage reduction, and the NZXT Kraken X40’s combination of low price and high performance makes it the best value among these. We still need to warn readers about the potential of voltage regulator overheating, and caution that an extra fan should be placed over the voltage regulator whenever its temperature reaches 100° Celsius. Thermaltake’s Water2.0 Extreme is the one closed-loop cooler that moves enough air past our voltage regulator to moderate its temperature. It's also the best cooler overall, and only falls behind in the value charts because of its relatively high price. Knowing that you’re the best might be an award unto itself, but being the best-in-class makes a product eligible for our Tom's Hardware Elite award, which is affected less by pricing and more by performance. If you’re building a system with top-end hardware and don’t want the maintenance hassle of an open-loop cooler, the Water2.0 Extreme could very well be your best choice. Excerpt Thanks for reading! |
|---|
Post a Comment