Test: 25 CPU coolers (page 30: Performance index : Introduction)

Performance index : Introduction

So far, measurements helped us to establish several independent classifications: noise level, pure thermal performances with the initial frequency in IDLE and with an Overclocked configuration in FULL. We could find other ways of selecting these coolers, but it is preferable to find a way of accurately classifying them.

So we created an index based on the level of performances and the noise level. Some of the users will seek silence (often to the prejudice of performances) at all costs, and others will look for high performances whatever the noise level, and finally the last ones will want to find the best compromise. This analysis is, in fact, the reason why I chose to make all these measurements in order to define a noise level and a temperature delta each time.

With all this data, it is possible to define the cooler behaviour law defined by: Delta T = f(Noise level). This index is then accessible with a graph to compare all the coolers.

The first noticeable thing is that it is possible to divide the graph in three areas A, B and C. This separation is in fact quite natural. After analyzing each area, we realized that each of them represents different functioning in terms of thermal or noise performances. The A area corresponds to products with a low temperature delta and a minimum noise level (the best coolers). The B area is the silent products’ range with a lower temperature than the A (less stable Overclocking temperature for example. And, finally, the C area corresponds to high noise level coolers (temperatures obtained are relatively proportionate to their noise level).