- First of all, we evaluate the build quality and design of the cooler, going over its heatsinks, heatpipes, radiator fins, and pump.
- Then we install the cooler and check for any clearance issues, whether it is RAM or chassis, a good cooler should offer comfortable clearance.
- We also evaluate a cooler based on the sockets it supports.
- Our most important test is about the thermal performance. We remove power limits of the processor and use the same testing methodology for all coolers for fair comparison.
how we test CPU coolers
Here at Tech4Gamers, we thoroughly test each CPU cooler we review. We assess real-world performance across different workloads, from idle to heavy gaming or overclocking. We also check noise levels to give you a clear, unbiased view of each cooler.
This guide serves as a basic outline of the criteria our hardware testers follow when it comes to testing all kinds of air coolers and AIOs.
Key Takeaways
Build Quality and Design
Manufacturers set their CPU coolers apart by focusing on design and build quality. Some go for high-end materials and flashy RGB lighting, which often results in a higher price. Others take a more practical approach, prioritizing cooling performance over design, which can sometimes mean a lower cost.
When evaluating a CPU cooler’s build quality and design, we first look at the materials. High-quality materials usually mean better durability and performance. We check the sturdiness of the heatsink, fan, and tubing in an AIO cooler.
For AIO coolers, closely examining the fins of the radiator is also important. If the AIO comes with bent fins out of the box, it means the manufacturer needs to improve its logistics and quality assurance.
Then, we move on to the design. This includes not just the aesthetics like color schemes and LED lighting, but also how practical the design is. We consider how easy the cooler is to install, whether it fits well in different cases, and if it promotes good airflow and cooling.
Lately, AIOs are being shipped with daisy-chained fans, which significantly simplifies the installation and cable management, a solid plus point.
Installation & Clearance
Next, we move on to installing the cooler and testing its clearance. A cooler is only as good as how easy it is to install, because not everyone is going to be a PC builder expert.
Similarly, clearance is just as important, you don't want to end up in a situation where your RAM blocks the cooler or the radiator's thickness makes installation difficult.
A good CPU cooler should come with clear, straightforward instructions that work for both beginners and experienced builders. We evaluate how easy it is to attach the cooler to the motherboard, focusing on the design and functionality of the mounting hardware.
A quality cooler should have a secure and simple mounting system that doesn’t require excessive force or special tools. We also check how well the cooler’s baseplate contacts the CPU to ensure it provides the best thermal conductivity.
Clearance is another crucial aspect of our evaluation. We analyze the space the cooler occupies inside the case, making sure it doesn’t interfere with other components like RAM.
For air coolers, we look at the height to ensure it fits easily in standard-sized cases.
For AIO coolers, we examine the placement of the radiator and tubing, making sure they don’t obstruct other components or complicate cable management.
Socket Compatibility
It’s important to remember that not every CPU cooler will be compatible with your processor. Manufacturers often release two versions of the same cooler—one for Intel and another for AMD. That’s why it’s crucial to check that the cooler you’re considering supports the socket type of your CPU for a perfect fit.
It is also very important to evaluate the cooler’s compatibility with different CPU sockets. This means checking if it supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, like LGA1700, AM5, and older models like LGA1200 and AM4. A good cooler should include multiple mounting brackets or an adaptable mounting system, making it suitable for various current and future CPUs.
Thermal Performance
Of course, the most important test is the thermal performance. We use the Intel Core i7-13700K to test all of our AIOs and air coolers. It is a great CPU that offers solid performance, plus, it runs rather hot.
To test the thermal performance, we use these settings:
| All Cores | 5.4GHz on P-Cores, 4.2GHz on E-Cores |
| VCore (V) | Auto |
| Power Limits | Removed |
| Thermal Paste | Noctua NT-H1, Center Line Application (Or Pre-Applied) |
| Test Run Time | 30 minutes CINEBENCH R23.2 |
| Idle Time | 10 minutes |
| Fan/Pump Speed | 100% PWM Duty Cycle |
| Monitoring Software | HWInfo64 |
We remove the power limits so the coolers can be pushed to their limits.
We use the same testing criteria for all of our air coolers and AIOs reviews. This way, we can compare the different cooling options fairly and on the same ground.
Noise & Software
You don't your PC to sound like a jet engine everytime you play Red Dead Redemption. That's why all of our air coolers and AIOs testing include measuring noise.
Furthermore, we also go over any bundled software with the cooler that makes setting fan curves and other configurations easier.
Noise is a critical factor when testing CPU coolers, as it greatly affects user experience. We measure the noise levels at various loads—idle, moderate, and full load—using precise decibel meters in a controlled environment to ensure accurate readings.
Our evaluation includes both the fan noise and any noise from the pump in AIO coolers. Ideally, a well-engineered cooler should operate quietly at low to moderate loads, with noticeable noise only under heavy stress.
We also assess the quality of the noise, checking for any annoying high-pitched sounds or vibrations. Our aim is to find coolers that offer both excellent cooling and low noise levels, ensuring quiet operation even during intense gaming or heavy workloads.
For coolers equipped with software control, we test the accompanying software to check it’s user-friendliness and effectiveness. We review how easy the software is to install and set up, its compatibility with different operating systems, and the intuitiveness of the interface.
We explore the features offered, such as fan speed control, temperature monitoring, RGB lighting customization, and performance profiles. Ideally, the software should provide precise control over the cooler’s functions without being overly complex. We also look for any potential issues like bugs or crashes that could impact the user experience.
Overall
A complete CPU cooler test can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, and this includes everything from unboxing to monitoring the thermal performance.
We have tested more than a hundred coolers, and the main reason why companies reach out to our team for testing is because we invest time, energy, and efforts to make sure our reviews and recommendations remain unbiased. We want to give our readers a true representation of a cooler's capabilities, and that's why we have outlined such an extensive criteria for our testing.