- Review -

30.11.2008 Bjorn3d.com

Let's start off by looking at the Core i7 920 CPU of 2.66GHz (default). The stock cooler that was supplied by Intel just barely keeps the temperature manageable, at 55°C full load. The Noctua NH-C12P CPU cooler handles the default speed of 2.66GHz quite well, giving us a full load temperature of 42°C, giving us a difference of 13°C between the stock Intel CPU cooler and the NH-C12P. [...] While using the stock Intel CPU cooler I was only able to reach a mere 3.1GHz, only gaining a 440MHz overclock on my CPU from a default speed of 2.66GHz. Hitting a temperature of 65°C, ended this test quickly. In my book, it's just not good enough. When I used the NH-C12P CPU cooler, I was able to increase the CPU frequency to 3.7GHz, giving me a good 1.04GHz increase on my Core i7 920 CPU before topping out at 64°C full load.

"The NH-C12P CPU cooler may be the shortest kid on the block, but it definitely packs a mean punch when it comes to cooling the Core i7 CPU. It allowed me to go from a measly 3.1GHz CPU core speed to a more respectable CPU speed of 3.7GHz. Noctua has a winner here for the newer Core i7 CPU's. The low profile of this little cooler will allow many people to use it in semi-cramped chassis. The fan was not audible during testing at all. There was no whine, no air rushing sounds, nothing absolutely quietness." (Raymond Buckland, Bjorn3d.com)