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Coolers for Socket 478, Spring/Summer 2002



Part 3. Test Results (temperature, noise level, thermal resistance)




Part 1. AVC, Spire and GlacialTech coolers
Part 2. Cooler Master, Thermaltake, Evercool and ADDA coolers
Our updated testing technique for coolers for Socket A processors was briefly described in the GlacialTech Igloo 2310 and Igloo 2400 Review (general issues and the original version of the technique are given in the Cooler comparison testing technique). Almost the same approach is used for the coolers for Socket 478. 

We chose the Fujitsu Siemens Computers D1337 mainboard as a test platform. This board, like the D1289, is equipped with a high-quality temperature monitoring system based on the NE1617A chip from Philips Semiconductors. This chip is located very close to the socket which allows eliminating various errors and distortions and improving quality of measurements which is required for objective comparison of thermal efficiency of coolers. 




To reduce test time we removed the Typical User Medium mode; the CPUBurn mode includes 4 basic test parts (each lasting 2-3 hours); the ambient temperature is maintained at 34-35°C (this is a typical temperature for cases with an optimized vent system). 

Testbed: 

  • Fujitsu Siemens Computers D1337 mainboard
  • Intel Pentium 4 Willamette 1.9 GHz processor
  • Microsoft Windows XP 
The burnp6 utility from the CPUBurn packet is used to get a thermal load close to the maximum one, and the System Guard utility from Fijitsu Siemens Computers is used for temperature control. 
Diagram 1. Temperature results
Notes
Each cooler was tested with its own rated thermal interface
The diagram shows the combined results 
Today we supplement the review with one more characteristic -  θja (thermal resistance junction-to-ambient). The necessity appeared long ago, but we have been were looking for a way of measuring thermal power generated by a certain processor sample in real test conditions. Finally, we have solved the problem, and now we can get true temperature results of the tested systems and objective data on thermal resistance of these systems. 
Diagram 2. Thermal performance
Notes
Thermal resistance θja can be found from the following equation: θja = (Tj - Ta)/Ph, where Tj is a core temperature, Ta is an ambient temperature (here it is 35°C), Ph is processor thermal power (here it is 67 W). 
And now the noise measurements (the testing technique is given in the Cooler Noise Characteristics and Testing Technique). 
Diagram 3. Noise characteristic
Note: The background noise level is 25 dBA
Now let's turn to our Table of Ranks - an integrated assessment of consumer qualities of the coolers in question. 

Part 4. "Table of Ranks" (technical and economic assessment of the coolers and technical and economic ratings)

Testing technique. Integrated assessment of consumer qualities of the cooling systems

 
Vitaly Krinitsin (vit@ixbt.com)

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