Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler Review

Testing
The following system was used in testing:

Case: NZXT Tempest
Motherboard: XFX 680i LT SLI
CPU: Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz
Memory: 2x2GB OCZ SLI Ready DDR2 800 MHz
CPU cooling:
– Masscool 8W553
SilenX iXtrema IXC-120HA2
Thermaltake DuOrb
Titan Cool Idol
Cooler Master GeminII S
Cooler Master Sphere
Cooler Master Hyper 212
Zalman CNPS9300 AT
Vantec AeroFlow FX 92
Vantec AeroFlow FX 120
Xilence Xilent Blade Pro
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX
Thermaltake Spinq
Noctua NH-C12P
Thermaltake BigType 14 Pro
– Cooler Master V8
Video Card: XFX 9800 GTX Black Edition

Tests were conducted under idle and load states. The computer was left to sit after 30 minutes after being turned on to check the idle temperature. The load temperature was found by running the latest version of Prime95 which supports multi-core CPUs by default. Temperatures were obtained through SpeedFan.

CPU Cooler
Idle
Load
Masscool 8W553
46C
70C
SilenX iXtrema – Low
45C
69C
SilenX iXtrema – High
44C
66C
SilenX iXtrema – 2x Fans
44C
64C
Thermaltake DuOrb
47C
67C
Titan Cool Idol – Low
45C
62C
Titan Cool Idol – High
44C
59C
Cooler Master Sphere
46C
61C
Cooler Master Hyper 212
44C
54C
Zalman CNPS9300 AT
41C
55C
Vantec AeroFlow FX 92
46C
60C
Vantec AeroFlow FX 120
43C
58C
Xilence Xilent Blade Pro
47C
61C
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX – Low
45C
55C
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX – High
43C
53C
Thermaltake Spinq – Low
45C
58C
Thermaltake Spinq – High
43C
57C
Noctua NH-C12P
41C
54C
Thermaltake BigTyp 14 Pro – Low
42C
61C
Thermaltake BigTyp 14 Pro – High
42C
58C
Cooler Master V8 – Low
41C
52C
Cooler Master V8 – High
38C
50C

The Cooler Master V8 by far is one of the most powerful coolers we’ve reviewed. It runs very cool even at low fan speeds with only 41C in idle and 52C under 100% load. The next best cooler, Noctua NH-C12P, we’ve reviewed does match the 41C, but is only able to cool at 54C at default speeds. The V8 is able to even outperform that by reaching a record low 38C on Idle and only 50C under load. It’s interesting to have a cooler that supports both the PWM function and have a VR controller, giving the V8 the best of both worlds.

Conclusion
The Cooler Master V8 is by far the best performing cooler we’ve reviewed on this test system. It offers such a unique design and provides a whole ton of features. The PWM and VR Controller combined help give the V8 its powerful cooling performance. Powerful enough for overclocking capabilities this is by far the best product I’ve seen on the market for cooling any CPU, whether it’s an i7, LGA 775, or AMD based socket the Cooler Master V8 has them all.

With a price range between $60 and $70 it certainly isn’t the cheapest out there, but then again it isn’t the most expensive. If you’re looking for an excellent air cooler the V8 is definitely your best choice. On the other hand you could be a car junkie and just like the idea of having a product named V8 in your case, because men like powerful engines, right? Overall Think Computers awards the Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler a 10 out of 10 score and our Editors Choice Award.

rating10 10 small TC award editorschoice small

Pros:
– Compatible with all current socket types
– Award winning design
– Four modular fin sets with 8 heatpipes
– Optimal airflow
– PWM and VR Controller
– Quiet

Cons:
– Could be too large for some cases