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.
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