Testing
Both the WATER2.0 Performer and Pro were mounted as intake from the top of the case. This is not an ideal permanent solution, however works fine for testing purposes. The mounting location was exactly the same.
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k
Memory: Samsung 30nm Green
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6
Graphics Card: Sparkle Calibre GTX x480
Storage: Plextor M3 128GB SSD
Cooling:
– Thermaltake WATER2.0 Performer
– Thermaltake WATER2.0 Pro
Power Supply: OCZ ZX 850
Tests were carried out at 100% stock settings and again at an overclocked speed of 4.5Ghz.
To test the performance of the WATER2.0 Performer and Pro, I decided to use Intel Burn Test. I set the stress level to Standard and to 10 passes. Intel Burn Test uses Linpack, which is an extremely intensive CPU task that generates more heat than any other suite I’ve used to stress CPU’s. It’s the processor equivalent to waterboarding; we take the risk, so you don’t have to! All tests done on this system will be done in the same manner.
Tests are run both at 100% fan speed and 30% fan speed. We omitted a “PWM mode” test because once the CPU heats up, the fans will ramp to close to 100% speed anyway.
Ambient temperatures are measured. The system is allowed to idle for 30 minutes before any usage takes place, in order to attain a low idle temperature. After the 30 minute mark is passed, we fire up Intel Burn Test, Standard, for 10 passes.
