• CPU: Q6600
• Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3
• Memory: 2 x 2GB Kingston
• OS: Windows XP Home SP3
• Video Card: ATI Radeon 2400 HD
• Power Supply: 550 W PSU
• Case: NZXT Tempest

Testing:

During this test I will be comparing the Noctua NH-C12P to a stock cooler. Some may say “That’s not really a fair test, of course the big cooler is going to be better”, but that’s what this test is proving, that when you begin to upgrade you CPU and computer system that you should also upgrade your cooling and you have to start somewhere.  During this test I obviously will be watching the temp of the CPU while idle and while under load. To raise the temp of the CPU I will be running Prime 95’s Burn-in test. The ambient temp in the room will remain a constant 22°C.

Really, do I have to recap the stats? These numbers speak for themselves. To see the CPU temp drop by that much almost left me speechless. It dropped it so much that with the Noctua NH-C12P installed the load temp was equal the stock coolers idle temp.

Not being part of the official test, after I did the benchmark in the climate controlled room where I do my tests, I returned my PC to its basement home where the ambient temp is around 15°C. Before adding the Noctua NH-C12P CPU Cooler, my CPU’s temps was around the 18°C but now with this cooler the average temp idle is now 8°C. Come on; don’t act like you’re not impressed, this is all from just adding a CPU cooler.

Now let’s get to my final thoughts: