• Processor: Intel Core2 Quad Q9450
• Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6
• Memory: OCZ 2 x 2GB
• Video Card: Nvidea 260GTX
• Power Supply: Coolmax USA 950w Modular Power Supply
• Hard Drive: Seagate 750GB SATA
• Optical Drive: LG DVD
• OS: Windows Vista Ultimate
• Thermaltake armor

For testing I will be putting the Noctua NH-U12P CPU Cooler up against the Sunbeam Tech Core Contact Freezer, and an Arctic Cooling Alpine 7 PWM. I will be measuring load and idle temps for both stock clocks and overclocking the CPU to 3.2. The ambient temperature will remain a constant 26 degrees to insure a controlled environment.

Stock Clocks:

Overclocked:

Over all as you can see the Noctua NH-U12P CPU Cooler beat out the competition. Although the idle and temps were not that much of a jump while under stock settings, the Noctua NH-U12P CPU Cooler dominated in the overclocking section where it really counts. I was very impressed with the monster lead it took during the overclock tests, I believe this has a lot to do with the design of the fan, and its ability to get higher RPM’s when it really counts, but also the cooler itself is designed in like manner with quality and performance in mind.

Let’s see the verdict: