Page 3 - Test Results
Our test configuration is as follows:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K (Stock settings)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z87X-D3H
RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury HX318C10FK2/16 2x8GB
Graphics: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB
Chassis: Fractal Design Core 3300
Power: Cooler Master V1000 1000W
Optical Drive: LiteOn iHAS124-04 24X DVD Writer
Hard Drive: OCZ ARC 100 240GB, Western Digital Blue EZEX 1TB
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Professional x64
Compared Hardware:
- Antec Kuhler H2O 1250 (Silent and Extreme)
- Intel Stock
All tests were run in our custom built computer to best reflect real life performance. The computer remained in the same place and room throughout all tests. The room temperature in the room was around 22c. The thermal paste applied to each cooler was stock respective to their manufacturers to rate its performance; all pastes had sufficient time for them to fully settle. The fans on all heatsinks were directly connected to the same motherboard 4-pin connector. The test computer was turned on and idling for at least one hour for the idling tests. High CPU load results were obtained using the Prime95 in-place large FFTs test with four worker threads for a minimum of ten minutes, and recorded when the temperature is deemed stable. The Intel stock cooler was chosen as a baseline reference. It is a good heatsink to figure out the delta between the reference unit and the tested product for standardizing performance against other coolers, even if not compared directly against. Finally, we ran the same tests in both the Silent and Extreme profile to see the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250's performance at both ends of the spectrum. Temperature results were measured with RealTemp, which reports the CPU's integrated digital thermal sensor for maximum accuracy. Each of the recorded numbers are an average across the four cores.
After letting my computer sit idle for a while, I wiggled my mouse to wake the screen and checked on the temperature. From the graph above, you can see the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250 produced pretty good results of 22 and 24 degrees Celsius for its Extreme and Silent modes, respectively. The Intel stock cooler was quite a bit higher at 32 degrees Celsius. This is pretty impressive, considering the Kuhler H2O 1250 dropped the measured temperature to almost the same temperature as the environment it was in. However, this does not really give an accurate representation of Kuhler's actual abilities, so we threw Prime95 on and let it go.
Running the test machine at Prime95 is always a fun benchmarking program, as Prime95 really can push your computer to the limits. We have used this in past tests for both CPU heatsinks, as well as laptop coolers. Under full load, Prime95 absolutely destroys the Intel stock cooler, pushing to temperatures to nearly 98 degrees Celsius. This is unacceptable for daily use, as this can lead to accelerated wear on the processor. The Antec Kuhler H2O 1250, on the other hand, offers an amazing 57c on Silent, and 53c on Extreme mode. This is only a bit more than half of the temperatures produced by the Intel stock cooler, which is a pretty good sight to see. While we know that the CPU cooler in question today is completely different form the stock fan, it is good to see the antics of Antec working quite well.
Note: During our testing process, we found the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250 produced a clicking or rattling noise. This was in addition to the sound of the fans. We tried various attempts to quiet the unit, including shaking and reseating the unit, but to no avail. We ended up having to contact Antec to send us a replacement unit. While this is probably an isolated incident, it should be noted. Thankfully, the people at Antec were more than happy to aid us in our review. Our test results were from the replacement unit we have received.
Finally we come to the sound analysis section of the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250. Looking at the device prior to installation, you would think the dual turbine design would help to reduce the fan and pump noises. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is silence, and 10 is the definition of loud, I would rate the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250 at 3.5/10 in silent mode. The silent mode really is not as quiet as I would hope it to be, especially when it produces a low resonating hum. It would be nice for Antec to include some sort of vibration reduction solution, whether it be a padding or something else, to reduce the small vibrations between the case and the radiator. If you bump up the settings to Extreme, you will wonder if you have suddenly moved closer to an airport. The noise is quite similar to airplane taking off, in both its likeness and intensity. In fact, when I threw the Antec Kuhler H2O 1250 into its sixth gear, it really whirred to life. My parents could hear it from downstairs and thought I had brought a VHS machine into my room. In terms of numbers, I would rate this at a 9.0/10. By no means is Extreme meant to be quiet, but it sounds quite extreme... literally.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware; Installation
3. Test Results
4. Conclusion
