Page 3 - Testing and Conclusion
I tested the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO on my not-very-interesting Toshiba laptop, so I will just briefly go over the specifications:
- Intel Core i5-520M @ 2.40GHz
- 2x2GB RAM
- 14" LED LCD @ 1366 x 768
- Integrated Intel Graphics
- Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Using Prime95 in-place large FFTs test with four worker threads, I stress-tested the CPU on an average wooden desk, and compared it to when my laptop was placed on the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO. I chose CPU results, because it was the easiest to measure, and best reflects the practical cooling ability of a notebook cooling pad. In all three environments, the CPU temperature started off at 48 degrees Celsius, and was given sufficient time to heat up over the course of ten minutes. The fan speed on the Infinite EVO was first set to minimum, and then to maximum, to test the cooler's capabilities at both extremes.
The results were plotted on the line graph above at one minute polling intervals. With the above results, we can see that the Infinite EVO did in fact keep temperatures lower as air was drawn in and blown away from the system. At the lower fan speeds, there is less air being blown away, resulting higher temperatures. Nonetheless, the NotePal Infinite EVO kept temperatures at low fan speeds compared to the standard wooden surface. What I did notice from the above results is that the cooling performance between the low and high setting is at times identical. Of course, the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO cools mainly the bottom of the laptop and not just the processor, so please do keep that in mind as you interpret our graph.
On a scale from 0.0 to 10.0 where 0.0 is silent and 10.0 is the loudest, the fans at the highest setting would come in at approximately 5.0. The fans at the lowest setting would come in at approximately 3.0. Here at APH Networks, we like to crowd ourselves around silent and unspoken rigs. Unfortunately, the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO tends to produce quite a bit of noise, especially at higher speeds.
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Overall, I would have to admit that the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO has brought a new perspective towards notebook coolers. It retains a very well designed and polished look sure to fit its target market, while providing adequate cooling performance for the less "intense". The center hole cutout design provides several added features towards the entire unit, like allowing Cooler Master's designers to position the vents, add extra space for air flow, and give one the ability to transport it via the bridge handle. Other noticeable touches Cooler Master incorporated would be the USB 2.0 hub, sturdy aluminium plating that doubles as a cable management feature, a comfortable ergonomic design, and two 80mm blower fans. Generally speaking, what makes this cooler one to choose would be the entire cooling process is situated behind your setup. Of course, the Infinite EVO is not without its flaws. First off, although the hole cutout design has many benefits, one small problem that I have noticed is that the blower vents only cover a very small area that could affect the cooling performance of 17" and larger laptops. Sound also can be seen as an issue, as the cooler tends to be quite audible at both its lowest and highest settings. Lastly, not seen as much of an issue, but a small observation is that we would have liked to see a version with USB 3.0. For about $49.99 USD at press time, the Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO is definitely a commendable choice. If you are looking for a solution that is subtle yet classy, while retaining its performance, than Cooler Master's notebook cooling solution -- the NotePal Infinite EVO -- is one to put on your shopping list.
Cooler Master provided this product to APH Networks for the purpose of evaluation.
APH Review Focus Summary:
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Numeric Rating is 7.0/10
Please note that the APH Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other sites.
The Cooler Master NotePal Infinite EVO will not fail in bringing your laptop's temperatures down in style.
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Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specification
2. A Closer Look, Usage
3. Testing and Conclusion
