The latest powerhouse CPU offering from Intel is here. The Intel Core i7 -- a quad-core processor available in three different speed configurations that is really taking the computing world by storm. Several new features have been added to this processor, such as on-chip DDR3 memory controller, smart cache, and HD boost. Of course, with all the extra features and power comes the issue of how to keep it cool. The Core i7 may be powerful, but it is also very hot running. From the stock heat sinks and fans, to liquid cooled solutions, the cooling possibilities are many. Unfortunately we can't test them all, so in this article we'll take a look at 4 popular cooling solutions and how they fared.

We ran two tests per cooler, one with the case fans on low speed and the other with the case fans on full blast to also help us better understand the effect that case fans have on the cooling of a system. We tested these cooling solutions with the following hardware:

• Antec P182 (3x120mm tri-speed case fans)


• Asus P6T Deluxe Mainboard


• Intel Core i7 Quad Core 920 2.66 Ghz


• 3 x Kingston DDR3-1333 2GB


• Corsair 650watt PSU


• Western Digital 640GB Hard Drive


• Asus GeForce 9600GT Video Card


• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit


• Asus 20x SATA DVD-RW Lightscribe (x2)


• Tuniq TX-2 Thermal Compound

These temperature graphs are what we normally use internally to examine the temperatures of each new system we ship. While not all that easy to compare to each other, they do provide a wealth of data. If you would like to see direct comparisons between the different coolers, please skip ahead to the next section.

Note: the Nexus temperatures top off at 100C because that's the point at which the CPU throttles its speed. Not good!

These graphs represent the idle and load CPU temperatures over the course of testing. It's easy to see the winners and losers here -- the Nexus ran much hotter than the others while the Puget Hydro CL1 was the best. The comparison between the Intel Stock heatsink and the Gelid Silent Spirit is interesting. Though the Gelid only cooled a few degrees better, it was significantly quieter. While the Puget Hydro CL1 is the clear pick for cooling performance, the Gelid Silent Spirit could also be a good choice in lower power situations when noise level is a concern.

In terms of our personal recommendations, the Puget Hydro gave us the best overall results, the Gelid Silent Spirit ran a close second. Considering price and noise levels the Gelid certainly is a good solution for the i7. The biggest surprise here was the Nexus LOW-7000. At an average temperature above 90º Celsius I wouldn't consider this a good option for Core i7, though it still could be perfectly adequate for lower power 775 CPUs.

I have read and worked with I7 cpus that were cooled by the Asetek LCLC. IMHO this unit is THE unit for this cpu in a full tower case. The only problem I have run into so far is the lack of ANY mfg. manual, especially pertaining to reseating the LCLC when changing out Mo Boards. I am not sure of the quality or lifespan of the original thermal compund but am wondering if AC-mx-2 or similar product would improve the effective cooling on this unit? I have found that cooling is better when using the fan as a pusher instead of the more commonly seen puller. I have had to hand cut light f...

You can think of it either way :) I tend to think of it as an air cooler, because it installs like one, but it technically is a liquid cooled setup. It is a closed loop liquid cooler, with a mini pump and reservoir right on the CPU block, and a 120mm radiator. It needs no maintenance because it is closed loop, and we've never once seen one leak.

Yep, the extreme liquid cooling setup will definitely be a better performer than any of the air cooling setups (including the Puget Hydro). Is the hydro an air-cooled setup, or a liquid-cooled setup?