OCZ Tempest CPU Cooler Review

Testing

Test Rig:

AMD AM2 X2 3800 – Stock
Asus M2N-E
Leadtek 6600gt
OCZ PC6400 Gold Series
OCUK Value case, no System Fans
Enermax Liberty 400w (Has 120mm cooling fan)

To test this cooler I left my pc running for 30 minutes at idle and then tested the CPU temperature using Speedfan. I then ran Orthos (A program that runs dual instances of prime within the ease of one program) and left it running for half an hour, again taking the CPU temperature from the Speedfan application. These results were compared to the stock coolers results and a conclusion was drawn. I also judged the noise differences between the stock cooler and the OCZ tempest cooler along with the overclock I was able to reach before and after the Tempest was added to the system.

Stock Cooler

OCZ Tempest Cooler

The Tempest is the clear winner here. The temperatures at idle aren’t much different, but there is a nice drop of 7 degrees C at full load. Both temperatures with the stock cooler and the OCZ cooler could have been improved if I had used a case with some system fans in it to increase airflow.

Coolers