Cooler Master Hyper N620 Test Results
All testing was performed with all CPU throttling features turned off so we could produce consistent temperatures. Temperature readings were taken at idle, standard load, and maximum load. Idle temp was taken after 15 minutes after Vista boot up, standard load was taken after another 15 minutes of general web surfing and other light activity. Load temperatures were achieved using the default CPU torture test in OCCT.
As you can see, the Hyper N620 is naturally the coolest of the three. The reason that the N620 and V1 offer similar results during idle and normal operations is that only one CPU core is idling or active which any heat pipe cooler can handle. When all four cores are go to work, temps skyrocket in every case. However, this is where the N620’s extra pipes make the biggest difference.
Attempting a minor 3.8 GHz overclock pushed the retail cooler over the top and V1 to its limits. The N620 maxed out at 71 C revealing just how much better the extra pipes can deal with increasing heat. We don’t recommend overclocking any Core i7 965 or 975 to extreme without a more formidable cooling solution.
What About Noise Levels?
Since most CPU coolers have ONE fan, we were very curious about whether or not the Hyper N620 would have tendencies to sound like it was preparing for take off. Thankfully, things were quite a bit quieter.
When the fan speed is system automated, the noise levels range from 21 dB up to 31 dB at full speed. The only way to quiet the cooler any further was to remove a fan or manually set the system to its lowest RPM setting. Overall the fan seemed to emit an average of 25 dB in this mode. Even at the highest 31 dB though, it really isn’t noticeable when jockeying for the noisiest component inside the case. The system was more than enough to drown out anything it contributed.
Final Thoughts
Picking a new CPU cooler involves more than just fancy lights and polished metals. A perfectly smooth base is the optimal way to transfer heat and heat pipes are a really great conduit for carrying heat away from the base. Plenty of surface area for dissipating heat also helps and it is when these things are compromised that cooler performance comes up short.
The Hyper N620 definitely has the bases covered with a polished base, many heat pipes, and lot’s of cooling surfaces. Plus, there is as much as 83.6 CFM flowing through the cooler at max. Most importantly, it is a nicely constructed CPU cooler offering great performance at very acceptable noise levels. It’s designed more to combat extreme heat rather than turn your computer case in to a massive “bling” box which many people will appreciate.
The design is very simple and uses the right amount of LED lighting to add a little extra something without over doing the modified effect. If this is your goal, I have no reservations recommending the Hyper N620. If you want a more exotic design and similar performance, consider the Cooler Master V8.
The Cooler Master Hyper N620 currently retails for around $59.99 US.
Pros
- Quality materials and fabrication
- Dual 120mm LED fans
- Effective use of heatpipes
- Size is manageable for a performance cooler
- Overall low fan noise
Cons
- Fan controller would have been nice vs just PWM
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10.0
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