Axagon CLR-M2XL: Only one SSD cooler can be the best

Conclusion

The designers have really gone all out with the CLR-M2XL cooler. Some of the details are really surprising for an SSD cooler, but you can see a clear intention – to squeeze the most out of the available material. Finding a more powerful model than the CLR-M2XL in the current offer among passive SSD coolers will be very difficult, with a better price/performance ratio probably impossible. Despite the superior cooling performance, Axagon held back on pricing.

Conclusion

This is the most efficient SSD cooler we’ve tested so far, and there have been a few (41). It is the most efficient in terms of cooling (no other cooler kept the controller and memory of the test SSD at lower temperatures), but it is extremely efficient from a design point of view. And that also needs to be stressed. There are many heavier coolers that cool worse. The Axagon CLR-M2XL outperforms those with better surface area breakdown with more surface area to circulate the air of the system cooling inside cases.

To get the best result, Axagon even punched holes in the backplate. It doesn’t help much in cooling such low-power devices as SSDs are, but it deserves praise. In overall cooling (both controller and memory), the CLR-M2XL cooler does not have much competition among cheap passive models. Of course, there are more complicated coolers that may have the upper hand, but those aren’t going to cost 16 EUR.

More complex designs (with heatpipe) of the Cryorig CR-M2A Frostbit type cost about twice as much and thus do not directly compete with the CLR-M2XL. Axagon sticks to the philosophy that is well visible across its product portfolio – don’t overshoot and maintain a top-notch price/performance ratio. Sooner or later we’ll see by how much the very expensive alternatives can beat the CLR-M2XL (and if at all) when we add them to our comparison tests. Outside of the already tested and publicly released results, we have measured roughly ten more coolers and the Axagon CLR-M2XL still holds on to the top position, unwaveringly.

However, the tax for the best cooling results is inferior compatibility compared to smaller coolers. This cooler won’t fit into minimalist (SFF) cases with the motherboard close to the side, nor will it fit into the slot under the graphics card. These are the drawbacks associated with tall fins.

Lest the very positive review creates the illusion that this is a suitable cooler for everyone, it should be noted that this is not the case. On the contrary, the vast majority of users do not need such a powerful cooler as the CLR-M2XL, and significantly smaller models will suffice. However, it doesn’t take anything away from Axagon’s courage, the CLR-M2XL cooler embodies a no-compromise solution for environments where increased demands on SSD cooling are required. Whether due to permanently high loads, where a powerful SSD goes to full power (this does not happen in normal home computers) or to places with higher ambient air temperature. But also in cases where weaker air circulation is necessary for some reason. In combination of all these factors, even the high TDP that this cooler has might already be on the edge.

For the Axagon CLR-M2XL’s truly outstanding performance and technically perfect design, we present the “Top Notch” editorial award. Out of the large number of products (overall, not just among SSD coolers) that we tested, the CLR-M2XL cooler is the first that would deserve two stickers. For both the favourable price-performance ratio also the “Smart buy!” one. Well, with this, Axagon kind of messed up the logic of our awards, but on the other hand, it’s not often that things with high-end features sell for a mid-range price. Axagon CLR-M2XL is a rare specimen.

English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš

• Contents
• The Axagon CLR-M2XL cooler in detail
• Results: SSD temperature
• Conclusion