For rather incomprehensible reasons, the cooling performance of the vast majority of AIO liquid coolers is degraded by the use of an unsuitable backplate. The backplate is usually undersized, made of plastic, and cannot exert optimal pressure on the processor. To give you an idea of how a “traditional” plastic backplate stacks up against a proper, steel one, we’ve prepared a comparison of the two.
Our database now includes one hundred fans—75 in the 120 mm format and 25 models with a physical size of 140 mm. In this article, we have compiled all data into unified charts. What was once separated for clarity is now brought together again, and the commentary will also include a… look ahead regarding fan testing. But we can already reveal that there is still a lot more to come. Read more “The end, or just the beginning? 100 fans in HWCooling tests”
Alphacool has unleashed the new Apex Stealth fans on the world, which attract attention for two things in particular. Firstly, the fact that they contain robust metal elements and secondly, the specifications. These seem to be literally incredible, and while we have no doubt that the efficiency of these fans will be top notch, it’s hard to find elements for which they should be “the best”, as the specs suggest. Read more “The armored Apex Stealth fans promise the “impossible””
Six new models, with the slowest capping at 2,000 rpm and the fastest up to 4,000 rpm. It’s a mix of 120 and 140-millimeter fans, where with the larger format Alphacool reached for differently modeled rotors. This is also with a view to ensuring that a fan this fast and relatively large can operate at all at reasonably low vibration. Among Alphacool’s new products is therefore a fan with more robust blades as well. Read more “Alphacool introduces the “Core” series of high-speed fans”
Excellent testing as always. Hopefully with the integrated backplate on AM5, more manufacturers will be forced to utilize proper metal backplates instead of flimsy custom ones.