12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps

Something for warm-up. We’ll start our ATX 3.0 PSU tests with perhaps the most talked about topic surrounding them, the temperatures of the new cables with 16-pin PCIe connectors. The overview of the PSUs of twelve brands answers well the question of how the manufacturers handled which models. With high current loads, the temperature differences can be quite significant, both on the connector housings and on the wire insulation. Read more “12VHPWR cable thermal imaging: Different PSU, different temps” »

Not lucky last time? We still have the Cooler Master GX III Gold 850

One PSU contest is over, another one is starting. Cooler Master has donated its 850-watt GX III Gold model to our HWCooling contest. With a little luck, you can win one. It won’t be completely “free”, but you won’t break much of a sweat either. All you need to do is show a basic understanding of the Cooler Master power supply stuff. This will be especially easy for fans of the brand, but anyone can do it. Read more “Not lucky last time? We still have the Cooler Master GX III Gold 850” »

This is the complete ATX 3.0 power supply test lineup

Recently, in fact for most of 2023, we’ve been collecting various ATX 3.0 power supplies. In total, twelve have been collected, which is also the final number with which we are now leaving for measurements. Before we start publishing the tests, you can check out a comprehensive overview of all the models. Or leave a comment, which we can eventually incorporate into our analyses. Read more “This is the complete ATX 3.0 power supply test lineup” »

Cooler Master GX III Gold 850: The only one with a right angle 16-pin

The GX III Gold 850 PSU is in a number of design aspects different than what might be described as a typical ATX 3.0 model. One of the aspects is the significantly different approach to cable design with the 12VHPWR connector for external graphics card power. The wires behind the connector are unconventionally bent at right angle for the sake of maximum robustness. But this power supply represents more than one way of looking at things. Read more “Cooler Master GX III Gold 850: The only one with a right angle 16-pin” »

MasterAir MA824 Stealth – The new king of air coolers

After a series of articles with AIO liquid coolers, I have prepared a change for you today. We will test the new flagship air cooler MasterAir MA824 Stealth from Cooler Master. This cooler boasts impressive specs and promises extremely high efficiency that should rival the best on the market. So I’m really curious about it, but before we torture it on a hot CPU, let’s take a closer look at it. Read more “MasterAir MA824 Stealth – The new king of air coolers” »

Heatpipe renaissance in the new Cooler Master heatsink

Cooler Master’s marketing around its latest CPU cooler builds on the use of “superconductive” heatpipes. Their structure should differ significantly from the designs in older coolers, and CM is talking about a tangible increase in efficiency, while not being afraid to put its own cooler in the confrontation. The latter, like all the others, may be somewhat buried or at least handicapped by this, but who knows… maybe it will be a proper evolution. Read more “Heatpipe renaissance in the new Cooler Master heatsink” »

RTX 4090 from PNY to have Cooler Master Mobius fans

Cooler Master is involved in the production of a GPU cooler. However, you can’t buy it separately as it is an exclusive part of the PNY RTX 4090 Verto ARGB Dual Fan. After Asus with Noctua coolers, this is another case where a traditional graphics card manufacturer has recognized that using the experience of a company specializing in cooling components will achieve a better result. But that’s at an extreme, 4.5-slot thickness. Read more “RTX 4090 from PNY to have Cooler Master Mobius fans” »

Cooler Master Mobius 120 OC: High airflow above all

With the Mobius 120 OC fan, Cooler Master could prove that it has worked on and avoided the rookie mistakes of older models. Partly yes, it removed some flaws, but it added (or strengthened) others in the process. Still, the current most expensive 120 mm CM fan has one ace up its sleeve, for which it will be extremely attractive in some use cases. Again, though, this is… how to put it… a somewhat “peculiar” execution. Read more “Cooler Master Mobius 120 OC: High airflow above all” »

Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M: Blades must be framed

In HWCooling tests, there will no longer be uninteresting fans that serve “only” to build benchmarks. We have passed this phase. From now on, database building will have a different character and each additional fan will enrich the knowledge significantly. We’ll get right into the thick of it, with Cooler Master’s most expensive fan already riding the wave of the framed rotors that are coming in strong. And do you know why? Read more “Cooler Master MasterFan SF120M: Blades must be framed” »

Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 ARGB: If not for the horrible rattling…

It could have been a very good, affordable fan with lighting. Moreover, the SickleFlow 120 ARB rotor design is efficient, at an excellent level, but all the good features are killed by one thing – an extremely noisy motor. It’s so noisy that a return trip from the factory output control would be appropriate. And it’s not just your everyday whir that you hear only from centimeters away. No one will ever miss this sound. Read more “Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 ARGB: If not for the horrible rattling…” »

Three new cases from Cooler Master, HAF 500 and two MasterBoxes

The legendary HAF series of cases is getting more extensive with an upgraded model that has 200-millimeter fans, as well as adjustable graphics card cooling, for example. In addition to the main haul, Cooler Master also suddenly introduced the cheaper MasterBox 500 and MasterBox TD300 Mesh. That’s the smallest case of the trio, but even at 38 litres, it can fit two large liquid cooler radiators. Read more “Three new cases from Cooler Master, HAF 500 and two MasterBoxes” »

CM Hyper 212 Evo V2 – Evolution of the legend among coolers

At the end of 2020, I prepared another review of a middle-class cooler for you. The Hyper 212 Evo V2 from Cooler Master is the latest model from the popular Hyper 212 series. This latest upgrade offers a simplified mounting system, 100% compatibility with RAM modules and also a quiet fan. Its construction and specifications place it in the same group as the SPC Fera 3 or Arctic Freezer 34. So I’m expecting a very tight fight. Read more “CM Hyper 212 Evo V2 – Evolution of the legend among coolers” »

Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P – small dimensions, big features

SFF PCs are gaining popularity, so manufacturers are naturally expanding the range of cases in this category. But what if you want a small PC, that’s packed with powerful hardware and with a liquid cooling loop as well? MasterBox NR200P, quite interesting case from Cooler Master, recently appeared on the market. It appears to be well suited for this scenario. But is it really good idea to combine small case and a custom liquid cooling? Read more “Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P – small dimensions, big features” »

Test of 27 thermal compounds, part 2

The second round will be especially interesting for people who want to find the best solution for a standard use. The winner is a big surprise. Gelid, Noctua, Phobya, Reeven, SilentiumPC, Thermal Grizzly or Zalman? We can give away that it is not an expected favourite this time. We enjoyed a nice competition in the middle category, where it takes a lot to keep making a difference. We also tested OEM paste from Scythe as a bonus. Read more “Test of 27 thermal compounds, part 2” »

Test of 27 thermal compounds, part 1

Thermal pastes can significantly affect the cooling performance, so we have compared several models that represent the current offer. Is the legendary Arctic MX-2 still a good choice? Or is it more reasonable to try newer Cooler Master and Cryorig? There is also a copper Coollaboratory to consider. Well, we have prepared some recommendations, but few warnings too because there are several products that you should rather avoid. Read more “Test of 27 thermal compounds, part 1” »