Zero-Infinity Free-Flow+ Review
Performance and testing
Published: 11th June 2012 | Source: Zero Infinity | Price: £59.99 |
Performance and Testing
To provide continuity the test set up is as always
Gigabyte UD3R V2
Intel i7 950 @ 4GHz 1.25v & 1.35v
Mushkin Radioactive 2000MHz
HIS 6850
Cooler Master Storm Trooper
Corsair AX750w
For the first test we set our i7-950 overclocked to 200x20 @ 1.25v for a clock speed of 4.0GHz. We allow the system to idle for 30 minutes and then run Prime95 'maximum heat maximum stress' setting for a further 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes we note the temperatures of all cores and the ambient temperature of the room. An average of all cores is taken, then the ambient temperature is removed from this figure and this gives us the delta temperature. Delta is the temperature difference above ambient which is a truer reflection of the heat-sink performance rather than mere maximum figures. Testing in an Igloo or the Sahara would give vastly different maximum temperatures, yet the Delta could be the same.
The second test follows all steps from above but with a 200x21 @ 1.35v for 4.2GHz overclock, the extra voltage in this test allows us to see if the heat-sink can cope when extreme loads and overclocks are applied.
Things were looking fairly good, if not great, however I was quite surprised when the Free Flow+ failed the 4.4GHz test. With it's sheer bulk I was expecting it to get a score, if not actually a good one.
Most Recent Comments
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Originally Posted by SEBAR
This was a great read, I love the way you do your reviews. Hey Tom, did you read the directions before trying to install this thing? Just kidding, you probably should have thrown this out the window. This thing is all show and no go. |
Seriously, they need to start selling those fans on their own. Shame about the cooler itself, but oh my those fans! Do want!!!
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Originally Posted by Josh Weston
If by Tom, you mean Gary? |
Anyway, on the 2nd graph (overvolted CPU), shouldn't the delta T for the Free-Flow+ be 64.75 if the CPU temp was 83.75 and ambiant was 19?
Just our way of checking who reads the full review and who just skips to the end
I mean come on, there really is no excuse. Smaller coolers have the limitation of size and usually aesthetics. These twin tower coolers have no such restrictions. I see their only purpose is to perform to a high level!! (though I personally love twin tower designs
) which is why I am always excited by the thought of a new twin tower offering. But again we, the twin tower brigade have been let down so I and many others will be sticking with the trusted if a little long in the tooth Noctua Have the NH-D14 and the Silver Arrow really hit the limit of what an air cooler is capable of doing?
I would love a better looking alternative to the NH-D14, and will be one of the first to buy such a product if it ever materialises.
I really like the look of the Havik, though when I think about it maybe its the blade design on
the fans that I cant see past, I think those fans look bloody awesome
I may order some of them to see what they are like, Oh no, wait, I cant, I'M POOR!!!!
Another sign that this sample was a dud, is how the screws supporting the base seem uneven in the photo(s).
I am not a fan of the 'direct contact' heatsink design because the spacers between the heat pipes will never be as efficient as a thick and solid copper base. Still, it would be nice to see this one redone with a proper sample.
At least this isn't as bad as TTL's Zalman 9900(MAX?) review. That fan was wobbling soo bad, I'm surprised the rig didn't shimmy off the table ! lolz..And yes, its STILL giving me nightmares, Tom.
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If Jimi Hendrix were to buy a CPU cooler he'd probably be drawn to this psychedelic offering from Zero Infinity. Will it be a Foxy Lady or disappear in a Purple Haze
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