Benchmarks: Core i7 980X at 3.33GHz
To get the ball rolling, we keep the stupendously-quick Core i7 980x dialled in at stock settings and measure both idle and load temperatures.
Running at just 1.6GHz when left to idle, Intel's extreme Core i7 980X chip doesn't get particularly hot.
With all of the chip's energy-saving features coming into play, system-wide power consumption is kept down to around 135W and none of the six coolers are challenged. At this point, both the H50 and H60 are fairly evenly matched.
Stress the Core i7 980X's twelve threads and you quickly create some heat.
It's still not enough to concern our line up of high-end coolers, though, and Corsair's Hydro H60 performs well - coming out a couple of degrees lower than the older H50 and closing the gap on the beefy air-cooled Prolimatech Megahalems with two fans.
Surprised by the capabilities of Intel's DBX-B cooler? Remember, it isn't your average reference cooler - it's a meaty solution that's only available as part of the Core i7 980X and Core i7 990X retail packages. Though, a quick scout around ebay suggests that you can pick one up for roughly £10.
