Test Methodology and Performance

Benchmark Process

Our test platform has been refreshed for 2018 and now includes a hexa-core Intel Core i7-8700K processor overclocked using 1.225v to 4.8GHz across all cores. The 12-thread chip is paired to 32GB of dual-channel G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 memory set to run at 3,200MHz using the built-in XMP profile.

To get a feel for how the coolers compare, CPU temperature is logged while a large 4K video clip is encoded in multiple passes using the freeware HandBrake utility. The workload tasks all available threads for a prolonged period and, in order to provide a stabilised reading, we then calculate the average temperature across all cores from the last five minutes of encoding.

Actual CPU temperature is recorded and we also graph the delta temperature - that's CPU temperature minus ambient temperature. Last but not least, to give you an idea of cooler acoustics, we use a PCE-318 noise meter to measure overall system noise in both idle and load states.

Notes

Our be quiet! Dark Base 700 chassis is set to run with its two stock SilentWings 3 PWM fans - a 140mm front intake and a 140mm rear exhaust - both of which are set to low speed (setting 1) via the integrated fan hub. All CPU cooler fans are set to a 'silent' profile from within the Asus BIOS, and when testing liquid coolers the pump is connected to the motherboard's dedicated water-pump header.

When a radiator is used, it is installed in the roof of the chassis and any bundled fans are configured to push air through the radiator and out of the enclosure.

Performance

Our 2018 test platform is far more demanding than the last, and half-a-dozen cores flying along at 4.8GHz generates plenty of heat for high-end coolers to attempt to deal with.

Although each manufacturer makes bold claims with regards to the capabilities of certain coolers, we don't see a huge performance variance in closed-loop solutions. The Aerocool P7-L240 slots in ahead of the other 240mm solution in our line-up, the Fractal Design Celsius S24, but there isn't a great deal in it.

Noise output tends to be the more obvious differentiator. The Celsius S24 is one of the quietest all-in-one liquid coolers we've ever tested - hence why it features in our high-end test platforms - but the Aerocool is noticeably more vocal. On closer inspection we found that the P7-L240 pump is actually reasonably quiet, but the two bundled fans are overly aggressive with regards to speed and create a steady hum when idle and a clearly audible whoosh when temperatures rise.