Introduction
Remember the little heatwave that descended on the UK the other week? Well, being the thoughtful folk that we are, we figured it'd be an opportune moment to put a number of CPU coolers to the test. Useful, say, for those contemplating picking up an OEM processor, or those finding that their existing cooler isn't able to cope with the weather.
It's sod's law that it's been lukewarm and raining ever since, but we're not going to let a few thunderstorms dampen our spirits. We're going to be delivering a selection of group tests in the coming weeks, and we're starting today with a three-way shootout of CPU coolers priced under £40.
Compatible with both Intel and AMD CPUs, our trio of competitors are Cooler Master's Hyper N520 (below left), Scythe's Mugen 2 (below centre) and Xigmatek's Achilles S1284C (below right).
Wanting to know how they each perform? Read on.