Acoustic Performance

Since Cobra and Nepartak coolers are equipped with identical fans, they demonstrated identical acoustic characteristics (at the tested speeds). So, their results have been combined on the diagrams:

Everything is quite expected here: all three coolers are within the subjective comfort zone in the quiet fan mode, and at maximum speed – they are just a little past the comfort zone limits.

Conclusion

The new coolers from XIGMATEK we discussed today proved absolutely worth the price they ask for them. Two least expensive solutions, Cobra and Nepratak, will suit perfectly for moderately overclocked quad-core processors. Although the second cooler is more efficient than the first one, I personally pinned bigger hopes over the Cobra. The third testing participant – Dark Knight – turned out very efficient. It only fell a tiny bit behind Thor’s Hammer. Besides, Dark Knight creates lower sound pressure and looks remarkably attractive. Yes, it is about $10 more expensive than Cobra or Nepartak, but in my opinion, this extra money is totally worth paying. Anyway, as always, the choice is yours. As for us, we would like to wish XIGMATEK to include LGA1366 retention kit into the standard cooler bundle, because it will make things so much more convenient for users.