Mk.II Synthetic Thermal Test Platform - AMD Version

Omega HH501DK Type-K Thermometer with Kapton encapsulated thermocouple.

Where applicable, heatsinks are tested at both their maximum fan speed(s) and minimum fan speed(s). This list is constantly updated as reference models near EOL and new models added.

Information not expressly stated in the thermal test results chart includes ambient temperatures and the number of fans per heatsink. All values are quoted in degrees Celsius. Heatsinks which maintain the lowest rise over ambient temperature with the least amount of noise generation are considered best in our books.

Mk.II Synthetic Thermal Test Platform - Intel LGA1155/775 Version

In its second configuration, FrostyTech's Mk.II Platform delivers a 150W and 85W heat load to socket LGA1155/1156 and LGA775 compatible Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium 4/D/Extreme Edition, Celeron, Core 2 Duo & Core 2 Quad class heatsinks by way of a 30mm x 30mm copper interface die. Set within the center of the copper die is a Kapton encapsulated type-K thermocouple for taking temperature measurements once equilibrium is reached.

FrostyTech Mk.II Synthetic Thermal Test Platform, configured for Intel LGA775 heatsinks. The 30x30mm Copper Interface Die is driven by an internal heater cartridge while a type-K thermocouple measures temperature readings

Mk.II Synthetic Thermal Test Platform - Intel LGA2011 Version

(This section subject to revision)
In its third configuration, FrostyTech's Mk.II Platform delivers a 200W heat load to socket LGA2011 compatible Intel Core i5/i7 heatsinks by way of a 38mm x 38mm copper interface die. Set within the center of the copper die is a Kapton encapsulated type-K thermocouple for taking temperature measurements once equilibrium is reached.

The dimensions of the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) used on this Intel processor family is identical in size to the copper interface die, in effect mimicking the surface area in contact with the base of an Intel LGA2011 heatsink accurately. Depending on the class of CPU heatsink, a representative amount of heat is conducted through 1444mm² surface area would be the case with an actual CPU. The 200W heat load represents the upper limits of thermal solutions designed for the Intel socket LGA2011 (multi-core) platform.

To maintain consistent heat output, a Sencore PR57 Variable Isolation Transformer is used to supply power to 120V, 200W Chromalox cartridge heater. Once equilibrium is reached at the copper interface die, an Omega HH501DK Type-K digital thermocouple thermometer records the temperature results.

All heatsinks are mounted to the interface die with good quality silicon-based Wakefield Engineering Type 120 thermal compound applied in a consistent manner. Original thermal interface materials and pads are removed prior to testing. Where applicable, heatsinks are tested at both their maximum fan speed and minimum fan speed. The remainder of the testing parameters are identical to those described above.

Noise Isolating Enclosure

To record the noise generated by a particular fan and heatsink combination, FrostyTech uses a sound isolating enclosure lined with 2" of foam that is sealed from the outside environment during the recording process. The thick layer of foam helps to ensure that the sound recorded is only that generated by the heatsink/fan inside.

Archived test parameter - (A monophonic microphone is positioned about 6" from the center of the enclosure so it is out of the direct air flow path generated by the fan. A solid state digital recorder is used record the sound picked up by this nondirectional mic. The digital recorder has a frequency range of approximately 500Hz to 3500Hz.)

The purpose of the enclosure is to record an accurate representation of the noise generated by a heatsink and fan combination - separate from any other external computer noises like hard drives or power supplies. This recording provides an indication of the pitch and frequency of the noise generated by heatsink.

Sound Level Measurements and Acoustic Samples

To measure the level of sound produced by a heatsink in decibels, an Omega HHSL1 sound meter is used. The HHSL1 is highly accurate between a range of 35-130 dB. To measure the level of noise produced, a heatsink is placed in the Sound Isolating Enclosure and the sound meter positioned about 12" off to one side. The highest average level of noise is recorded.

For the acoustic heatsink tests, we record the noise signature of a particular fan and heatsink combo and measure the sound levels at both high (12V) and low (~5V) fan speeds, where applicable.

Omega HHSL1 Sound Meter; range 35-120 dB.	Sound Isolating Enclosure for recording acoustic samples. A monophonic mic records actual fan sounds.

Surface Roughness Comparator

The base of a heatsink plays an important role in how well the cooling apparatus interfaces with the processor. Poor surface roughness will affect a good heatsink just as much as a good surface finish will improve thermal conductivity. In an effort to put a more quantitative spin on the comments we provide about base finishes, FrostyTech uses a Surface Roughness Comparator which offers a concise cross section of common machine surface finishes. Not every heatsink base finish will fall into the envelope of this gage, but it does offer a very handy set of representations.

This commercially available gage has 22 machined surfaces from 2 to 500 microinches; Lapped (2, 4, and 8 µ" RA), Ground (8, 16, 32, and 63 µ" RA), Blanchard Ground (16 and 32 µ" RA), Shape Turned (32, 63, 125, 250, and 500 µ" RA), Profiled (63, 125, 250, and 500 µ" RA), and Milled (63, 125, 250, and 500 µ" RA).

That about covers FrostyTech's test methodologies and equipment. Results from the Mk.II Synthetic Test Platform are not comparable with those of the Mk.1.5 Platform.