Why Most Cooler Tests Are Flawed: CPU Cooler Testing Methodology

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
  • This video defines our benchmarking methodology for the next several years of CPU cooler testing, highlighting common errors made that we've solved for.
    Sponsor: Support our testing overhauls on Patreon (geni.us/wl916e) - this is a great way to help us fund staying true to our content style and focus on depth, but to also get some behind-the-scenes videos in return.
    Article/notes: www.gamersnexus.net/guides/35...
    CPU cooler testing is always flawed, in every execution, almost no matter what you do. You can solve for the many flaws created by the test bench by using dummy heaters, but then new issues of realism are introduced, and resolution of real-world impact can be lost. We've worked for 6 months to narrow-down the list of issues on test benches and, over that time, we briefly crippled ourselves with the knowledge of how inherently flawed most cooler tests on real platforms are. Our new testing approach resolves much of this, but also introduces custom-built dummy heaters that we've collaborated with an engineering firm to create. Between the refined 'real' computer test bench and the dummy heaters, we now have enough to create what we believe to be among the most accurate cooler reviews we can do. There will always be flaws in CPU cooler testing, it's just a matter of mitigating them to a point where testing becomes accurate.
    The best way to support our work is through our store: store.gamersnexus.net/
    Like our content? Please consider becoming our Patron to support us: / gamersnexus
    ** Please like, comment, and subscribe for more! **
    Links to Amazon and Newegg are typically monetized on our channel (affiliate links) and may return a commission of sales to us from the retailer. This is unrelated to the product manufacturer. Any advertisements or sponsorships are disclosed within the video ("this video is brought to you by") and above the fold in the description. We do not ever produce paid content or "sponsored content" (meaning that the content is our idea and is not funded externally aside from whatever ad placement is in the beginning) and we do not ever charge manufacturers for coverage.
    Follow us in these locations for more gaming and hardware updates:
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    Editorial, Testing: Steve Burke
    Video: Keegan Gallick, Andrew Coleman, Josh Svoboda
    Additional Research: Jake Henderson
  • เกม

ความคิดเห็น • 1.2K

  • @GamersNexus
    @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +265

    Please support our reinvestment into GamersNexus and its testing quality and accuracy via Patreon (www.patreon.com/gamersnexus ) or the GN Store (store.gamersnexus.net )
    Article accompaniment (the video and article both have some unique portions): www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3561-cpu-cooler-testing-methodology-most-tests-are-flawed

    • @BrawndoQC
      @BrawndoQC 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hey Steve, does your merch store deliver those mod mats to Mexico? I need a couple of them.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@BrawndoQC We ship internationally!

    • @TheFatCarpBaitCo
      @TheFatCarpBaitCo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      When you include meow meow cooling information for all your cooler reviews I'll sub to patreon

    • @chrisgray704
      @chrisgray704 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Any ETA on the GN Toolkit restock?

    • @KenS1267
      @KenS1267 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      With the emphasis on using the exact same hardware on every test and the demounting and remounting of the hardware so many times what are your concerns about breaking pins on the CPU?

  • @ActuallyHardcoreOverclocking
    @ActuallyHardcoreOverclocking 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1742

    and this is why I decided not to do thermal testing

    • @ziggyziggler
      @ziggyziggler 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I think I understand what you meant now...

    • @bluecollarmage4512
      @bluecollarmage4512 4 ปีที่แล้ว +84

      Coming from Buildzoid, this is a big compliment. "I cannot fucking believe you went and did it, but you did it."

    • @eggcopter
      @eggcopter 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      “Guy who performs extreme RAM overclocks states thermal testing isn’t worth it”, thus, the reason for which the cooler testing scene is comparatively poor

    • @bryansuh1985
      @bryansuh1985 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      But you dooooo. Margin of error 1C meh good enough. XD

    • @user-yv2cz8oj1k
      @user-yv2cz8oj1k 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Well it either works or if doesn't, if it melts you probably went too far. 🤣

  • @Diamonddogusa
    @Diamonddogusa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1293

    Just don't see this level of professionalism anywhere else.

    • @WatashiwaToyotaHondadesudesu
      @WatashiwaToyotaHondadesudesu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      try studying physics, this brings me back to those days

    • @bernardodepadua
      @bernardodepadua 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      rtings.com does amazing testing as well. Their TV testing is miles beyond anyone else. Unfortunately not a lot of PC stuff yet (they are just starting on keyboards and mice). It would be awesome if Gamers Nexus could create a similar exhaustive database of cooler and case reviews (and more, certainly), I'm sure everyone in the industry will send them their stuff.

    • @bernardodepadua
      @bernardodepadua 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      and techpowerup is decent.

    • @alirahmati8309
      @alirahmati8309 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@deminybs agreed

    • @user-yv2cz8oj1k
      @user-yv2cz8oj1k 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Physics, real engineering, medical lab work, food science research into micro organisms. There's lots of professionalism out there, it just seems to end with PC manufacturers.

  • @mkl0011
    @mkl0011 4 ปีที่แล้ว +925

    6:30 "And expect a lot of cooler content in the next couple of weeks"
    I mean, your content is pretty cool already imo

    • @SLEEPYJK
      @SLEEPYJK 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      🙄

    • @julianangell342
      @julianangell342 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      *audible groan*

    • @brothergrimaldus3836
      @brothergrimaldus3836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Cute...

    • @djpob
      @djpob 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      Are you sure you used the correct methodology to measure the coolness of their content?

    • @grizzly6699
      @grizzly6699 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@djpob GN approved coolness methods are pretty hard to find

  • @ramonrodriguez6765
    @ramonrodriguez6765 4 ปีที่แล้ว +175

    Gamers Nexus year 2050: "We now have complete control of weather globably so external temps should be more steady and while not perfect the data should be a bit more accurate"

  • @terr1ble817
    @terr1ble817 4 ปีที่แล้ว +484

    A large part of my job is testing equipment for the military. I feel like I just had my job explained me by someone who doesn't work there, and still understands it way better than me. Outstanding explanation.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +155

      Glad to hear that the same concerns of not trusting any software or hardware persists in all industries!

    • @user-yv2cz8oj1k
      @user-yv2cz8oj1k 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Oddly if you want to find better methods then talk to someone who is in the fields of medical or food science based lab work studying organisms like listeria monocytogenes. They have to control temperatures quite accurately.

    • @hitempguy
      @hitempguy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I work in research, this is why it is so necessary to know the test setup when evaluating results. Anytime anyone presents me with "new research indicates x" it always brings skepticism on my part. Good job Gamers Nexus!

    • @mjs1231
      @mjs1231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      These guys should be contracted. I mean my god. I have been a viewer for a long time. Sure they joke but no one else on the planet goes into this lvl of depth on a consistent basis.

    • @atomkinder67
      @atomkinder67 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@GamersNexus it seems as though y'all are starting the deep dive into metrology. Welcome to the depths.

  • @jubuttib
    @jubuttib 4 ปีที่แล้ว +538

    I just want to say that I personally appreciate immensely the lengths to which you guys go to produce actual, reproducible and accurate data. In the last month I've looked at 6 reviews of a cooler, 1 of which put it ahead of the D15, 1 of which put it behind the D15, and 4 of which put it at about equal to the D15. This is VERY CLEARLY NOT A SIMPLE THING TO TEST FOR, and I applaud you for taking the Noctua approach.
    By which I mean: Noctua hasn't put out a new top of the line cooler since 2014, because they didn't feel like they could scientifically justify that they'd come up with an ACTUAL upgrade. The marketing department could have EASILY come up with at least 4 new coolers in the meantime, much like how many other manufacturers have. Now whether you actually buy Noctua's claims or not, the fact that they haven't introduced a new top of the line cooler since 2014 tells you something about how much they believe in their OWN product. (How many other companies outright tell you that they've worked on a fan design for 4 years, and are going to need at least 2 years more to make it perfect?)
    And you originally said you'd come back to cooler reviews years ago, yet didn't actually feel comfortable enough to do it until now, years later, tells me that you're not just trying to pull in views. This to me says that you want to actually do things right, rather than just push out numbers to boost your views. And for that I thank you.

    • @WinterCharmVT
      @WinterCharmVT 4 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      1000000% this.
      THIS is why I trust GamersNexus above all else when it comes to hardware... Making actually reliable, reproducible data for something is NOT easy... and data quality is just not a thing you can hand wave to create. It takes a ton of know-how to do it right.

    • @Mr.Morden
      @Mr.Morden 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unfortunately this testing still does not account for die size and location.

    • @Bluth53
      @Bluth53 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Mr.Morden reading in between the lines, I assume it will be! Other it would be a shame - but I doubt it.

    • @tanmaypanadi1414
      @tanmaypanadi1414 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Mr.Morden well that is accounted with the test where GN does the cooler mounting pressure and contact .
      And if the cooler is mounted on Intel or and I understand the die size and location are different interms of monolithic and chiplet design but the coolers are not made Intel or AMD specific they are compatible

    • @Allyouknow5820
      @Allyouknow5820 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      AMEN

  • @SLEEPYJK
    @SLEEPYJK 4 ปีที่แล้ว +680

    I have a feeling that GN will be the company that most other companies and channels will start to go to for the true stats of products moving forward. It could even be a situation when people do reviews that they use a term like "Gamers Nexus Testings has found ...... " to report true validity in the numbers they cite.
    Super in depth and obviously alot of work goes into it.

    • @JamesErath
      @JamesErath 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      You say that like it isn't already. Between GN and Buildzoid, this is the place I go and send others when I/they have a question.

    • @hetznaz7902
      @hetznaz7902 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      @@JamesErath You don't see companies like Nvidia, Intel, AMD, TheVerge, LMG, etc saying "Go to buildzoid and/or GN", or "GN found this:", which is what hes saying. Yes WE say go to GN or buildzoid, but companies themselves do not

    • @samuelevans5750
      @samuelevans5750 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Theres so much fake news out there. Thats why I dont trust Jay in temps because of where hes from.

    • @mjc0961
      @mjc0961 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Except Tom's Hardware, who will do an obviously invalid test and then call GN liars and trolls.

    • @thelegendaryklobb2879
      @thelegendaryklobb2879 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@mjc0961 That's Hardware Unboxed, not GN

  • @Ughmahedhurtz
    @Ughmahedhurtz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    1:37 As a 25-year QA professional, this statement is accurate just about everywhere. Especially in software. Trust, but verify. Log everything. And remember: the translation programs work *FOR* the Matrix. ;)

    • @TristanSchaaf
      @TristanSchaaf 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I've done software QA for 1 year, and yeah. Everything behaves differently all the time, on every machine, and the same machine.
      God it could annoy the devs :D

  • @agenericaccount3935
    @agenericaccount3935 4 ปีที่แล้ว +116

    Pretty damn superb. You might just be the first creator to win patreon dollars from me. Not for my own benefit. I kind of own the stuff I need to own and won't be buying for a few years. But this content is invaluable to new members of the community, and that I support wholly.
    Just never buy a teleprompter K. Ad hoc/page shuffling Steve is best Steve.

    • @MajorETX
      @MajorETX 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      same here i never considered patreon until this video. i will pay for this kind of content

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +52

      Ha! I feel like the page shuffling helps me think a lot. We tried a teleprompter before and it really didn't work well with how I go off script!

    • @marklamutt
      @marklamutt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Steve and crew were the first Patreon support I ever offered to creators. Been a proud Patreon for more than 2 years now, and it's exactly because of content like this that no one else in the techtube industry does. Steve and Tim at Hardware Unboxed come close a lot of the time, but GN will always be king of kings because of TechJesus!

    • @jasonoutman420
      @jasonoutman420 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tim is great for monitor reviews

  • @radicalxedward8047
    @radicalxedward8047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    His point at the beginning reminds me of this effect in people where they’ll read news about something they’re an expert in (like cpu coolers) and see just how badly the media gets it wrong or outright lies, then they’ll turn the page to something they’re not an expert in and be like “oh how interesting, I never knew that” forgetting how bad the last page was.

    • @TheBrothergreen
      @TheBrothergreen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      95% of the time, when you have an armchair expert who thinks they've caught "the media" lying, or even misreporting, it's a better example of the dunning Kruger effect than it is anything else. It's kindof like seeing penises. If you think you see them everywhere, then chances are, you're the one with the problem.

    • @alfred0231
      @alfred0231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@TheBrothergreen Your 2nd and 3rd sentences are not strongly related to the 1st, but stated as if they were.
      I also disagree with your 1st sentence, there are many examples of media/news outlets making overreaching conclusions from scientific papers. In this case it would be the reporters suffering from Dunning Kruger effect.
      Example: Chocolate is healthy - io9.gizmodo.com/i-fooled-millions-into-thinking-chocolate-helps-weight-1707251800
      Your 1st sentence is valid reasoning, however it seems to not be true.

    • @TheBrothergreen
      @TheBrothergreen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@alfred0231 "there are many examples of media/news outlets making overreaching conclusions from scientific papers."
      and there are many, many, many more examples of them A) reporting the science accurately and B) getting someone who knows the science to report the science.
      Furthermore, this is a cherrypicked situation that does not extrapolate to justify the OP's original assertion.
      Also, Also, your example fails to even support your premise, let alone the OP's... but no need to dig up another one, I'll readily concede that "the media" is a sensationalist hyperbole machine, but mindlessly repeating the "fake news" mantra is no better than mindlessly believing that a single study proves that chocolate is the cure to weight gain.

    • @radicalxedward8047
      @radicalxedward8047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      TheBrothergreen
      Maybe in some specific areas, but with general news and politics, absolutely not. Journalist make massive errors all the time.

    • @radicalxedward8047
      @radicalxedward8047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      TheBrothergreen like just yesterday msnbc said Bloomberg could have given every American $1million dollars instead of spending $500 m on ads.... with 330m people in America that’s like $1.50 per person.

  • @arclyte1859
    @arclyte1859 4 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I just love the dedication of Tech Jesus and his crew. I don’t even think some manufacturers do as much or accurate testing.

  • @jubthreesixnine688
    @jubthreesixnine688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    Actually been waiting for someone outside of the manufacturers testing departments to publicly review without bias, love that many companies get cranky when they are called out too,
    Carry on GN Jesus.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      None of this means beans. The only thing that matters is the temperature you can manage to achieve.

    • @somebrains5431
      @somebrains5431 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm surprised Consumer Reports didn't tackle this years ago.

    • @jubthreesixnine688
      @jubthreesixnine688 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think it's funny when anyone gets mad when they are called out for misleading or straight out lies,
      This process will make the creators more diligent about their products, it can only lead to good things in the end.

  • @GobblesPlays
    @GobblesPlays 4 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    Dude I just want to say how much I appreciate the depth and quality of GNs testing and methodology. In a climate of surface level, entertainment focused content, you guys shine so bright and I appreciate the hell out of your work.

  • @Stray_Spectre
    @Stray_Spectre 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Your dedication to accuracy is unparalleled. As someone who uses an off the shelf mid grade computer to play The Sims and browse memes, I constantly find myself watching your content just because you make it interesting, and go the extra mile to be thorough and precise with your data, and I appreciate that. Good stuff.

    • @depth386
      @depth386 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sanya V. Litvyak You haven’t lived until you have built your own system. Even if it’s a budget rig of around $700 USD with a Ryzen 5 2600 and 1660 Super

  • @XanthusKidd
    @XanthusKidd 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    18:06 STRICKEN
    +1 for verbiage that peaked in usage around 1900

  • @yenchieng
    @yenchieng 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Steve’s frustration on this topic really cuts through in this video 😂

  • @bjorksven
    @bjorksven 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As a physicist, I really applaud your efforts towards becoming more scientific in your approach to basically everything. Keep up the good work, and keep improving your methods as you discover better ways to do things, that's how to do stuff properly!

  • @Saxie81
    @Saxie81 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I really love these methodology explanation vids. You guys are so thorough.

  • @williammurdock3028
    @williammurdock3028 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Probably up there as one of your best videos to date. This was laid out and explained in a very detailed way, and a very good job. I'm looking forward to up coming Air Cooling reviews. Thanks for the detailed facts to back up the content.

  • @MorcegoSb
    @MorcegoSb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    THIS is why if I want to know more about a product, first I'll search here on your channel, and if I don't find any, then Google. If you guys have a review, a trust it more than any other media out there.
    Outstanding work!

  • @OneDollaBill
    @OneDollaBill 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Components, Cases and Coolers. This is the best channel for most in depth reviews tbh. You guys really spend a lot of hours in to testing all the stuff.
    Thanks for all the work you guys do really!

  • @captianmorgan7627
    @captianmorgan7627 4 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    I can't wait to see more about that heater. --- Words I'd never think I'd say.

  • @SteelSkin667
    @SteelSkin667 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Awesome stuff. I remember reading a (probably now defunct) website in like 2005 or so that also used a very similar test methodology with a dummy load for testing coolers, mostly for testing watercooling stuff (I'm talking early stuff like the original Nexxos XP or the 1A-SL2 blocks), but also some phase-change gear. Tower coolers weren't a thing at the time.
    Even though real-life figures can be interesting as a point of reference, I've always wondered why nobody else had that kind of approach as this is just the best way to approach things and really compare cooling solutions 'apples to apples'.
    Between this and your power supply test bench, it's refreshing to see a more rigorous 'engineer-y' approach to testing components.
    As an aside, the only things an end user should really care about rather than actual temperatures are whether their hardware is thermal throttling, and whether the cooler is being subjectively loud.

  • @betz8733
    @betz8733 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Random yt channel: "so, here's the results of our testing of this CPU cooler"
    GN Steve: "You are a fool and a waste of time"

  • @Termiux
    @Termiux 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm so glad there is someone on the tech community that goes to all this trouble to produce proper data, kudos to you guys!

  • @bubbaattack
    @bubbaattack 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is amazing. I'm shocked at just how much data you have collected. Also how much other videos could be invalid. Thank you for doing so much work. The PC space as a whole thanks you.

  • @playmaka2007
    @playmaka2007 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You accuracy and meticulous attention to detail is astounding. Great work!

  • @charlesballiet7074
    @charlesballiet7074 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    cant wait to see you test the IceGiant as was shown on ltt when the production model comes to market

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +52

      We have requested a production unit! We decided not to work with the prototype and to just wait for the final product for review.

    • @logan9334
      @logan9334 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@GamersNexus I'm hoping it lives up to the claims because that would be awesome but I think it might be a gimmick

  • @osgrov
    @osgrov 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The day has finally come! I am very excited to take part of your results going forward.
    This might not be too sexy content, but bloody hell is it necessary or is it.. Literally noone has tested coolers like it matters, ever.
    Kudos in advance, and I'll impatiently await the testing. I'll stop by Patreon while I wait.

  • @Bluth53
    @Bluth53 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So needed and yet wonderful to see finally being established. Looking forward to further details in articles and video 🤩
    I apologize for the fact, that I haven't been supporting you financially - until now!

  • @jehannes1000
    @jehannes1000 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    love your work and you guys have basically been the reviewers that i check other reviews against for a few years now, keep up the good work

  • @itsthatYEStoogoodguy
    @itsthatYEStoogoodguy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    I trust Noctua more than myself.

    • @auturgicflosculator2183
      @auturgicflosculator2183 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      I trust them to make the ugliest fans in existence. Good thing I never look inside my PC. :P

    • @Sethinnol
      @Sethinnol 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      I fail all the time, but Noctua has never failed me

    • @williamforbes6919
      @williamforbes6919 4 ปีที่แล้ว +71

      Noctua, the only company to make beige and brown a status symbol in a looks and RGB oriented industry.

    • @AIlSystemsGo
      @AIlSystemsGo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      John They make black ones now

    • @VakmanCA
      @VakmanCA 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed. Problem is that you cannot always trust some motherboards to not drop power to the fan.

  • @majoriteten
    @majoriteten 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Please do a "You can't trust auto - that's bad!"-tshirt.. hahaha

  • @Muffinman121
    @Muffinman121 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Smashing the like button so hard.
    The past week I was looking for an air cooler and went through your videos, web page and more and after that I finally gave up as your numbers are the only ones I would trust for something like this 😅
    Looking so much forward to seeing the high end air coolers like NH-D15,, 15S, D14 Dark rock pro 4 etc. battle it out.
    For some reason I find your thermal testing interesting and almost soothing, even if I don't need e.g. a case or similar, keep up the good work 😊

  • @Speedycat
    @Speedycat 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    At my old Job i used to do Testing on Contactors, Relays, Switches etc. (worked at a Manufactor of those things). One of the Test's i've done was "Temperature Rise" according to UL and IEC Norms (equip Part with Thermalcouples at all the necessary points and run it on max. Specced Current for a long time and record Time, Amps, Volts, Ambient and every component Temp over a bunch of samples and make fancy graphs and excel sheets with it)
    I gotta say your testing is very Professional!

  • @Hezzadude12
    @Hezzadude12 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Steve and the GN team are literally setting damn industry standards here. In an industry full of BS and “marketing puffery” I’m so glad I can rely on this channel to always get things right. And Steve you have the hardest attitude towards selling out, like even rejecting those executive dinners at tech events. It’s incredible! Love the content!

  • @ekksoku
    @ekksoku 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This sort of stuff is my favourite content. So while I may be a minority of your viewers, I really appreciate videos like this.

  • @MikeSheen1972
    @MikeSheen1972 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    After watching your vids for almost a year now, this was the one that made me subscribe. Excellent content and I'm impressed with the effort you've put in to reliably and accurately measure cooler performance. Worthy of a doctorate - well done!

  • @DarkestHourProductions
    @DarkestHourProductions 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    There's not a single place online where anyone goes into the massive thoroughness that you do. As an enthusiast who loves drilling into the details, it's greatly appreciated.

  • @TazoLatte
    @TazoLatte 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I watched this entire thing and really I'm just blown away at basically inventing cooler standard testing

  • @nommindymple6241
    @nommindymple6241 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    You know, if you ever head back to school (University), the processes you're coming up with and the data you've collected would make a really good PhD thesis.

    • @connor040606
      @connor040606 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      nommindymple school! Your joking right?

    • @WatashiwaToyotaHondadesudesu
      @WatashiwaToyotaHondadesudesu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      you usually collect large amounts of data and ensure the quality of that data is accurate when conducting a study. the data here is only interesting for consumer reasons and brand integrity, wouldnt say it would be worth much in school but the way he conducts the data collection shows that he did ok in school at least.

    • @anirudhverma9508
      @anirudhverma9508 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      10 / 10 comment, I don't really care for merch but I would subscribe to Patreon and buy shirts and mod mats if it meant Steve getting a PhD

  • @SamichHunter
    @SamichHunter 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a former technician from the manufacturing world it is SO nice to see things done right! I know you put a LOT of resources into your testing methodologies in all areas that you test for. IT IS APPRECIATED!! Thank you Steve and crew. I look forward to seeing the results of your labor.
    JT

  • @ale-lp
    @ale-lp 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I knew you guys put a lot of effort in testing, but I didn't think it was this deep and precise. This team is just the best of the best!
    Also, it's amazing that you share all this methodology and techniques with everyone, thanks a lot!

  • @chrisgray704
    @chrisgray704 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    This is exactly why i love Gamers Nexus. So thorough. Much science!

  • @PCGHX
    @PCGHX 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was suprised u never tested a scythe cooler?! Would love to see a test from you; especially as it is not trivial!

  • @skotadism0s
    @skotadism0s 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great stuff, nice to see such a comprehensive methodology and a test box again, haven't really seen one since the early 2000's before the days of youtube from a site long gone...Back then we were using car heater radiators with custom made shrouds and blocks here in Greece at least. I used such a setup to cool a thoroughbred B back in the day, it was so funny the petshop employee's face every time i went and asked to buy a new water pump (they broke often back then) the employee would ask the aquariums size and i was like no it's to cool a computer.
    I would like to see a mugen 5 tested its a great vfm cooler with very good performance.

  • @parlmc
    @parlmc 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    definitely RESPECT for the depth you all go for the sake of proper testing.
    thank you. For real!

  • @scottyhaines4226
    @scottyhaines4226 4 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    This should be called "Why our data is good and everyone else's sucks."

    • @Acre00
      @Acre00 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      "Why all data sucks, but ours sucks less than yours"

    • @levyroth
      @levyroth 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      This should be called "Why our data is made up in a lab and no one can verify our conclusions".

    • @dnmr
      @dnmr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@levyroth that's actually just regular academic research

    • @OmniMontel
      @OmniMontel 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @mister.T Jr save that tesla would regularly base his claims for something on the rare occasion it worked in the best way he hoped. Others couldn't regularly repeat his outcomes.

    • @depth386
      @depth386 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      David Whitfield Okay but he does another test too... I can’t remember if it’s Max or Auto out-of-the-box but you’re literally complaining about one chart when every video has at least 3 charts and these days it’s often 5+

  • @Spartan536
    @Spartan536 4 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    You are about to make Tom's Hardware very upset, they might even call you a liar and a troll for something like this.

    • @DeBerjeuh
      @DeBerjeuh 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really, I figured they where reasonably trustworthy?

    • @aa-vb9tj
      @aa-vb9tj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      @@DeBerjeuh they have recently been thrown into the "iffy, keep an eye on them" category.

    • @dnmr
      @dnmr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      wait until you see Tom's Software

    • @garrickjacobson5752
      @garrickjacobson5752 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      How could anyone ever forget Tom's "Just Buy It!" Hardware.

    • @aa-vb9tj
      @aa-vb9tj 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@garrickjacobson5752 exactly!

  • @linkdude64
    @linkdude64 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Subbed to Patreon just for this video - you guys are taking it to the next level.

  • @robertswain278
    @robertswain278 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank for your dedication and attention to detail in your methodology. Great work!

  • @j.stephenbrown
    @j.stephenbrown 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    "I just wanted to know which cooler you recommend, man..."

  • @monkeyplayer1
    @monkeyplayer1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just use the hot plate to compare them. I don’t think people care about real world because even if you make the same mistakes with different coolers in the real world, you should still get a similar difference compared to a perfect scientific test using the hot plate

  • @gamerboss13
    @gamerboss13 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is incredibly important and underrated work you're doing. Thank you for your incredible diligence and attention to detail.

  • @Phat_Plants
    @Phat_Plants 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    love to see how ethical you guys are on your reviews and how nothing is left to chance
    keep up the good work

  • @TiagoMorbusSa
    @TiagoMorbusSa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I trust Gamers Nexus...

    • @blitzhacker6981
      @blitzhacker6981 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What? You mean not 'JUST BUY IT' ? :)

    • @tresnugget
      @tresnugget 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @El DIABLO every GPU review I've seen on this channel has been very in depth

    • @weskerend507
      @weskerend507 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Trust no one.

    • @jyuppiter4540
      @jyuppiter4540 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Aspartame69 low quality bait. Try again

    • @NightKev
      @NightKev 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Aspartame69 Your dislike of GN (and their audience) is very evident, so why are you here watching and commenting on their videos?

  • @jakenorthand1755
    @jakenorthand1755 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’m glad someone else feels my pain. I did a lot of thermal resistance testing and ended up testing cooler designs at ~10 different power levels, dealing with linear regressions and other fun aspects of cooler testing.

  • @thetargos
    @thetargos 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve, you and your team really deserve all my respect.
    The methdology you put into testing, and this particular topic which has so many variables, and in the end usually translates into perceived performance is essential not only for us nerds and geeks who are passionate about PCs, but also to manufacturers of both the products you test and feature, and for those doing system's integration and building.
    The degree (pun intended) of attention to details so to avoid the dreaded bias, with emphasis in reproducibility and automation to the greatest extent and the lengths you have gone in order to produce such... Hat's off to you, Sir. I'm eager to see more content on this topic espcially using that "dummy heater", which is... mind blowing (every cooler manufacturer I suppose has their own version of one or similar?). At any rate, kudos.
    Keep it up, you find ways to amaze us every time you post out a new video (even if it is only to tell the "news")
    PS: I bet many universities will "borrow" methodology from your tests (and do not mean thermals only, but in general).

  • @davybloggs1564
    @davybloggs1564 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like several others here, this video made me decide to become a patreon - SUPERB work. I come from an R&D Engineering background (IC engines of all types/sizes) and know how important repeatability is. To be able to control things is key, so that box you had made, made me sit up, as it is the only way to control temps, repeatably and accurately. Fantasic work Steve.

  • @TechyBen
    @TechyBen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "We want to consistently test CPU coolers"
    Windows 10 update has entered the chat:

  • @steggs69
    @steggs69 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I've assumed NO ONE was going to use a standard heat source due to it being too difficult. Wow, GN, just wow.

    • @jubuttib
      @jubuttib 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Honestly, I kinda expected more people to use a standard heat source due to it being easier, but less "real world".

    • @aaronthomas6155
      @aaronthomas6155 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most sites use CPUs to test CPU coolers because it's a real-world scenario..... If we want to see testing conducted by a lab under ideal conditions, we can look at marketing material.

    • @jubuttib
      @jubuttib 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@aaronthomas6155/videos Those tests still exist (and from the sounds of it GN still means to include those in their tests?), but if the idea is to compare the effectiveness of coolers, normalizing things as well as possible makes sense. If running a real CPU causes run to run variance that can jump around by multiple degrees depending on random and/or uncontrollable ephemeral conditions, how well can you trust those tests? Having a guaranteed steady heat load, then seeing how well it can be dissipated, makes sense for being part of a cooler test.

    • @jubuttib
      @jubuttib 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@aaronthomas6155/videos OK, confirmed: If you check out the GNSteve channel extra video, he outright states that the dummy heater isn't replacing the real world test bench, it's supplementing it.

  • @NDakota79
    @NDakota79 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Incredible Content! You guys really drive test methodology forward.

  • @purplegill10
    @purplegill10 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, THANK YOU for this. This was a joy from start to finish seeing how motivated, focused, and most importantly passionate about tech and accuracy you guys are. I can't wait to see more cooler stuff

  • @radicalxedward8047
    @radicalxedward8047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    8:55 if you need to use the same exact hardware for every test, what happens when a component dies or is damaged?
    How do you compensate for the differences of a new part? Do you just retest coolers and then just factor in the difference?

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Step 1: Hope it doesn't die
      Step 2: Buy a box of replacements and individually test them all against known data, then see if any of them replicate the results within an acceptable margin
      Step 3: Adjust margins if so (for example, maybe you go from +/- 0.5C to +/- 1.0C), otherwise, begin arduous process of retesting everything!

    • @radicalxedward8047
      @radicalxedward8047 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Gamers Nexus
      Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. (Sorry there’s so many).
      If you guys aren’t planning to, maybe I can go through some comments before there’s too many and put together an FAQ of viewer questions you answer.

    • @cocaine_is_a_hell_of_drug765
      @cocaine_is_a_hell_of_drug765 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@GamersNexus
      How do you account for hardware degradation over time?

    • @matheuswohl
      @matheuswohl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cocaine_is_a_hell_of_drug765 I'm curious about that too but I imagine they'll end up doing sanity check tests with known hardware/coolers and compare with old data to account for discrepancies and degradation

    • @niter43
      @niter43 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@cocaine_is_a_hell_of_drug765 how hardware degradation (what in particular you're referring?) would end up in different temperatures? Without changing consumed power, because it's measured/being monitored?

  • @bluecollarmage4512
    @bluecollarmage4512 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I wish we had this back in the early '00s when things started to get crazy. We've been going off of BS numbers for 20 years.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And you're still going off BS numbers. Unless you have Steve come to your house and measure the temperature you're getting. Because in the end that's all that really matters.

    • @aaronthomas6155
      @aaronthomas6155 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's impossible for a CPU cooler review to be completely accurate. To get completely accurate results, you have to test on every compatible CPU, on every compatible motherboard, with every compatible UEFI/BIOS release, in every enclosure, with every possible fan configuration. Throwing a CPU cooler on an open air test bench, produces inaccurate results. Throwing a CPU cooler on a stand-alone heater, produces inaccurate results. Removing variables, does not produce accurate results, because those variables have a direct affect on the final data set.....which is the data set created by the user in real-world usage. Just because a CPU cooler produces the best results on a stand-alone heater, doesn't mean it will be capable of adequately cooling a CPU in any particular enclosure.
      If you want real-world applicable results, you test in real-world scenarios. Trying to control every single possible aspect of a test, does not produce accurate results. In real world usage, voltages fluctuate. In real-world usage, fan RPM fluctuates. In real-world usage, temperatures fluctuate. By trying to remove such variables, your data sets become useless. Most of us aren't looking for "perfect world" test results. We want "real-world" applicable results. To that end, I'll continue looking at reviews from sites and channels that do "real-world" oriented testing.

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@aaronthomas6155 introducing variables is not the way to increase test accuracy. CPUs themselves are not very reliable heating elements either. We know they make heat. There's just too many variables that determine how much heat they dissipate though. You're way better off with a simple heating element if you want to measure cooler heat dissipation.

  • @oamdrab
    @oamdrab 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just amazing! You say that this content isn't exciting but it really is. I don't see anyone else putting in the amount of effort that everyone there has to properly benchmark coolers. The key word there is "properly"! I can't wait to see the review videos and know that I can finally trust the results.

  • @ChaosShadow00x
    @ChaosShadow00x 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not gana lie, I really liked seeing and learning about the extensive measures you guys go through to ensure proper and accurate data on such a volatile and difficult thing. I've only fussed a little with doing my own testing and realized there was so many variables, so thank you and good job taking the time to break it down and work out how to control them as best as humanly possible! Keep up the good fight against misinformation!

  • @fatman2876
    @fatman2876 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ever tried graphite thermal pads instead of thermal paste? For more constant repeated mounting of coolers.

    • @ModrunOfficial
      @ModrunOfficial 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      guessing based on bad memory here but...
      pretty sure those work worse than paste so itd end up looking worse and not being somewhat similar to what a consumer would be getting

  • @Drakeziel
    @Drakeziel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    For a moment there, I thought you had a box that could theoretically show cooling performance, from any given heatsink and or cooler based on the TDP specifications of computer processors!

    • @levyroth
      @levyroth 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that would've been actually useful.

    • @vilisinerva6476
      @vilisinerva6476 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@levyroth That could be useful if the TDP numbers actually had anything to do with power consumption.

  • @danielhowell8150
    @danielhowell8150 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ty for all your videos. Your videos are always grounded in facts backed by testing. Your a very good source of information. Your videos have definitly saved me lots of time and money. Ty for doing such a good job. Keep it up👍

  • @Kitkat5335
    @Kitkat5335 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll be looking forward to what you find during your testing, seems very interesting and indepth to say the least.

  • @biggie_tea
    @biggie_tea 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is why I love GN. I'm a physics student and i feel like even in this field sometimes the testing isn't done to the level you guys do it. Hats off

  • @glaurung89
    @glaurung89 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is arguable the closest I've seen anyone get to a college level test methodology breakdown outside of a actual school. I've listen to many college lectures and this is one of the few dissertations that made my brain hurt just trying to process it all. If some of your videos aren't used in computer classes i would be surprised. Well advanced classes, with tech quickie for the beginner cause yours take some prior knowledge to process sometimes.

    • @giann3021
      @giann3021 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      glaurung89 same feeling. It totally sounds like he’s reading a physics lab report. Great use of language too.

  • @LeonMatthews
    @LeonMatthews 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video convinced me to become a patreon of the channel. Awesome work, love to see this level of rigor!

  • @meltingblaze3406
    @meltingblaze3406 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Already my fav tech channel decided to be my ONLY channel for cooler reviews. nice! and well done!

  • @suiton20
    @suiton20 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    At some point, Steve will find out how to escape the matrix. He has gone down the rabbit hole.

  • @hhectorlector
    @hhectorlector 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Usually when someone says “everyone is lying but us” I’m skeptical.. when GN says it I worry for my wallet 😒

  • @adamc8409
    @adamc8409 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Solid information! I always love videos like this that I can learn a lot.

  • @AmxDude1969
    @AmxDude1969 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have earned another subscriber because of this video. Your sheer dedication is astonishing. Well done.

  • @charlesballiet7074
    @charlesballiet7074 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Oh Yea Ive been waiting this for so long Thank you Steve and co. stay as cool as your thermal solutions in this time of epidemic

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks! Trip is going great so far. We've been waiting to work on this for years!

  • @ferndelisle
    @ferndelisle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Paste aging and inconsistency - use a carbonaut pad instead?

  • @jeremywillis4124
    @jeremywillis4124 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This! This is why I respect nearly every single thought and opinion (and fact) that comes from this channel. You guys go above and beyond to not just deliver accurate data and results but go above and beyond to make sure we, the audience, understand the methods used. Please know that it is tremendously appreciated...

  • @HazewinDog
    @HazewinDog 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very excited for this! It's really difficult to make sense of data out there, knowing of all the flaws and how things cannot be compared so easily.
    I hope to see GN style fan testing as well :)

  • @akyer8085
    @akyer8085 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    No one is cooler than Tech Jesus himself
    Even though he may be running 95 degrees C internally

    • @SonGoku-97
      @SonGoku-97 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@Ziv Zulander he keeps it longer to increase surface area

    • @jdchen003
      @jdchen003 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      He might be running 95C internally, but I would hope no one would place a thermocouple in him to find out...

  • @fightocondria
    @fightocondria 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "People want to see real world data" Sure, I want to see it validated against real world data, but I'm much more interested in that heater and the numbers it would produce. I'd trust that far more than seeing "real world data"

  • @JohnnyD0518
    @JohnnyD0518 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow. Awesome coverage. Looking forward to the upcoming cooler coverage. When you going to start waterblock testing?????????

  • @LordWanFu
    @LordWanFu 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    AWESOME!! Glad to see you guys turn your level of attention to detail towards cpu coolers! I can't wait for the deluge of reviews! =D

  • @stiimuli
    @stiimuli 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    the science is strong in this one

  • @EnvAdam
    @EnvAdam 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    OOOO I look forward to more of this

  • @MM-ge2lc
    @MM-ge2lc 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    At 1:35; so kinda like the Dunning-Kruger effect of CPU Coolers. Thanks GN for the deep dive, that's why I love you guys.

  • @swampythang7182
    @swampythang7182 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The level of dedication Steve and his team has is absolutely incredible. You guys love your craft and work hard as hell to refine it. Kudos to you guys! Great work!

  • @DualityV2_
    @DualityV2_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    took him 33mins to tell us, "Hey guys look at my new toy!" LOL

    • @somebrains5431
      @somebrains5431 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      If it was bz 4hrs on stream would have elapsed before he blurts out his choices based on use case and cost tier.

  • @ledgeri
    @ledgeri 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I hope we get a good PSU testing as well in this decade.... based on how long/much this refined...
    Also, since now thermal-paste testing is awaible as well--- i guess...

  • @magottyk
    @magottyk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One rarely (mostly never) reported set of numbers is a coolers saturation curve. Most tests are done with at most three data points, idle, stock and overclocked. Each point representing a wattage range through inconsistencies. I've seen results where a 96mm three pipe cooler outperformed a popular 4 pipe 120mm cooler, but the references stopped at full load stock (95W). What wasn't considered was the saturation points of the coolers and the fact that after that point the 96mm three pipe cooler turned to shite thereafter.
    Each cooler will have a thermal curve that will vary depending on the wattage being dissipated, a useful graph would be data points of performance in the temperature delta at an even rise in wattage, e.g idle 65W +20W per data point up to saturation or on up to 265W if capable. Coolers that perform closely should show variance at each data point, this gives the end user information that gets close to their particular use case as they can see the performance at the wattage they're likely to peak at, be that 95W, 125W .... or 180W or greater. It'd also make a nice comparative line graph from idle to insane power draws.

  • @unclerubo
    @unclerubo 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the reasons why I'm subscribed to this channel. The level of thoroughness is outstanding!

  • @Thedrunkautist
    @Thedrunkautist 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    After all this Tom's Hardware will still accuse you of lying and just tell us to buy it now.

  • @sonicbroom8522
    @sonicbroom8522 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Invalid results. You failed to take into account:
    1. The current Moon phase
    2. Your cat's voltage level
    3. Whether you have your hair in front of, or behind your shoulder(s)
    4. My feelings
    5. The median price of chicken tenders
    I expected better Steve.

  • @willhartsell2283
    @willhartsell2283 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I dig this content. Appreciate your efforts to break it down and bring clarity

  • @jamesonnorth
    @jamesonnorth 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Every video I see is packed with good data, and I really appreciate it compared to the hype videos on so many other channels. Thanks for your hard work, fairness, consistency, and professionalism.