CPU Cooler Round Up – Intel Quad Core Tested

The Results

First, we will look at the stock Q6600 temps. At idle the ZEROtherm NV-120 takes the lead at approximately 14 degrees cooler than stock. In second place is the Noctua NH-U12P, and in a close third place is surprisingly my old Zalman CNPS9700LED.

Under full load, however, the Noctua NH-U12P is the winner — only beating the NV-120 by a very narrow margin. Still, both coolers come in a whopping 20 degrees cooler than stock!