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Evercool Formula 2 Graphics Card Cooler Conclusion
Submitted by jwhitakr on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 22:25.
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Testing and Performance
Test Setup
- Operating System: Vista Home Premium x64
- Motherboard: ECS G45-MT2
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad E6600 @ 2.40GHz
- Memory: 4GB G-Skill DDR2 6400
- CPU Heatsink: Noctua NH-C12P
- Video card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
- Hard drive: Hitachi 500GB SATA
The card we used to test the Formula 2 is an EVGA GeForce 8800GT. The original heat solution is a similar heat dispersal system that uses a single large heatsink that covers the processor and all the memory chips as well. First we tested the card with the original cooling solution by running 3DMark06 in a continuous loop for 30 minutes. We then tested the card after installing the Formula 2 and running the same test for 30 minutes.
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The temperature of the card with the original cooler, while running 3DMark06, was fluctuating between 63 and 64º C. After installing the Formula 2 and running the same test for 30 minutes, the temperature recorded was 63º showing a very slight marginal improvement in the processor temperature. However, the Formula 2 does not directly contact the memory chips and we have no way of testing the heat from the memory so it's hard to say if there is any real benefit from switching the coolers. Even the Benchmarks (shown below) were similar - showing barely if any improvement in performance.
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| Installed (Inside View) | Installed Overhead View |
Evercool Formula 2 VGA Cooler
The Evercool Formula 2 is a very cool looking cooler but after testing the waters with it, it appears the fish don't care which lure we used. The card performed virtually the same with the original cooler as it did with the upgrade. With that said, if your graphics card doesn't come with a big cooler already installed you may get a much more noticeable benefit by upgrading to the Formula 2. The problem is that most name brand cards that are compatible with the Formula 2 already come with a large cooler on them. It is only fair to say that the Formula 2 is a very quiet cooler, but for the most part so was the original cooler.
If you are building a computer mainly for show then you may also want to upgrade to the Formula 2 because it really is a nice looking cooler.
Pros: Works well, quiet, nice looking, may be better at cooling than some cards with small original coolers.
Cons: Doesn't work any better than the original cooler, not any quieter than the original cooler.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5
