Evercool Transformer 3 (HPM-12025)
Dec 19th, 2011 | By ChrisThe following system configuration will be used to test the Transformer 3’s cooling capabilities:
- ASUS P5WD2
- Intel Pentium D 925 @ 3.00GHz
- Buffalo Firestix 4x1024MB @ 800MHZ
- Powerman 300w PSU
- ATI Radeon 3850 256mb
- Western Digital 500gb
- Windows 7 Home Premium
First off, the Pentium D is outdated hardware; so why did I choose it for this test? Mainly, because it runs hot. Being a dual core CPU running at 3.00GHz, with old 65nm fabrication, heat is inevitable. Using a more modern CPU, however, would run much cooler, and the heat sinks would “catch up” so to speak, and the differing performance between them wouldn’t be as substantial.
For the test, I will have the processor idle for two hours. Once the two hours are done, I will record the temperatures of the CPU core. I will then stress the CPU with two instances of SP2004 for two hours. Temperatures will be recorded again. The Transformer 3 will be tested against the following competitors:
- Evercool Transformer 4 PLUS
- OCZ Vendetta 2
- OCZ Gladiator Max
The ambient room temperature is 21 degrees Celsius
Here are the results:
At idle, all tested heat sinks manage to distribute the processors heat with ease, all managing a rough 27 or 28 degrees Celsius. While the variance is at a minimum, this is still good news and shows that the Transformer 3 can handle the heat thrown at it while idling.
Under full pressure, the Transformer 3 is only affected by a small increase of 14 degrees Celsius. The competing heat sinks performed similarly in comparison, though not as to threaten the competence of the Transformer 3, as their performance variance is minimal.
The Transformer 3 comes equipped from the factory with one 120mm fan, capable of 2200RPM. In spite of these high speeds, the singular fan is decently hushed. Any decent chassis will also drop any produced noise. With performance at an adequate level alongside acceptable noise levels, any user will get a decent chunk of both worlds.