BIOS Setting
We used the default PWM setting for the testing. This is the FAN-Tastic Tuning page in the ASRock Z170 Extreme4 BIOS.
Sound Level Testing
We used a standard generic digital sound level meter at 15 inches. It is important to note we used the MicroCool Banchetto 101 Chassis for testing which is an open chassis. This means you are hearing the CPU coolers fan unobstructed.
Thermal Paste
We use Arctic MX-2 for all heatsink cooler tests and in fact we use it for all builds, test or otherwise. We run the AIDA64 Engineer stability test as our burn in programme for thermal paste, which allows the paste to spread out and share the love across the mating surfaces. It is worth doing, we always notice a drop in temperatures after 30 minutes of burn in.
Ok, on with the testing.
AIDA64’s CPUID showing 4.0Ghz stock but which also has a Max Turbo Frequency of 4.2Ghz, which is enabled. Turbo is enable by default on all of our tests.
First off we have an excellent idle temperature of 25 degrees. Idle is an important measure because it gives more headroom if you have a lower baseline and it should keep components in better condition over the long run.
Under load we get to a top temperature of 69 degrees. That’s not bad for a 4.2Ghz Intel chip, and that’s after 30 minutes of a stability stress test.
The sound performance at stock speeds is also good. We measured the Antarctica for some time and during stress tests or at idle, the fan speed didn’t alter. So, there’s room for improvement, but only in how you set this cooler up.
Gelid Solutions Antarctica CPU Cooler Review
Package - 8
Performance - 8.5
Price - 8.5
Consumer Experience - 7.5
8.1
Even if it was circa £40 you would still be looking at a good performing cooler, and although it's not got the high end feel of a Noctua or a Cryorig R1 Ultimate, they will be over double the price. This is a good cooler and it has potential. If you are looking for a tall, thin heat sink with a large fan, this can be recommended.
