Adam Novagen
These are, by far, the best CPU cooler I have ever seen for this price, and I've gone through about a dozen different kinds over the years.The heatsink is solidly made and feels very sturdy, and cable is a high-quality braided sleeve, not just three cheap little wires flailing around loosely. The fan is unbelievably quiet, too, for something that performs this well; more on that later.These aren't just a simple heatsink package; Cryorig also provides you a copious amount of thermal paste, and a solid steel tool for tightening the hex nuts on the rear mounting plate. Installation is, for that matter, extremely easy, assuming you read the provided directions (which include QR codes for video demonstrations), and while the bracket defaults to the Intel LGA configuration it can be quickly converted to the AMD configuration by simply moving one screw and the mounting nut on each arm.For performance: this cooler has been tested on an i5-4690 four-core CPU in a cramped, 2U rackmount chassis with about half an inch of clearance over the CPU cooler, not even an inch away from cheap RAM with no heatsink on a Micro ATX motherboard; in other words, a high-end CPU in a VERY unfriendly environment. Initially, I used the stock Intel cooler on the CPU, thinking that would be sufficient; hah, there's a good joke. Testing the CPU under Prime95 made it climb to 97 degrees C in under 30 seconds, at which point I pulled the plug on the test and ordered this cooler.With this cooler installed, I left Prime95 running as a reference while writing this review; it stabilized at around 89 degrees, and took about three minutes of continuous load to get there. Under normal operation (this computer runs a couple of gaming servers, Minecraft, Terraria, etc) the CPU never passes 50 degrees, and it idles at 29-32. Again, this is in an extremely cramped space with only two 80mm case fans at the far front of the unit, so you literally could not find a more hostile setup to test this thing in. In any real-world situation in a proper-sized tower, this little compact cooler would blow away the competition... I'll see myself out.As a final note, Cryorig also provides a small, sturdy product registration card with the cooler, packaged inside a pretty little foil wrapper. Don't toss it out! Register the cooler on their website instead, and they will provide you with an incredible five-year warranty. I can't express how impressed I am with Cryorig for making such an affordable product feel so premium, and the thoughtful treatment they provide with it.
Ryan
I was building my first PC and I decided to go with the cryorig h7. However, it seemed to be sold out most places so I opted for this instead. I was also pleased with how low profile it is. It doesn't interfere with anything on my motherboard. I don't want to be specific for fear of people abusing it, but I made an exceptional request because of my own mistake. They went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied and I was truly shocked at the length they went to make everything work out for me. They may be my first, but they will be my only cooling company as long as they are an option.The installation was easy as can be. The only tricky part for me was the thermal paste. It says a thin coat, this stuff is thick and don't see how you can really "spread it" so I just followed the Internet's advice and did a pea sized blob.I actually repositioned it once after I screwed it in so I was able to see using a pea sized amount actually gave great coverage.Thus cpu fan is whisper quiet, and keeps my cpu cool. Can't ask for much more.EDIT: Figured I should include my specs.Intel i7 6700k on an asrock z170m pro4s micro atx
Dustin HolubDustin Holub
I've obtained this fan for a couple reasons: - to go with the black/white color scheme for my build - low profile and light weight - compatible with the AM4 socket...It's 2018/2019, and I'm surprised that you either have to purchase the backplate separately or fill out a request form with proof of purchase (your cooler and your processor). AMD's Ryzen has been out for a while, and their backplate should be bundled with the cooler (or at least a rebate for the cost of it) during checkout.When you get the backplate: It's best to use a flat surface (a mat or cardboard works) and have the bottom of your motherboard face up. When installing the plate, you'll need to press down until you hear a "I'm not sure if I broke it but I don't think I did" snap. You'll know it's in when you can install the washer(s) to hold it all in place. The included instructions won't tell you that it should snap in.If you broke something else, you've pressed too hard. My condolences.With that aside (and a Type C AM4 backplate in hand), I've stressed-test my Ryzen 5 2600 (65W TDP) for 10 minutes with CPU-Z and Core Temp. Just a small test, no overclocking. - Stock Cooler: 41C Idle, 74C Stressed + CRYORIG C7: 42-44C Idle, 68C StressedTesting results may vary on your build depending on the cores, clock speeds, amount of thermal compound/paste, length of test, heatsink material, TDP, overclocking, and/or space and air flow of your chassis.It does make for a good looking, decent performing stock cooler substitute.And, as advertised, it's got zero interference with the RAM and other crucial components.5 stars for its compact design, cooler temps under load, and its good looks.
Daniel F.
Edit: I have used this cooler for 8 months. Then one morning my computer won't boot and the BIOS couldn't detect the fan. When I boot, the fan tries to spin buy doesn't. Got it to work for another day but nothing works now. Cannot find any tech support for this issue but seems fan is dead. Going with a different fan.This is a nice cooler that keeps your CPU cool with a very low profile. As small as or smaller footprint than a stock cooler, it works great, looks nice and will fit in almost any build. It comes with Cryorig's own thermal paste so a second purchase isn't necessary.I really like this fan, but I am not 100% satisfied with the noise of the fan. While under load, you can hear the fan ramp up and it is pretty noticeable for me as my computer is right next to my monitor. When there are background processes that need the CPU, it ramps up for a second and drops down. I am certain that all coolers do, but it bothers me because I can hear it over everything else in my case.