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Off Topic : Cryorig C7+ (Aluninium fins with graphene coating + 4000rpm fan)
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After some drama about product change between order on reception (
Drama C7 SFFTEC), I decided finally to make a short review about Cryorig C7+ (standard C7 with graphene coating + name pwm fan 4000rpm).
This C7 cooler is a customed version coming from China directly.
https://www.sfftec.com/product-page/cryorig-c7-plus
My original idea was to transfer my Cerberus-X setup inside Sliger SM550/560 case. Thus I was looking at tough and compact cpu cooler. On my HTPC (using SM550), I finally went for IS-60 as I bought compatible RAM and motherboard.
As leadtime to get, either IS-60 or Cyrorig C7 "graphene", is pretty long I bought them before Christmas. IS-60 arrived first and proved to be a very good choice.
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/sliger-sm550-compact-quiet-gaming-htpc.11928/
I finally received C7 Graphene by end of January/early February.
After drama on technical specs changes between "original" Cryorig C7G (basically C7 copper version with graphene coating) and actual/received product (standard C7 aluminium fins with graphene coating), I decided to review this C7+ using my setup inside Cerberus-X.
Here is packaging with specs :
"Graphene" Coating looks nice
Compared to original C7 I appreciate to dedicated fans brackets, that allows to switch fan easily :
Speaking of the fan, included one is well spinning at 4000rpm (pwm control). To be honest, it was less noisy as expected at 100%. However at lower speed, friction noise was audible. But as stated, it's really easy to switch fan (dislike original C7)...
Please note that some glue spots are acting like noise dampeners. However you cannot use this fan with screw (blind holes)
Inside Cerberus-X, I revised slightly airflow to provide fresh air to short C7+..
As it was easy to switch fan, I also tested Noctua NF-A9x14 (2500rpm) and NF-A9x25 (2000rpm).
In terms of testing method, I cannot use with my standard method (R7 3800X overclocked 4.3Ghz with RAM 3800MTS) as I know it won't do it...(in fact I tested it...leading to CPU over temperature protection, black screen & reboot..
).
I wanted to know if C7+ will be able to handle stock R7 3800X (ram 3200MTS) and what will be sustained speed at which temperature.
For information, at stock, Ryzen processors are monitoring their temperature and adjust its core speed to stay within safe temperature range.
Max operating temperature is 95°C for Zen 2 cpu.
Here are results :
With included 4000rpm fan :
With Noctua NF-A9x14 @2500rpm fan :
With Noctua NF-A9x25 @2000rpm fan :
First surprise is coming from global performance :
- On idle/low load CPU is sitting at around 55-65°C and is really quiet.
- On Torture test, R7 3800X is reaching 89°C with core frequencies between 4.0ghz and 4.1Ghz (with some peaks to 4.2ghz). As comparison, my customed 92mm watercooling is providing 78°C @4.3ghz...completely different performance league.
Amongst 3 fans tested, included 4000rpm proved to be the coolest by small amount (1.8°C). Even in terms of noise, all fans tested were loud.
Conclusion time.
What can you do you this Cryorig C7+?
Well you can cool efficiently & quietly a Ryzen 7 3800X at stock settings (RAM at XMP). It will be audible on heavy load but will remain quiet otherwise.
It will be perfect for gaming and light editing machine (10-15min 4K movies).
My only reserve will be its actual performance on AM4 mini-ITX motherboards on which you cannot choose heatsink orientation. By default hot air will be exhausted towards RAM and rear I/O. On my ATX board, it is not an issue as clearance around CPU is larger than on mini ITX. But it should not change its performance from day to night.
I got similar feelings & results than with IS-60 but different constraints.