Processor: Intel i7 870 (@3,8 GHz 1,250 V (1,287 V actual)
Motherboard: MSI P55-GD80
Graphics: Gainward GeForce GT220
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 2*2 GB 2000 CL9
Hard drive: Seagate 7200.10 250 GB
Power supply: Xigmatek NRP-HC1201
Case: Open air test bench
For performance testing we used the same i7-870 rig as before, but this time we clocked the CPU up to 3,8 GHz
using Vcore of 1,25 V (1,287 V measured under load). At these settings the system draws about 70 W from the grid
when idling and 277 W when under full CPU load. For reference thermal paste we used the Phanteks PH-NDC thermal
compound and to see how the fans affect the performance of the coolers we also used the Corsair fans on all the
other coolers. The Kühler H20 920 was tested at both "Extreme" and "Silence" fan settings, but due to lack of
manual control, the fan of the H20 620 was wired to run at full speed all the time.
To test the performance of the Kühlers we put them against a load of high performance closed-loop water
coolers as well as high performance air coolers. The competition at the top of the graph is very close, with the
Kühler H20 920 at Extreme-setting coming second only to the Hydro H100. At Silence-setting the 920 falls last,
but when using this setting the fans run at just 1000 RPM and are very quiet. As standard the 620 comes last in
this company, but it’s worth noticing that it’s the only cooler with just a single fan.
When all of the coolers are equipped with the two Corsair fans, the Kühler 920 gets even closer to the H100,
losing by only 0,75 degrees. With all of the coolers on the same line with the same fans, the 620 also fairs
much better. It still comes last of this bunch, but the difference to the others is just a few degrees, and
considering that the 620 is by far the least expensive cooler here, that’s pretty impressive!
Noise
The fans of the 920 are specified to max out at 2400 RPM, which is a LOT, and that also results in absolutely
unbearable noise levels when the fans run at maximum speed. The 620-model comes with a slightly slower 2000 RPM
fan, but even this causes quite a noise at full speed. Anyway both of the coolers come with built-in fan
controllers, so the fans very rarely spin at the maximum speed, and with the software the fans of the 920-model
can be made to run at 700 RPM, which should be quiet enough for most.
Conclusion
.: Kühler H20 620
PROS
Plenty of space around CPU-socket – no compatibility issues
Flexible tubing
Easy installation
Value for money
CONS
-
Gold Award!
.: Kühler H20 920
PROS
Plenty of space around CPU-socket – no compatibility issues
Flexible tubing
Easy installation
ChillControl V
Performance
CONS
-
Editor's Choice Award!
The Kühler H20 620 and 920 are a solid entrance to the closed loop water cooling market. Both units are very
well put together, easy to install and also offer good performance. The top of the range 920 also offers some
neat tricks in the form of the ChillControl V. The 620, on the other hand, comes at a very reasonable price tag,
which should make it a tempting choice for anyone looking for a new cooler. As stock it can’t really compete
with the top of the range models we have on the chart, but equipped with two fans it offers excellent
performance.
At the time of writing this article, one can go out and buy the 620 at around 60-70 dollars. The 920 model
costs around 100-120 dollars.
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