Heatsink Guide - AnandTech's new Testing Methodology

Tomorrow we will be publishing our first Socket Cooler Roundup in four months, however this time around the roundup will be quite different from what you may be used to. Along with an updated set of coolers, we will also be introducing the first results based on an entirely new heatsink testing methodology.

In last November's roundup, we measured temperatures using the Abit KT7's onboard thermistor. This test was already showing signs of weakness as four coolers reached the same temperature levels. As more high-performance coolers enter the market it becomes obvious that a new, more accurate testing methodology is required in order to show smaller temperature differences between cooler models with otherwise very similar performance.

Future AnandTech cooler roundups will consist of four tests:

1) A performance test using a "simulator" device: This provides an artificial heat load and allows very accurate measurements. We had used a very similar setup for the Slot-A cooler tests; however the new device is designed for simulating a socketed CPU.

2) A noise measurement test

3) A test under real-world conditions, with an actual Athlon CPU

4) The fan tests, where fan air speed is measured

In this article, we will have a closer look at these tests and provide you with an outline for what you can expect in our next-generation of cooling reviews.