Silent CPU coolers

Number 3: Cooler Master Susurro

We did like this model, its cooling capacity is good and it uses a very silent fan. The heatsink wil only fit AMD processors, but because of the relatively low profile of the cooler it will fit any case without problems, making this a very good choice in a media centre PC based on an AMD processor. The low price of this CPU cooler is an added bonus.

Number 4: Zalman CNPS-9500

Zalman is the trend setter where silent PC cooling is concerned. It's latest product is the CPNS-9500, which again is based on there heatpipe and fin concept. This time they decided to go upwards and place the fan vertically in stead of horizontal, and the heatpipes are bent in a circle around the fan. To top it all off they have used a 92mm fan with a blue LED, making this a attractive product for casemodders. Because of the way the fan is positioned it allows the air to  move straight to the back of the casem which does improve the performance. We found the performance of the CNPS-9500 to be very good with all rotating speeds, that can be changed through the included fanmate. At the highest fan speed the Zalman is one of the best coolers out there, but the noise level will go up. On its lowest speed the CNPS-9500 is still a very good cooler, and virtually silent. We think this cooler is the best around for a silent PC, but without comprimising performance.

Number 5: SilentMaxx CoolFlow Pro Vario

German based Silentmaxx has specialized in making a PC as quiet as possible. Theor CoolFlow products are based on the "tower" principle, a large copper heatsink with a fan on top or at the side. The model we tested used a silent, temperature controlled Pabst fan, and the results are stunning. On its lowest setting the CoolFlow Pro produces no more than 43.1dB, which is virtually inaudible. The cooling performance however does suffer from using a very silent fan, and is not as good as the other CPU coolers we have tested. For users that want a silent PC however this is a very good choice.