Performance

Test system:

Note:
Idle refers to the computer sitting at desktop for 30 minutes.
Load refers to the CPU running two threads of Prime95's "In-place large FFTs" stress test for 15 minutes.
Temperatures have been taken via RealTemp. RealTemp takes the TjMax value of the CPU into account, providing very accurate results. Read all about it here.


At stock clocks, when idling and at load, the CoolIT Domino has performed better than all other tested coolers on all three modes. Under the performance mode, when the CPU is at load, it beats the stock cooler by 21°C when the CPU is under load.


Once overclocked, the Domino has again performed better than all other coolers when idling and under load, even on its “Silent” setting. It runs an enormous 42°C (under load) cooler than the stock cooler! That being said though, the Intel Stock CPU cooler that was used was the stock cooler of the E8500, which is the lighter, low profile, totally aluminum cooler.
Performance in all tests is outstanding.

Fan Noise

At its low setting Domino A.L.C. is inaudible through the case. You won’t be hearing it at all if you have a side panel attached and any other fans within the case. On the performance, or full setting though, the fan does get loud (to the point where you cannot have it running 24/7). While it does get loud, it doesn’t matter as CoolIT have a third setting, which makes the fan act as if its PWM controlled. This allows the cooler to be near silent when operating the computer normally but loud once the computer is under heavy load, which is not a problem at all as many users will be playing a game or benchmarking – something where noise does not really matter.
The Intel stock cooler is marginally louder at stock, but the Domino is louder when both are under load. Having three modes is an extremely smart move by CoolIT, because the user can choose between silence, performance (at the expense of noise) and a mix of both.