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, the Gyre performs a lot better than all other heatsinks. Even under load temperatures, the Gyre runs cooler than all other heatsinks, and beats the stock cooler by 11 degrees Celsius.


Once overclocked, the Gyre again runs a lot cooler than the Intel stock cooler when idling. Under load temperatures, the Gyre performs better than all other coolers and a huge 14°C under the stock cooler.

Noise

The Zaward Gyre is almost totally silent. It is not audible at all over standard case fans once the case is closed, and only a whisper can be heard when the case is open. This silence remains at all temperatures, whether idling or at load. The fan never sped up at all during any of the tests, due to the fact that the temperature level for the fan to speed up was not hit. When the fan was tested at full speed, it was audible over all case fans.

The Intel stock cooler is marginally louder at stock, but a lot louder when under load or when overclocked. The Gyre is noticeably a lot quieter than the Intel stock cooler when running at higher speeds. When the Gyre has its fans set to 100% it produces the same noise levels as the stock cooler. The PWM fan on the Gyre does help a lot though as it maintains a slow speed when temperatures are not high.