Introduction
We reviewed the Cryorig H5 Ultimate CPU Cooler some time ago liked it enough to give it a Recommended award and a score of 4.1 out of 5. We now are looking at the Cryorig H5 Universal CPU Cooler, a slightly different type of cooler to the H5 Ultimate, still boasting rich features such as Hive Fin, a Jet Fin and turbulence reduction system.
So, what’s the difference? Well, from a specification point of view, only the type of fan used differs between the H5 Ultimate and Universal. This has a knock-on effect, as you would presume, to a couple of other areas. The H5 Universal uses the XT140 fan instead of the XF140 found on the H5 Ultimate. The XT140 fan is a slimmer fan allowing for probably unlimited RAM memory module compatibility, but at the cost of some thermal performance.
Cryorig’s microsite for the H5 Universal states “Limitless” for its “RAM Height Limit” specification, whereas the H5 Ultimate states “30 ~ 35 mm (Fan position adjustable)”. Cryorig have resolved RAM height limitations by using a slimmer fan, which shouldn’t interfere with most RAM memory modules.
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | H5 Universal | H5 Ultimate |
| Socket compatibility | Intel LGA2011/v3, LGA115X, LGA775, LGA1366 & AMD AM2/+, AM3/+, FM1, FM2/+ | Intel LGA2011/v3, LGA115X, LGA775, LGA1366 & AMD AM2/+, AM3/+, FM1, FM2/+ |
| Dimension (with fan) | L98 mm x W143 mm x H160 mm | L110.9 x W143 x H160 ~ 168.3mm ( Fan position adjustable) |
| Weight (with fan) | 853 g | 920 g |
| Weight (without fan) | 764 g | 764 g |
| Heat pipes | 6mm heatpipe x 4 units | 6mm heatpipe x 4 units |
| Copper Base | C1100 Pure copper nickel plated | C1100 Pure copper nickel plated |
| RAM Height Limit | Limitless | 30 ~ 35 mm ( Fan position adjustable ) |
| TDP | 160 W | 180 W |
| Fan | XT140 | XF140 |
| Fan Dimension | L140 mm x W140 mm x H13 mm | L140 mm x W140 mm x H25.4 mm |
| Fan Rated Speed | 700 ~ 1300 RPM ±10 % | 700 ~ 1300 RPM ±10 % |
| Fan Noise Level | 20 ~ 24 dBA | 19 ~ 23 dBA |
| Fan Air Flow | 65 CFM | 76 CFM |
| Fan Air Pressure | 1.49 mmH2O | 1.44 mmH2O |
Using a slimmer fan to aid RAM memory module compatibility influences sound and TDP performance. The H5 Universal is down 20w to 160w TDP instead of the H5 Ultimate’s 180w TDP because of the slimmer fan. Cryorig have kept the fan speed the same between the XT140 and XF140, and the result of this is a slightly louder fan which manages to get close to the XF140 on performance.
Fan airflow is also slightly down on the XF140 fan but when you consider the specifications between the two fans and the fact the XT140 is around half the depth, it’s a very good effort, with very good RAM memory module compatibility thrown in as well.
Cryorig H5 Universal CPU Cooler Review
Package - 8.5
Performance - 7
Price - 8
Consumer Experience - 8.5
8
The Cryorig H5 Ultimate CPU cooler scored well, but you would have been compromised on some RAM choices. It is not the end of the world, but if you are a system builder, or have already bought your RAM, you will know it is important. The XT140 fan compromises the H5, but that was the plan. With a good custom fan profile, the Cryorig H5 Universal would stand up to the Cryorig H5 Ultimate, and only fall short in certain circumstances, but not by much.