Stock sound performance next and we should see the little HEX 2.0 lag behind the other CPU coolers on test here due to the smaller 92mm fan. Remember, the stock temperature performance is good considering this but usually that would be at the cost of poor sound performance. Looking at the results however, the HEX performs well, though it’s getting a little further down the results chart.
So the little 92mm fan doesn’t appear to be causing any sort of sound performance issues, and certainly for our testing, we didn’t notice any sound issues.
Overclocking next and we are pushing the Phononic HEX 2.0 outside of its TDP comfort zone. We push the i7-5820K to 4.4Ghz and run the same stress tests as we would for the stock configuration. So what are the results like then? For a 92mm fan and compact setup the results are pretty respectable.
We are impressed, though there are more effective coolers out there, for the compact size, it’s performing well especially with such a large overclock on air cooling.
Phononic HEX 2.0 Thermoelectric CPU Cooler Review
Package - 8.5
Performance - 7.5
Price - 6.5
Consumer Experience - 8.1
7.7
If you have a compact set up and you want cutting edge cooling technology, there isn't a better choice. If you are looking for a straight replacement for your Noctua NH-D15 on your X99 build, then it's probably not. Either way, the Phononic HEX 2.0 Thermoelectric CPU cooler is the best implementation of a TEC we have ever seen, and if you are building a small form factor system, this needs consideration.
