Testing Methodology

The testing was carried out by looping the Far Cry demo, using the HardwareOC FarCry Benchmark. I chose this program so that the GPU would be under constant heavy load to provide a consistent thermal output, and consequently consistent results.

The temperature readings were monitored using the Jetart ThermoEye DT2000 Thermometer.

After I started the demo, I waited for at least half an hour for the GPU temperature to stabilize. Then I started recording the temperatures in 5-minute intervals. The readings were averaged to obtain the final result.

The pictures below show the locations of the thermal sensors in the tests. The first sensor was placed as close to the R350 die as possible. Of course, the readings do not represent the actual temperature of the core. When I switched coolers, I tried my best not to move or touch this sensor.

The second sensor was used to record the ambient temperature. It was placed at the air intake.

I would be using these two fans in the tests :

• 50 CFM Thermaltake Volcano7 fan (TT-8025T)
• 30 CFM ACRyan Blackfire4 UV LEDFan (ACR BF5620)

The Test Bed

These are the specifications of the test bed