AMD Wraith Spire Cooler: Old vs New

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the Box Cooler
3. Comparison of Wraith Spire Coolers
4. testing Methodology
5. Results: Standard Fan Speed
6. Results: Max Fan Speed
7. Conclusion
8. Pros of Using In-Box Coolers
9. Cons of Using In-Box Coolers
10. FAQ

Introduction

Unboxing the Box Cooler

Comparison of Wraith Spire Coolers

Testing Methodology

Results: Standard Fan Speed

Results: Max Fan Speed

Conclusion

Pros of Using In-Box Coolers

Cons of Using In-Box Coolers

FAQ

📦 Unboxing the Box Cooler

The rise of all-in-one (AIO) coolers has made boxed coolers a rarity in the PC building world. However, today we have the opportunity to take a closer look at the Box Cooler from the Ryzen 530 600 X series. This cooler also comes with the Ryzen 530 400 G APU, which is based on Zen Plus architecture, unlike the Zen - based CPUs. The design of the cooler has also undergone some changes, specifically in the Wraith Spire cooler included with the newer CPUs. One noticeable difference is the absence of a vapor chamber in the newer version, which has been replaced with a block of aluminum. In this article, we will delve into the performance of this cooler and see how it stacks up against its predecessor.

When unboxing the Box Cooler, you will Notice a copper plug at the bottom. This is actually the vapor chamber, which is no longer integrated into the Wraith Spire cooler. To test the performance of the newer cooler, we will compare it to the older version that still has the vapor chamber. The aim is to determine whether the removal of the vapor chamber affects the cooling performance.

🧪 Testing Methodology

To conduct our tests, we used the Ryzen 530 600 X processor. We will provide the exact specifications, including the custom overclock settings, on-screen. To maintain consistency, we opted to use a graphite thermal pad as our thermal interface material (TIM) instead of thermal paste. We will be testing two coolers: the Box Cooler and the Corsair H100 IV 2 AIO cooler with side fans. We will be monitoring temperature readings, keeping in mind that the fluctuations in room temperature may create a variance of plus or minus two to three degrees Fahrenheit.

It's worth noting that availability of Ryzen processors can be intermittent, so if you're interested in purchasing one, we've included Amazon links below to check for availability and MSRP prices.

Results: Standard Fan Speed

To establish a baseline, we first tested the coolers at their standard fan speeds. In this test, the Corsair H100 IV 2 AIO cooler emerged as the clear winner. However, it was quite intriguing to see the old Wraith Spire cooler with the copper core and vapor chamber performing better than the new Wraith Spire cooler.

Upon analyzing the initial numbers, we suspected that fan speed played a crucial role in the outcome. To confirm this, we locked both heat sinks at 2,000 RPM. Surprisingly, with matched fan speeds, the old Wraith Spire cooler outperformed the new one. This result indicates that the vapor chamber with the copper core conducts heat away from the chip more effectively.

Results: Max Fan Speed

Next, we tested the coolers with both fans running at full speed. The new Wraith Spire cooler, with its 3,000 RPM fan speed compared to the approximately 2,000 RPM maximum of the old Wraith Spire cooler, emerged as the clear winner. However, keep in mind that increasing fan speed results in increased noise levels. The old Wraith Spire cooler, though slightly inferior in terms of cooling performance at standard fan speed, allows for adjustments to the fan curve to achieve similar results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in a high-quality cooler like the Corsair H100 IV 2 AIO is undoubtedly worthwhile, but it comes with an added cost. However, if you're choosing between the two Wraith Spire coolers, the decision is not as straightforward. AMD has increased the fan speed of the new Wraith Spire cooler, running it at approximately a thousand RPM higher than the old one. If you're upgrading from an older chip and previously used the old Wraith Spire cooler, there's no tangible reason to switch to the new version. While the new cooler offers a bit more temperature headroom, it is also notably noisier. By adjusting the fan curve, you can achieve a balance between performance and noise levels, making the old Wraith Spire cooler a viable option.

Ultimately, both Wraith Spire coolers offer decent cooling solutions, especially as bundled coolers for Ryzen processors. Despite the noise performance of the new cooler and slightly higher temperatures with the old cooler, there isn't a significant difference between the two. If you do happen to have both coolers, you can even create a hybrid by replacing the fan on the newer heatsink with the faster one from the older heatsink, combining the advantages of both coolers.

Pros of Using In-Box Coolers

• Cost-effective solution as they come bundled with the processor
• Decent cooling performance for average usage and moderate overclocking
• Suitable for users on a budget or beginners in PC building

Cons of Using In-Box Coolers

• Limited performance compared to high-end aftermarket coolers
• Louder operation at higher fan speeds
• May struggle to maintain lower temperatures during intensive tasks or heavy overclocking

FAQ

Q: Are in-box coolers sufficient for overclocking? A: In-box coolers can handle moderate overclocking, but for more extensive overclocking, it is recommended to invest in a high-performance aftermarket cooler.

Q: Can I use in-box coolers for gaming? A: In-box coolers are suitable for gaming, especially if you are not planning on aggressive overclocking. However, for more demanding games and higher clock speeds, a better cooling solution is advisable.

Q: Are aftermarket coolers worth the investment? A: Aftermarket coolers provide superior cooling performance, quieter operation, and better overclocking potential. If you are pushing your system to its limits, investing in an aftermarket cooler can be beneficial.

Q: Should I replace my in-box cooler with an aftermarket cooler? A: If you are experiencing high temperatures, excessive noise, or plan to overclock your CPU, upgrading to an aftermarket cooler is recommended.