Intel vs AMD - The Ultimate Stock Cooler Showdown
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Channels and socials
If given the choice between a stock Intel CPU cooler and a stock AMD CPU cooler, which one should you choose (regardless of CPU)? Intel link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
Linus Tech Tips investigates a long neglected comparison: how do stock coolers from Intel and AMD stack up against each other when used on common processors? The host sources three AMD stock coolers, one Intel stock cooler, and tests them on an AMD A10 7800k and an Intel Core i7-4790k to level the field. To make mounting possible across platforms, he improvises mounting hardware with zip-tie like straps, then trims and adapts the Intel clip system to fit on the AMD boards. Before testing, he uses isopropyl alcohol to clean the coolers and applies IC Diamond thermal compound to reduce paste-related variables, noting that this is not stock paste and is essential for a fair comparison. The testing suite relies on the AIDA64 stability test, covering CPU, FPU, cache, and memory, and runs for at least 10 minutes per cooler while monitoring temperatures. The results show that larger, copper-enhanced designs with heat pipes tend to outperform smaller or copperless units, with the best overall performance coming from the biggest cooler with copper and heat pipes. The video emphasizes that the goal is to compare stock cooling options rather than overall CPU Thermal output, and concludes that if you have to choose between an AMD or Intel stock cooler for stock operation, the AMD option is generally safer and more effective. The host teases a future discussion about aftermarket cooling value, inviting viewers to discuss price-per-performance and directing them to the forum for more in-depth debate. Overall the video blends practical DIY mounting notes with empirical testing to deliver a clear takeaway: stock AMD coolers often offer better real-world cooling for the same platform, and upgrade decisions depend on mounting feasibility and budget. The presentation then nods to viewer participation and monetization moves, suggesting audience feedback and affiliate links as supporting avenues while keeping the core comparison front and center.
Topics · hardware · tech-analysis · cpu-cooling · performance-testing
Questions answered
- Which stock cooler performed best in the showdown and why?
- The larger cooler with copper and heat pipes generally performed the best, due to its bigger base, copper content, and integrated heat pipes which improve heat transfer and final temperatures.
- Should you choose AMD or Intel stock coolers for a stock build?
- For stock operation, the AMD stock cooler is often the safer or more effective choice across tested platforms, provided mounting is feasible and budget allows.