Time to combine the temperature results, noise readings, usability and pricing into a verdict.

As you saw on the previous page, we put the Hyper's through their paces using an overclocked Core i7 system, which when highly overclocked/overvolted, easily surpasses the thermal capabilities of most mainstream heatsinks. Both Cooler Master Hyper units barely managed to keep an overvolted/overclocked Core i7 running.

But when you turn down the dial on your overclock and easen the burden the Hyper 212 Plus managed to deliver a recommendable performance/noise balance, offering a noticeable improvement in noise and temperature performance compared to the Intel stock cooler. The Hyper TX3 was not designed to take on a Core i7 S1336 system, but still came out with some impressive results if you take this fact into account.

While neither of the heatsinks tested today stood a chance against our reference heatsink, a Prolimatech Megahalems, it should become clear why when you take pricing into account. The Hyper TX3 is on sale for ~€13. The Hyper 212 Plus for a mere €25. That's still less than half of the Megahalems which is available at ~€50+.

So did Cooler Master manage to continue the good "Hyper" name tradition with these additions?

For the Hyper 212 Plus the answer is a definite YES, for a bargain price you get a pretty good performing, 120mm fan equipped heatsink with straight-forward installation and good platform compatibility. Slap on a high performance 120mm fan (or two!) and you can squeeze quite a bit of cooling power out of this budget friendly unit.

For the Hyper TX3 the answer is less obvious, the price is definitely easy on the wallet, as is the installation on the supported platforms, performance/noise wise however the TX3 doesn't really excel, and while it's better than the Intel stock cooler, there's stiff competition in the entry level heatsink market, until we've tested other alternatives we'll hold off on making a final judgement on the Hyper TX3.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus recommended for

We like to thank Cooler Master for giving us the opportunity for testing their products (and their patience). Until next time!