INTRODUCTION

   With small form factor (SFF) systems (based either in micro-ATX or mini-ITX mainboards) becoming more and more popular every day that goes by consumers looking for ways to cool such systems are left with two valid choices to choose from, either compact CPU air coolers or in some cases AIO liquid coolers. Of course, cost and case compatibility (not all have mounting spots for AIO models) are two very important factors and this is where compact CPU air coolers take the lead compared to AIO liquid models. Unfortunately, we don't see nearly as many compact CPU air cooler models as we see micro-ATX and mini-ITX cases get released in the market so options are very limited especially when looking for a high cooling efficiency solution. CRYORIG has released several interesting CPU coolers over the years and today with us we have their compact C7 Cu model which also happens to be one of their most impressive ones to date.

   Officially founded in 2013, CRYORIG is a fresh new comer to the PC peripherals and Cooling market with a core team of seasoned veterans. The team’s resumes include experiences with renowned brands such as Thermalright, Prolimatech and Phanteks. The members are overclockers and PC modding enthusiasts, with a passion to strive for nothing but the best. With the long experience and drive for innovation and improvement, CRYORIG is about applying RESEARCH and innovative IDEAS making the coolest GEAR possible.

   CRYORIG currently has two C7 CPU air coolers in their product line the "regular" C7 model which is made out of aluminum and the more "advanced" all-copper Cu model (both are top-down zero-interference CPU coolers). These two models are actually pretty much identical, they both measure 97x97x47mm, have four 6mm heatpipes and 57 fins, come with the same C1100 Pure copper base and feature the same 92mm fan (can spin up to 2500RPM to produce 40.5CFM of airflow and 2.8mmH2O of air pressure with 30dBA of noise). As a matter of fact, the only thing that changes is the material and since copper features a much higher thermal conductivity compared to aluminum (roughly 160% more) the C7 Cu model has a 15% higher TDP of 115W (100W for the regular C7). Of course, copper is also heavier compared to aluminum (aside more expensive) so weight is yet another difference these two models have (613g vs 295g for the heatsink).