Intel Core i7-3960X Sandy Bridge-E Processor Review

Intel Core i7-3960X CPU Water Temp Testing

Today, Intel has also introduced the RTS2011LC, a sealed liquid cooling thermal solution that works on Intel core processor families with LGA2011 / 1366 / 1155 / 1156 sockets. This kit is geared toward enthusiasts that want to get the most from their computer. We’ve already covered this cooler back in September, so we’ll get right to it. This water cooling kit features a 150mm x 118mm x 37mm radiator that is kept cool by a 120mm x 120mm x 25mm fan.

The water block and pump cover clearly states that the water cooler was
developed by Asetek, which has been in the liquid cooling business for a
long time. Asetek has teamed up with Corsair and Antec in recent years
and jointly brought out liquid coolers with them, so this should be a
quality cooler. Flipping the block over you can clearly see the copper cold plate. Intel has not announced pricing on this water cooler, but we expect it to be in the $80-$100 range.

Specifications of RTS2011LC:

• Fan Speeds: 800-2200 RPM (4 wire PWM)
• Fan Dimensions: 120 mm x 120 mm x 25 mm
• Fan Airflow: 74CFM
• Unit Noise Level: 21dBA@800 RPM / 35dBA @ 2200 RPM
• Radiator Dimensions: 150mm x 118mm x 37mm
• Pump Z-Height: 33mm
• Total Thermal Solution Weight: 820 grams
• Cooling Liquid: Propylene Glycol
• Thermal Interface Material: TC-1996

Intel has made a very nice installation video for the RTS2011LC water cooler that is certainly worth a look if you are curious about buying one of these coolers.

The Intel RTS2011LC water cooler is pretty darn quiet and the Intel Core i7-3960X was running at 35C at idle.

When it comes to load temperatures with Prime95 64-bit we found the Intel Core i7-3060X topping out at 68C. This is 11C higher than the Zalman CNPS12X, but well under the thermal limits of the processor.

We’ll have an in-depth review posted here shortly that shows off the new Intel water cooler by our CPU cooling guru, so stay tuned!