CoolerMaster Hyper 212X Review

Conclusion

Here at OC3D we don’t just review the high end big bucks kit.  No sir-eee, we also like to get our hands on the kit at the more affordable end of the market, and you really don’t get much more affordable than the mere £29.99 being asked for the new CoolerMaster Hyper 212X.  Measuring 120x79x158mm (LxWxH) with its fan attached it should fit into most Mid tower cases, and thanks to its slim stature isn’t going to cause you any RAM encroachment issues.  It’s also a dream to fit thanks to the clear multi platform instructions, universal scissor bracket and unbelievably fantastic pressed plastic fittings packet, (if you don’t know what we’re on about here take a look at page two and you’ll see what we mean).  The cooler itself has 57 Aluminium fins stacked around four 6mm heat pipes.  The contact plate is of the direct contact variety, while the fin stack utilises what CoolerMaster calls X-Vent technology, basically four short slits cut at 45 degree angles around each of the heat pipes in the stack.  The fan on the 212X is a black OEM type generic unit, but even so is still able to put out 600-1700rpm with respectable airflow and static pressure figures, the highlight though being the mere 9dB(A) the fan emits at its lowest speed setting. Although it might not be the sexiest looking cooler on the block, there’s always something nice about the classic natural Aluminium look, and with the usual high Coolermaster build quality in evidence the end result is a simple looking and well put together cooler.

From a performance perspective we put the 212X though the usual torture tests, and have to say it did as well as expected, bettering some similarly designed coolers and being not that far behind some that cost a great deal more.  We should add that we knew it wasn’t going to be a chart topping overclocker’s dream, but it did still manage to make up to the 1.25v 4.0GHZ level, which, for a cooler of this size and at this price is really quite an achievement.  Is it quiet?  At 600rpm it is, in fact it’s near silent, but crank things up to 1700rpm and it whirs away at 27.2dB(A) which isnt as loud as we expected in all honesty.

And so to the award.  A very well deserved Value for money and an honest Gold.  Yes, we’re giving it a Gold.  If you’re on a tight budget, the Hyper 212X is well made, performs reasonably well, has classic styling and costs just £30.  Get in. 

     
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