Introduction
Specifications
- Cooling Method: Air
- Noise Level: 16.1 – 32.8 dBA
- Material: Aluminum
- Fan Size: 120mm
- Max Fan Speed: 1800 rpm
- Thermal Paste: Not included
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Design and Build Quality
The APNX AP1-V boasts a sleek and minimalistic design, available in both black and white to fit various build aesthetics. Its integrated fan design simplifies installation, eliminating the need to attach the fan separately. The cooler features a fin-dense heatsink with eight 6x5mm diameter heat pipes, rated at 245W TDP, a bold claim for an air cooler.
What's in the Box?
- 1X APNX AP1-V cooler
- AMD mounting hardware (AM4, AM5)
- Intel mounting hardware (LGA 1151, LGA 1200, LGA 1700)
- Universal mounting bracket
- Quick start guide
Installation Process
The APNX AP1-V is designed for ease of installation. The universal mounting bracket simplifies the process, allowing compatibility with nearly all current motherboard sockets. The single-install bracket means users need only six screws to secure the cooler, making it accessible even for those new to building PCs.
Performance Analysis
To thoroughly evaluate the APNX AP1-V, we conducted several benchmarks using the following test bench:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-14600K
- Memory: Corsair Vengeance @ 6400MHz
- Motherboard: Crosshair Dark Hero Z790
- GPU: RTX 4070 Ti Super
- Power Supply: ASUS ROG Thor 1000W
- Case: Cooler Master Masterframe
Idle Cooling Performance
- CPU Temp (Average): 30°C
- CPU Temp (Max): 40°C
- Throttle: 0%
The APNX AP1-V performs admirably at idle, maintaining temperatures well below the threshold. This indicates effective heat dissipation even in a low-stress environment.
AIDA64 Stress Test
- CPU Temp (Average): 75°C
- CPU Temp (Max): 94°C
- Throttle: 0%
During the AIDA64 stress test, which simulates extreme CPU loads, the APNX AP1-V managed to keep temperatures under control, albeit reaching high peaks. This performance is impressive for an air cooler, demonstrating its capability to handle demanding tasks.
Blender Benchmark
- CPU Temp (Average): 75°C
- CPU Temp (Max): 86°C
- Throttle: 0%
In the Blender benchmark, the cooler maintained stable temperatures, making it suitable for 3D rendering tasks. The consistent performance highlights its efficiency in dissipating heat during prolonged workloads.
Handbrake ToS Benchmark
- CPU Temp (Average): 75°C
- CPU Temp (Max): 91°C
- Throttle: 0%
The Handbrake ToS benchmark, involving video encoding, showed similar results. The cooler kept the CPU temperatures within acceptable limits, confirming its reliability for multimedia tasks.
Noise Levels
The noise levels of the APNX AP1-V range from 16.1 to 32.8 dBA. While not the quietest cooler on the market, it strikes a balance between performance and noise, making it a reasonable choice for most users.
Price and Value
At approximately $49, the APNX AP1-V offers exceptional value. Its performance, ease of installation, and stylish design make it a competitive option for budget-conscious builders. However, users should consider its limitations in cooling more powerful CPUs.
Alternatives to Consider
Noctua NH-D15
- Cooling Method: Air
- Material: Aluminium, Copper
- Max Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
- Noise Level: 24.6 dBA
- Fan Size: 140mm
- Thermal Paste: Included
ASUS ROG Ryuo III 240
- Cooling Method: Liquid
- Noise Level: 36.54 dBa
- Material: Copper, Aluminium
- Fan Size: 120mm
- Max Fan Speed: 2200 rpm
- Thermal Paste: Included
Conclusion
The APNX AP1-V is a noteworthy contender in the budget air cooler market. Its stylish design, ease of installation, and commendable performance make it an attractive option for users seeking cost-effective cooling solutions. While it may not be suitable for high-end CPUs, it excels in its price bracket, providing excellent value for mid-tier processors.