REFERENCE FILE
COOLING
Clock speed is rented from the cooler.
Cooling decides whether advertised boost clocks survive past minute two. We match thermal capacity to the CPU's real sustained draw — and the case's real airflow.
WHAT WE CHECK
- Sustained TDP capacity
- Noise-normalized performance
- Socket mounting compatibility
- Radiator / tower case fit
- Pump and fan bearing quality
EXAMPLE COMPONENTS
COOLING — REFERENCE UNITS
Demo reference entries showing how PPHU ABC reads a component: specs, class, value signal, thermal behavior, upgrade position, concerns.
240mm AIO Liquid
CLASS: MAINSTREAM AIO · VALUE: STRONG
99 credits
TYPE
All-in-one liquid
RADIATOR
240mm
CAPACITY
≈ 220W sustained
NOISE
≈ 32 dBA normalized
SOCKETS
AM5 / LGA1700 / AM4
PUMP
3rd-gen ceramic
THERMAL NOTE
Handles every 8-core CPU with acoustic headroom.
UPGRADE POSITION
Carries forward to future AM5 upgrades.
CONCERNS
- · Pump is a wear component — 5-7 year horizon
- · Top-mount preferred for tube longevity
Dual-Tower Air
CLASS: PREMIUM AIR · VALUE: STRONG
65 credits
TYPE
Air
TOWERS
Dual, 6 heatpipes
CAPACITY
≈ 220W sustained
NOISE
≈ 30 dBA normalized
HEIGHT
≈ 157 mm
WEIGHT
≈ 950 g
THERMAL NOTE
Matches 240mm AIOs with zero moving parts beyond fans.
UPGRADE POSITION
Outlives platforms — check socket kit on upgrades.
CONCERNS
- · Height clearance in compact cases
- · RAM clearance over tall heatspreaders
Stock / Box Cooler
CLASS: BASELINE · VALUE: FAIR
0 credits
TYPE
Air, included
CAPACITY
≈ 65–88W
NOISE
Audible under load
HEIGHT
Low profile
COST
Included
MOUNTING
Push-pin / clip
THERMAL NOTE
Adequate for 65W parts at stock settings — audible doing it.
UPGRADE POSITION
Replace with any 350 credits tower for a meaningfully quieter system.
CONCERNS
- · Sustained all-core loads will clip boost
- · Not reusable on higher-TDP CPUs