Cooler Master is world-renown for their high performance air coolers. Some of the most legendary air coolers of all time have come from the Cooler Master HQ, with one of those being the Cooler Master Hyper 212…
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a legendary name in CPU cooling, synonymous with affordability and reliable performance. But with newer, flashier coolers on the market, does the Hyper 212 still hold its own? We put the cooler through its paces to see if it remains a champion for budget-minded builders and overclockers alike. In this review, we’ll delve into the Hyper 212’s design, installation process, cooling efficiency, noise levels, and more to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next PC build.
About The Cooler Master Hyper 212
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 is a household name for PC enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. This air cooler features a tower-style heatsink design with direct contact technology. This means the heat pipes come into direct contact with the CPU, promoting efficient heat transfer away from your processor.
There are actually two main variants of the Hyper 212 to consider: the Black Edition and the Halo. Both offer effective cooling with four heat pipes and a 120mm fan. The Black Edition prioritizes aesthetics with a sleek black brushed aluminium top cover and nickel-plated fins. The Halo focuses more on aesthetics with a Cooler Master halo fan, featuring RGB.
Whichever version you choose, the Hyper 212 boasts broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD processor sockets. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of builds. Additionally, both coolers are known for their relatively quiet operation, thanks to features like Silent Driver IC technology that helps regulate fan noise.
Installation
The installation process for the Cooler Master Hyper 212 is extremely simple, simply choose the selected socket, install the correct socket mount, remove the protective film from the bottom of the cooler, apply thermal paste and screw the cooler into the motherboard. Once the cooler is screwed in, you can plugin the fan, rendering the cooler fully installed! The cooler is also extremely easy to remove, as it requires 4 screws to be unscrewed completely!
Noise
The noise level of the Cooler Master Hyper 212 series depends on the specific model and workload. Both the Black Edition and Halo utilize fans with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology, allowing the fan speed to adjust based on CPU temperature. This means the coolers will be relatively quiet during idle and light tasks, with noise levels typically hovering around 20-26 dBA according to manufacturer specifications. However, under heavy loads or overclocking scenarios, the fan speed can ramp up, increasing noise levels to potentially 35-40 dBA. While not the quietest coolers on the market, they remain within a tolerable range for most users.
For a quieter experience out of the box, the Hyper 212 Black Edition might be the better choice. It comes with a standard 120mm fan known for its balanced performance and lower noise output compared to the addressable RGB (ARGB) fans found on the newer Hyper 212 Halo. However, if aesthetics are a priority and you’re willing to potentially adjust the fan curve in software for quieter operation, the Halo’s ARGB fan can still deliver good cooling performance with a touch of flair.
Cooling Performance
Black Edition: The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition strikes a commendable balance between affordability and cooling efficiency. Its four nickel-plated heat pipes effectively transfer heat away from your CPU, while the stacked fin array with lateral grooves maximizes heat dissipation. This configuration keeps your processor cool during everyday tasks and moderate gaming. While not the most powerful cooler on the market, it can handle mild overclocking for those seeking a bit of extra performance.
Halo: The Cooler master Hyper 212 Halo builds upon the Black Edition’s foundation with a focus on enhanced cooling. The included MasterFan MF120 HALO² boasts a higher RPM range compared to the Black Edition’s fan, allowing it to push more air through the heatsink for improved heat transfer. This translates to better performance under heavy loads and overclocking. Gamers and enthusiasts who push their CPUs to the limit will appreciate the Halo’s ability to maintain cooler temperatures during intense workloads.
Overview
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 series, particularly the Black Edition and Halo, remain compelling options for budget-conscious builders seeking reliable CPU cooling. Both coolers offer excellent value, with the Black Edition prioritizing aesthetics and quiet operation, while the Halo focuses on enhanced cooling performance. Their straightforward installation, broad socket compatibility, and relatively low noise levels make them easy to recommend for users building mid-range gaming PCs or workstations.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. While the Hyper 212 can handle moderate overclocking, it might not be the most suitable choice for extremely demanding CPUs or heavy overclocking enthusiasts. In those scenarios, a more robust cooler with a higher TDP rating would be a better fit.
Overall, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 series continues to be a strong contender in the budget air cooler market. If you’re building a PC that prioritizes affordability and reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Hyper 212 is a great choice.
You can purchase the Hyper 212 Black, Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition, Hyper 212 Halo² White Edition, and Hyper 212 Halo² Black Edition on the Overclockers website.
