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High-performance gaming CPUs often require a 3-row liquid cooler or a dual-tower air cooler for effective thermal management. However, dual-tower air coolers can sometimes present compatibility issues with RAM modules that have heat spreaders. While single-tower CPU coolers avoid this problem, their performance can be underwhelming. Cooler Master’s recently released HYPER 612 APEX is a single-tower cooler that has garnered significant attention for offering performance comparable to dual-tower models.
Founded in 1992, Cooler Master is a Taiwanese brand specializing in PC cooling solutions. With over 30 years of experience, they have continuously developed cooling technologies for personal computers, graphics cards, laptops, and servers. The HYPER 612 APEX embodies their latest advancements, notably featuring their proprietary superconductive composite heat pipe technology to deliver performance that surpasses the limitations of a single-tower design.
Components and Specifications
Product Specifications
Product Name : Cooler Master HYPER 612 APEX (Black)
Cooler Type : Single-Tower Air Cooler
Socket Compatibility : Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x, AMD AM5/AM4
Heat Pipes : 6mm Copper Heat Pipes x 6 (Superconductive Composite Material)
Base Material : Copper
Fan Configuration : Dual Mobius 120P PWM Fans
Fan Specifications :
Size: 120×120×25mm
Bearing: Loop Dynamic Bearing (LDB)
Fan Speed: 0-2400 RPM ± 10%
Max Airflow: 75.2 CFM
Max Static Pressure: 3.63 mmH2O
Noise Level: Max 30dBA
Product Dimensions : 127mm(L) x 114mm(W) x 159mm(H)
Warranty : 5 Years
Upon unboxing, the premium utility-style packaging immediately stands out. Included are the HYPER 612 APEX cooler itself, Cooler Master CryoFuze thermal compound, Intel and AMD compatible mounting brackets, a PWM splitter cable, and an installation manual.
Design and Features
The Cooler Master HYPER 612 APEX boasts a compact single-tower design at 159mm tall, 30% smaller than its predecessor. Remarkably, this reduced size doesn’t compromise performance—in fact, it’s enhanced. The cooler is compatible with most mid-tower cases and is particularly well-suited for space-constrained builds.
While many modern coolers focus on flashy aesthetics with RGB or LCD displays, the HYPER 612 APEX prioritizes sleek design and performance. Its all-matte black finish and blackout stealth design seamlessly integrate into any build. The minimalist aesthetic is striking, with only a small Cooler Master logo on the top cover.
The two fans utilize a modular assembly method, differentiating them from traditional heatsink clip designs. The fans are mounted on a rail system, making installation and removal incredibly easy. Removing the magnetic top cover provides easy access to internal screws.
The heatsink incorporates six superconductive composite heat pipes, a proprietary Cooler Master design. These stepped heat pipes evenly distribute heat through the aluminum fins. The patented superconductive composite material ensures exceptional heat transfer performance.
The cooler features dual Mobius 120P fans with the following specifications:
Max Speed: 2400 RPM
Max Airflow: 75.2 CFM
Max Static Pressure: 3.63 mmH2O
Noise Level: Max 30dBA
Bearing: Loop Dynamic Bearing (200,000+ hour lifespan)
The fans’ high static pressure effectively pushes air through the heatsink fins.
The copper base plate ensures excellent thermal conductivity. Six intersecting heat pipes efficiently absorb heat from the CPU surface, and the base plate design facilitates even heat distribution.
System Configuration and Installation
The following system configuration was used for testing:
System Configuration
CPU : AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Motherboard : ASUS TUF Gaming B850M-Plus WiFi
Graphics Card : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Memory : ESSENCORE KLEVV DDR5-6400 CL32D URBANE V RGB 32GB
For Intel systems, install the provided backplate on the rear of the motherboard. For AMD systems, remove the default mounting bracket and replace it with the provided bracket. Then, secure the standoffs to the motherboard mounting holes.
Place the support bar over the standoffs and secure it with a screwdriver. Apply a suitable amount of the included CryoFuze thermal compound to the CPU surface.
Position the heatsink over the CPU and secure it with the screws on both sides. Slide the fans onto the heatsink using the rail system.
The Cooler Master HYPER 612 APEX’s modular design simplifies assembly. The intuitive screw mounting system is a welcome change from complicated clip mechanisms, making installation easy even for beginners.
Attach the magnetic top cover and connect the PWM splitter cable to the CPU fan header on the motherboard to complete the installation.
Designed for clearance, the cooler accommodates RAM modules of any size. Its 159mm height ensures full compatibility with DDR5 memory, with no overhang above the memory slots, eliminating any memory compatibility concerns.
The completed build looks clean and professional. The blackout design complements any color scheme, blending seamlessly even with RGB-lit systems.
Performance Testing
The AMD 9800X3D is known for its significant heat output, even among the latest generation of gaming CPUs. The following results were obtained by running various programs to measure temperatures.
Idle Average Temperature: 34.6°C
Cinebench 10-minute Stress Test: Peak 96.0°C, Average 86.9°C
Puget Systems Benchmark Premier Test: Max 96.5°C, Average 56.2°C
Blender Rendering Test: Max 93.8°C, Average 85.5°C
While peak temperatures are higher, typical of single-tower coolers, the average temperatures are comparable to those of dual-tower coolers. Notably, the cooler maintained a stable average temperature of around 86°C even under sustained heavy loads.
Given that the AMD 9800X3D is optimized for gaming, effective thermal management during gameplay is crucial. Temperature readings taken during various gaming sessions showed that the HYPER 612 APEX maintained stable temperatures around 70°C in most games, delivering satisfactory results.
Noise Measurement
For the noise test, all system fans were stopped, the fan speed was set to maximum in the motherboard’s fan control software, and noise levels were measured with the case’s tempered glass side panel both open and closed.
The left image shows the results with the tempered glass panel open, and the right image shows the results with it closed. The cooler operates very quietly, maintaining a noise level that won’t be intrusive during web browsing or light tasks.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master HYPER 612 APEX is a well-rounded CPU cooler offering excellent performance for high-end CPUs like the 9800X3D, along with RAM clearance and easy installation. Its key strength lies in providing near dual-tower performance in a single-tower design, while offering superior installation flexibility and memory compatibility.
While the price of around 70,000 Won might seem a bit high for a single-tower cooler, the 5-year warranty and Cooler Master’s brand reputation make it a worthwhile investment.
This cooler is an excellent choice for those who prioritize clean aesthetics over RGB or flashy displays, those who want the cooling performance of a dual-tower cooler but are concerned about RAM clearance issues, and those seeking a quiet and efficient cooling solution.
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