NZXT’s Respire series of CPU coolers features both a high-end and budget minded option. The T40 is the more robust of the two, with four 8mm direct touch heat pipes and and two 120mm fans. The T20 features one 8mm and two 6mm direct touch heat pipes and one 120mm fan. When many gamers are turning to all-in-one liquid coolers, is an air-cooled option something to consider? Read on!
Installation
Installing the Respire CPU coolers proved to be no problem whatsoever. Both units are very compact and we had no issues with either of them covering up RAM slots or VRM heatsinks. The CPU coolers come with a multi-purpose backplate as well as both Intel and AMD mounting kits. The mounting kits are what screw into the backplate, not the heatsink itself. The CPU coolers are held in place by a nifty NZXT-branded crossbeam. Installing the both coolers was very straightforward and took maybe ten minutes.
Test Rig Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K
- Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 EVO
- RAM: Corsair Vengence 8 GB @ 1600mhz
Software Used
Performance/Cooling
After installing the CPU coolers, it was time to do the bench-marking to see how they actually performed.
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Stock CPU @ 3.30 GHz[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]Idle (C°)[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]Load (C°)[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Respire T20[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]29[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]53[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Respire T40[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]29[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]56[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Overclocked CPU @ 4.5 GHz[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]Idle (C°)[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]Load (C°)[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Respire T20[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]34[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]77[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Respire T40[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1quarter id=”” class=”” style=””]33[/wpcol_1quarter] [wpcol_1quarter_end id=”” class=”” style=””]78[/wpcol_1quarter_end]
Conclusions
While both CPU coolers performed admirably, we found that, at a scant $10 dollar difference, there was really no reason not to upgrade to the NZXT Respire T40 if having to choose between the two. Each have a pleasantly compact form factor and offer decent air cooling for your CPU. At $39.99, the NZXT Respire T40 is a terrific purchase for gamers looking to take a budget-friendly step into the world of CPU overclocking. Additionally, the performance between the two is very comparable, despite the T40’s three additional 8mm heat pipes.
[easyreview title=”NZXT Respire T20 & T40 Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”3″] Our Rating Scores Explained
Official Respire Features
Respire T20
– Stacked aluminum fins for maximum heat dissipation and anti-vibration rubber pads for sound absorption
– Equipped with one 120mm fan with fan speeds up to minimal 1300+/- 10% and high 1800+/- 10% RPM
– Heat pipes applied using a patented manufacturing process that allows for the maximum amount of pipes in the minimum amount of area
– One 8mm and two 6mm direct touch heat pipes catalyzing heat transfer while providing super-efficient conductivity
– Includes a sturdy fan mounting kit for easy installation
– Universally compatible to Intel Socket: 2011/1366/1156/1155/775 and AMD Socket: FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
– Backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
Respire T40
– Stacked aluminum fins for maximum heat dissipation and anti-vibration rubber pads for sound absorption
– Equipped with one 120mm fan with fan speeds up to minimal 1300+/- 10% and high 1800+/-10% RPM
– Heat pipes applied using a patented manufacturing process that allows for the maximum amount of pipes in the minimum amount of area
– Four 8mm direct touch heat pipes catalyzing heat transfer while providing super-efficient conductivity
– Includes two sturdy fan mounting kits with option for push-pull configuration with two 120mm fans
– Universally compatible to Intel Socket: 2011/1366/1156/1155/775 and AMD Socket: FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
– Backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
