Cryorig H7 CPU Cooler Review (2023)

Introduction, specifications and prices

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When it comes to the typical air cooler, there are fundamental components that make a big difference in the overall efficiency of a product. For example, adding more fins to the stack, or even using thicker fins, can significantly increase efficiency. There's usually an option to add more heat pipes, or you can figure out how to use the bigger ones, or even a steam chamber if that's what you want. You can also increase performance simply by choosing a fan with more CFM and static pressure. But what if you're trying to build a lower profile tower cooler that can be used in an HTPC or other environment where adding a bigger fan just won't cut it? Well, Cryorig has found the answer to that question.

Cryorig recently delivered one of the most impressive designs we've seen in a long time, the Cryorig H7. We've been around long enough to see many of the tricks that improve tower cooler design, but we've never seen anything quite like what Cryorig offers here. While Cryorig's new cooler may seem typical at first glance, upon closer inspection it becomes clear that there's a lot more to the cooler than previously thought.

Cryorig has done a few things to maximize the efficiency of the Cryorig H7. First, Cryorig developed Hive Fin technology, in which the tips of the fins curve into a honeycomb pattern. As air flows through this section of the radiator, the design contracts and increases airflow, much like a hose kinked with water. Cryorig also opted for a copper plate for the base of the H7. Additionally, Cryorig have arranged the tubes in what they call "Convex-Align", with the center tube lower than the two outer tubes to help the tubes achieve maximum efficiency. Again, no fan would be enough, and Cryorig has provided a relatively quiet solution designed for extra power with its Quad Air Inlet system, which offers ducting to draw in more air than other fans of its size. All of these features work together to increase efficiency.

As if that wasn't enough, the Cryorig H7, which takes its name from the Hive Fin range, has even more to offer. To make life easier for the end user, Cryorig decided to design the H7 to not interfere with screws on the motherboard, memory, or PCI-e slots. They also introduced an X-Bar mounting hardware system to slide brackets into place for AMD and any H7-compatible Intel socket. Cryorig definitely shows that it is a forward thinking company that is not afraid to deviate from the accepted status quo and we think this review is definitely something you will want to read.

Cryorig offers potential customers a comprehensive table of specifications. The compatibility potential of this theme is shown in the seven bubbles at the top of the graph. This H7 cooler is compatible with all AMD sockets from FM2 to Intel LGA 115X sockets. Just below compatibility we find dimensional renderings of the H7 and the fan attached to it. While the cooler with the fan attached is 123mm wide and 98mm deep, Cryorig has limited this tower to just 145mm to fit more systems than the average 120mm fan tower.

If we go to the text sections below, we see the dimensions listed again, but we also see that the H7 cooler and fan weigh 711 grams and this weight is mounted on the motherboard. Forty aluminum fins are stacked atop the trio of 6mm diameter heat pipes. We also see that they list the 0.4mm thickness of each fin and even show the 2.2mm gap between each fin. At the end of the listing we see that the base is pure copper and the memory height tolerance is unlimited, but they forget to mention that the copper tips are nickel plated.

On the right we see the specifications of the Cryorig QF120mm fan. The dimensions are pretty standard in terms of overall size and thickness, and the fan weighs 134 grams. This fan is rated for speeds from 300 to 1600 RPM. The fan is also rated at around 25 dB(A) of noise, and the fan only puts out 49 CFM.

All of the H7's designs and features are impressive enough, but the surprisingly low price makes it even more attractive. Sure, this isn't a massive monster that we assumed would cost close to $100, but to get something that looks this good on paper for less than $50 is downright impressive. We found a deal on this cooler on Amazon, but it's currently out of stock, so no pricing information is included. We also saw that Newegg still has the Cryorig H7 in stock, and they only charge $34.50, with free shipping. By the time we're done reviewing this H7 theme, we're pretty sure you'll be looking for one to play around with.

packaging

The front of the box gives us a closer look at the H7 in the box. It also features the Cryorig name above, a blue box explaining the design below, and a note on aspects that make it more efficient while still offering a bit of style.

Continuing the image to the right of the H7 in the next panel, we see Cryorig list three main features of this design and provide a brief explanation of each. Here they cover Hive Fin technology, Zero Interference design, and explain that installation can be completed in four minutes with this hardware.

The back of the package looks a lot like the specs table we just covered, but this time the compatibility has been moved down below the dimensional representations and listed tech specs.

Instead of doing something super flashy with the last panel, Cryorig just offers this big white page with the H7 printed all over it.

As we start to open the box, we find that Cryorig is quick to point out that users need to register this cooler. By signing up, you not only qualify for the standard three-year warranty, but also extend your warranty, offer premium customer support, and give you VIP status for sweepstakes.

Beneath the blue flap we find that the last top flap has been cut away to enclose the radiator in the middle. Simply open the last lid, slide out the cooler, and grab the hardware underneath to get started. In this case, the packaging is more than enough to deliver our H7 copy in excellent condition.

Cryorig H7 CPU Cooler

We like that the H7 comes almost completely out of the box to get to the CPU, which is supposed to be cool. The fan, which has anti-vibration pads on both sides and is already attached to the fins, comes pre-installed to make life even easier for anyone picking up the H7. You can also clearly see the cutouts in the frame, which allow this fan to pull more air than the standard design.

Once you remove the fan from the front of the H7, the Hive fin design is much more apparent. Only the front of the cooler is designed to eliminate interference and increase airflow. We can also see the X-Bar mounting bracket pre-installed and ready to go.

On the side of the fridge we see a somewhat closed front; This section is open enough to accommodate the fan clips as well as the back trim. From the open section on the side we can see that the fins are already flat and that they close most of the section to keep the 49 CFM in the cooler.

Looking at things from behind, we see that Cryorig has gone for a flat edge, which offers ups and downs to support a second fan while still allowing the fans a bit of headroom to pressurize. We can also see that the tubes shift as they pass through the ribs and not all of them stay straight.

The fan cable is a bit in the way, and while it's a little hard to make out the convex orientation of the trio of heat pipes, we can see that they run away from memory, giving this cooler plenty of headroom for either type of fan. installation memory.

Currently, for most designs, the front of the cooler behind the fan tends to mate with the rear edge. With the Hive fin arrangement, we notice that the front is flat, while the sides and rear edge sport the styling of the black top plate and shrouds that cover the copper heat pipes.

At the opposite end of the H7, we find that the fins are pressed onto the heat pipes, but the other end of the tubes are soldered to the copper base. We also see Cryorig ship this cooler with a red printed protective film to make it clear that it should be removed.

Inserting a few thumb screws into the base reveals the level of polish on the base, or in this case, the lack thereof. Although the base is slightly convex in shape, the entire surface has been milled in a semicircular pattern, leaving milling marks as the final surface texture.

accessories and documentation

Along with the cooler in the box are three bags of goodies to grab and a syringe of Cryorig CP9 thermal paste. One bag contains all documentation, another bag contains mounting hardware, and another bag contains a couple of extra wire fan clips to add a second fan.

The mounting hardware must be used for both Intel and AMD because the backplate is universal. The screws on the right go through the corresponding holes in the circuit board, and once they go through the motherboard, slide the plastic covers shown on the left over the screws and secure them in place. Screws are Phillips headed for ease of mounting as they thread into the X-bar on the bottom of the cooler.

The installation guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to mount the H7 on any compatible motherboard. We open the English version and include this image to explain the hardware and show you how the images and text will guide you through the process.

Installation and finished product.

For Intel sockets, we found the motherboard to be more powerful than the X-Bar on the cooler. While there are options for other Intel spaces on the backplate, the X-bar will only line up with the holes we used and the four AMD holes in the corners of the midsection.

Once the circuit board and screws are in place, you can slide the plastic standoffs over them. The standoffs grab the screws and attach them to the motherboard. While that frees up your hands for the screwdriver on the back and for holding the cooler, you'll either need to figure out how to balance the motherboard at this point or ask for a little help.

The Cryorig H7 sits directly behind the memory and its compact size gives you room to access the top row of screws and sits no lower on the motherboard than the memory.

The zero interference design is perfect for our motherboard. This cooler not only allows unlimited height for spreaders, but the cooler and wire clamps are still a few millimeters apart and put no pressure on the next stick.

Even using a motherboard like ours with very high thermal shielding, we could easily add a second fan to the H7 and still manage to keep it low enough not to increase the 145mm height of this design.

After installing and placing our H7 in the case, this image confirmed the idea that it was slightly out of line, where the radiator is now slightly angled to the right of center. We played around with the X-Bar, but couldn't figure out how to make it work perfectly horizontally. However, the X bar allows excellent access to the surrounding screws and also doesn't encroach on the top PCI-e slot.

Test system setup, thermal tests and noise results

Test System Configuration

first i want to say thank youAsus,to deceive,Patriot, zfractal designfor providing products that I can try.

To see our testing methodology and find out what is required to create our charts, seeour article CPU Cooler Testing and Methodologyfor this information.

Thermal results

Compared to other coolers in the H7 price range, the H7 lags behind the NiC L32 in terms of performance. However, for a single 120mm turret design this compact, we feel the 52 degree result it delivers at our standard velocities is pretty good overall, outperforming some much larger designs.

With the system overclocked and the fan running at full speed, we found the H7 to drop a bit in the graphics with a 74.92 degree result, but to be fair, compact coolers aren't exactly designed to maximize the range of the system. overclock your processor. Again, not the best screen, but the H7 still outperforms larger, more expensive options that may not fit where this cooler does.

Noise level results

After limiting the voltage, we found the QR120 fan spinning at 1000 RPM, and we were pleased to hear barely the 31 dB of noise this cooler produced.

If the fan receives more voltage and reports a speed of 1600 rpm, the noise level rises to 50 dB, but as you can see, there are much worse coolers out there.

final thoughts

There are a lot of good things to rave about about the Cryorig H7. The cooler is almost ready to be unpacked; All you have to do is install the back plate and bolt on the cooler. The entire installation takes about four minutes from opening the box when the motherboard is already prepped and ready to use. The hardware is simple but strong and robust, and using the same kit for AMD and Intel compatible sockets takes the guesswork out of hardware orientation and the ability to take things apart.

Plus there's the really cool flip lead that definitely does what it's supposed to. Not only does it properly direct the flow through the fins, but it also helps make the most of every drop of the 49 CFM the fan offers, allowing this smaller tower cooler to fit in places others can't. The H7 can even tame our test unit, so you should have no problem doing the same with your system.

As great as the H7 is, there are a few points that would also fall into the not-so-great category. The biggest issue we saw with the H7 was its mounting position, specifically its alignment once installed with the rest of the components. There is a bit of wiggle room in the assembly, but after testing the assembly several times and taking a close look at the cooler, we couldn't find the reason why the cooler is slightly skewed to the right at the top. The second thing we ran into was more of a personal challenge than a problem, but I had no help putting the cooler together. With that, I had a screwdriver in one hand, the cooler in the other, and the balanced card in the USB port dust caps on the rear I/O.

While it's not impossible to do the installation yourself, it leaves you vulnerable to possible slippage of the screwdriver and possible damage to the motherboard, or worse, the risk of the motherboard falling off somehow. While none of the issues are business killers in our eyes, you should be aware.

Considering that this cooler is under $40, the overall design of the cooler makes the price seem too good to be true. Looking at the cooler, you may be wondering how they discovered the Hive Fins design in the first place. All the boxes seem to tick as well. Is all the motherboard hardware clean? Review. Does it look good, have style, and fit where traditional 165mm coolers can't? Review. Can you handle the rigors of our tests? Is it quiet so it can be used on an HTPC? Is it easy to install and at a great price? Check everything. This refrigerator is everything we need and more.

The fact that you can get all this style, clearance, and performance for just $34.50 is great. Although a bit unbalanced, if you're a system builder or just looking for a more compact design that has what it takes to get the job done, the H7 is definitely worth a look.