Compare: Hyper 212 EVO vs FX360 Pro

Design and Aesthetics:

Hyper 212 EVO

The Hyper 212 Evo has a simple and clean design, with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan. It's black and silver, so it matches most computer setups. It doesn't have fancy lights like some other coolers, but it still looks professional and cool. Compared to other coolers, this cooler has a lighter feel in both the radiator and fan, giving in a cheaper feel.

FX360 Pro

This cooler features a sleek, understated design, perfect for setups aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic rather than a flashy, Times Square vibe. The AIO pump adds a touch of reflection, drawing attention to the center of your build. This minimalist style aligns well with those who prefer a clean, sophisticated look for their system, like myself.

Install Notes:

Hyper 212 EVO

This cooler works with many different Intel and AMD sockets. This cooler proved to be rather difficult to install compared to the other coolers tested. there are many parts that don't look like their picture within the instructions. Some parts not even within the directions but look like parts that are used, which adds confusion. Given the install type, I would suspect that there is a high chance to damage your motherboard given the setup and for the hold not to be secure. The mount that connects to the cooler isn't even bolted on and it can feel like a puzzle to get it on the cooler. Overall, this has proven to be one of the most difficult installations.

FX360 Pro

The installation of this cooler follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers. You will need to install the fans, which come with an easy daisy chain setup, making the process relatively simple. After connecting the fans, ensure the AIO pump brackets are set up and secure on the motherboard. Next, attach the radiator to the case, make sure the right mounting bracket is on the AIO pump, place the pump on the motherboard mounting brackets, and secure the AIO pump in place. Finally, connect the AIO pump cable to the motherboard pump input and the fans to the CPU input. Overall, this is what you would expect with most mainstream AIO coolers.

Cooling Performance:

Hyper 212 EVO

This cooler has four heat pipes that touch the CPU directly and a 120mm fan that helps take away the heat. This keeps your CPU from getting too hot when you're doing a lot of work on your computer or playing games. It might not be the best choice for extreme overclocking, but it's good enough for most people.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, making it capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Testing at 100% AIO pump speed demonstrates that this cooler has enough headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it extremely competitive option at its price point.

Noise Performance:

Hyper 212 EVO

Unfortunately, the Hyper 212 EVO is louder than most other coolers on the market. This means that you might experience more noise while your PC is running, which could be a drawback if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet workspace. If having a quiet PC setup is important to you, it's worth considering other coolers with better noise profiles.

FX360 Pro

The base noise level is higher for this CPU drive due to the increased pump noise. However, since the testing is done at 100% pump speed, this can easily be toned down to quieter levels. With this in mind, the cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and also handle more demanding tasks, albeit with increased audibility.

Summary:

Hyper 212 EVO

The Hyper 212 Evo cooler, compatible with various Intel and AMD sockets, has a simple and clean design with an aluminum tower and a single 120mm fan, but its installation can be challenging and potentially damaging to the motherboard. Although it lacks fancy lights and has a cheaper feel, it performs well for most users with its four heat pipes and a 120mm fan that keeps the CPU cool during heavy workloads or gaming. However, it is louder than most other coolers, which may be a concern for those seeking a quiet workspace.

FX360 Pro

The FX360 Pro offers excellent cooling performance for an AIO, capable of handling some of the hottest CPUs. Installation follows the standard procedure for mainstream AIO coolers, with an easy daisy chain setup for the fans and straightforward attachment of the radiator and pump. The cooler features a sleek, understated design, ideal for those aiming for an all-black, stealth fighter aesthetic. Testing at 100% pump speed shows the cooler's headroom to run at lower speeds for both the fan and pump while maintaining comfortable CPU temperatures, making it a competitive option at its price point. Although the base noise level is higher due to the increased pump noise at full speed, this can be reduced to achieve quieter operation. The cooler can offer excellent cooling at moderate noise levels and handle more demanding tasks with increased audibility.