EVGA CLC 280 Liquid CPU Cooler Review

Test Setup

For our tests, we used a test rig which includes the EVGA X299 Micro motherboard, along with an Intel Core i5-7640X (Kaby Lake-X) at default clock speed of 4.0GHz (overclock speed at 5.1GHz), as well as 8GB of G.Skill Trident-Z DDR4-3200 ram in dual channel mode.

All tests were conducted at default speed at a resolution of 1920×1080. High or Ultra settings enabled.

EVGA Flow Control Software

The software gives you full control over the EVGA CLC Liquid Cooler including fan speed, RGB lighting, pump control, and you can even save your own profiles. You can download it from EVGA’s website. Make sure you connect the included USB cable to the waterblock at one end, while the other end will connect to the USB header on the motherboard.

Idle Temperatures (default 4.0GHz)

At default clock speed, our idle temperatures were surprisingly low at only 36 degrees Celsius. 

Idle Temperatures (overclocked 5.1GHz)

Not much to report here. Idle temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, which what we expected. Not much CPU activity here.

Load Temperatures (default 4.0GHz)

Ok, now for the temperature reading at full load. Still very good at only 50 degrees Celsius. I guess the larger radiator, along with the 2 x 140mm fans really helped.

Load Temperatures (overclocked 5.1GHz)

Now this is interesting. Full load temperature reached a high of 75 degrees Celsius, which looks pretty high, but mind you the CPU is running at 5.1Ghz (full load). Even so, the cooler can handle it for sure … and I’m more than happy with it. There’s no doubt, the larger radiator and the 2 x 140mm fans made all the difference.