Alpenfohn Matterhorn Review

Results Analysis

Once we’d managed to find the strength to strap the Matterhorn to our thermal test rigs, we were pleased to find that the fan bundled with the cooler was extremely quiet throughout testing, even at its full speed of 1,500rpm. In fact, its noise wasn’t even distinguishable from the noise made by the rest of the PC.

We were also pleased to find that, unlike many of the coolers that pass through our labs, we were able to mount the Matterhorn with its airflow directed towards the rear of our AM3 test rig. This arrangement means that the hot air expelled by the cooler is exhausted straight out through the back of the case, as with our Intel system. This is usually the best cooling option, and means the Matterhorn is more flexible than most other coolers when it comes to AM3 systems, as not all cases have roof fans.

Happily, the Alpenfohn Matterhorn also proved adept at cooling in both our test systems.
It recorded a load delta T of 52^oC in our Intel test system, just 3^oC warmer than the current king of the cooling tree; the Thermaltake Frio. This was with the Frio on its thunderous high-speed fan setting, though, which meant its noise output was significantly more intrusive than that of the Matterhorn.


In our AMD system, the Matterhorn managed to secure a podium position, and was only bettered by the Thermaltake Frio. Its peak delta T of 25^oC was 5^oC warmer than the result achieved by the Frio, but 6^oC cooler than the next best cooler; the Thermaltake Jing.

Conclusion

The main issue with the Matterhorn is its price. At £47, it’s one of the more expensive coolers we’ve tested, and there are coolers that perform similarly and cost far less. In our LGA1155 system, the Gelid Tranquilo was just 1^oC warmer but is £21 cheaper. Even the Thermaltake Frio is cheaper than the Matterhorn, meaning it’s pretty difficult to solidly recommend the Alpenfohn cooler, as the Frio beat it for cooling on both our test systems.

In the Matterhorn’s favour, the cooler was amazingly quiet during testing. Its fan remained quiet, even at full load, which is impressive given its results. Consequently, the Matterhorn is worth a look if you want a solid cooler that doesn’t sound like a hive of angry bees, but you’ll need deep pockets for it.

AMD Socket AM3 Scores

• Cooling
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• 9/10

• Design
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Value
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 6/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

Intel LGA1155 Scores

• Cooling
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• 9/10

• Design
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Value
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 5/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

Score Guide