How far have coolers come in 3 years

[sswats]

Air coolers that is.
I currently have a Thermaltek Frio which at the time was one of the top coolers according to reviews.

Having a bit of trouble with it keeping my new FX CPU cool, so i was just wondering how much better the new air coolers are?

I don't want to spend more than £40 so unless I get a refurb H80 I'll have to stick with air coolers.

I have a Corsair 540 case. So space or air flow is not a big issue.

 

[ShivP]

Tbh, in my experience at least, not as far as other components, but they have still moved on. Sure, the fans are more efficient, smaller & better heatsinks but mostly not much has happened on the cooler scene in my opinion, maybe a lot has but I don't know

 

[doyll]

Biggest change is they are quieter now.
True Spirit 140 is £34.99 and 1/4th as loud as your Frio
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=hs-108-tr&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2352
for example
true spirit 140 = 76.9c @ 36.9dba . . as quiet as a library
thermaltake frio = 76.6c @ 60.2dba . . as loud as someone practicing on piano
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermaltake-frio-advanced_5.html#sect1

Perceptions of Increases in Decibel Level
Imperceptible Change 1dB
Barely Perceptible Change 3dB
Clearly Noticeable Change 5dB
About Twice as Loud 10dB
About Four Times as Loud 20dB

 

[ShivP]

^ Forgot about sound levels, yeah they advanced in that field

Well remembered sir!