Data
CPU cooling statistics
Numbers computed from the full database, each with its method and sample size so they can be quoted with a source. They refresh whenever the data changes.
Full-load CPU temperature by cooler class
On flagship processors (200 W and above), dual-tower air coolers land at a median 90 °C under sustained load versus 77 °C for 360/420 mm liquid coolers, a 13 °C gap; 4 % of dual-tower pairings on those chips are a throttling risk.
How much RAM clearance dual-tower coolers really have (19 coolers measured)
11 of 19 dual-tower coolers (58 %) cannot clear a 44 mm RGB memory module under their front fan in the stock position; the median clearance among restricted models is 42 mm.
CPU cooler height distribution and case compatibility
9 of 41 air coolers (22 %) are 160 mm or taller, the height at which many Micro-ATX and tempered-glass mid-tower cases stop fitting; the median air cooler is 157 mm tall.
CPU boost power versus TDP by generation
11th Gen Core processors boost to an average 220 W, 2.5× their rated base power; across all 120 CPUs the average boost limit is 161 W against a 94 W average TDP.