**UPDATE**: For updated K2 results, have a look at our revised testing

4GHz

In the next comparison, we look at the default cooler performance as they come out of the box with their bundled fans. Coolers that come with no fans have been coupled with Noctua’s NF-P12 or fans that the manufacturers intended their coolers to be used with.


The stock K2 struggles to keep up with the other three dual tower coolers, with a 2C difference separating it from the Silver Arrow. 2C might not be much but it’s enough to lose several places on our competitive chart. It remains better than a lot of high end coolers such as the Prolimatech Genesis and Super Mega but the more compact Thermalright Venomous X puts the K2 to shame.


The K2 loses out on efficiency here being a whole 1C behind the Venomous X. Still, it proves much more efficient than high end ALC units.


Again, the K2 is more competitive with the Prolimatech Genesis than the big dual tower coolers. 2.5C separates the K2 from the NH-D14 using the same Coolink fans and the similarly sized Phanteks performs 3C cooler.


The results here reflect the same pattern as before although the K2 is only marginally behind the NH-D14 in this situation.


Passively, the K2 can still hold its own, edging ahead of the Genesis and NH-D14 but failing to match the Silver Arrow and Phanteks.