Cooler Master V10 is a cooler of its own category. It's not fair to compare it air coolers, since the presence of a TEC gives it a great advantage. So, the manufacturer categorizes it as a "hybrid cooler". The TEC cooler is not user at full power all the time, but only when needed and with the required power level. When the CPU is idle, it works stealing low power from the power supply, with no water condensation and fans rotating very slowly. When the CPU dissipates more power, however, it shows its "muscles" and can handle any current CPU, even the hottest ones. Cooler Master claims it can cools CPUs with TDP up to 200 W or even more.

Compared to the coolers we tested to date it performs far better, keeping the CPU core about 12 ^oC colder that our best result until now. Its noise is almost inaudible when the CPU is idle and under full load it is still under comfortable limits.

But V10 is not a cooler for everyone. Mostly because its price, more than two or three times the cost of most high-quality coolers. But also because it will not use its cooling potential with a low-TDP processor, when it practically will not use the TEC. Other problem is the fact it is way too big, so it will interfere with the handling of other computer components inside the case.

But if you have a CPU that generates a lot of heat and want to overclock the most you can, have a big case, power to spare on your power supply, a fat wallet and you're looking for the best air cooler you can find, V10 is the cooler for you.

We are giving our "Golden Award" seal due its incredible performance, but keep in mind it is not the best choice unless you fit the abovementioned characteristics.