Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler vs Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler: Spec Comparison
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This comparison covers the supermicro snk p0046a4 1u passive CPU vs 4u active CPU heatsink. Both units are designed for server environments and weigh one pound. The main difference lies in their cooling method and target socket. One uses a passive design for older 115x sockets, while the other employs active fans for newer LGA2011 processors. You need to match the cooler to your specific server chassis and CPU generation.
Key differences
| Aspect | Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler | Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Method | Passive | Active |
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1156, LGA1155 | LGA2011 |
| System Type | 2U UP Servers | 4U UP/DP Servers |
| Fan Speed | 2800 RPM | not listed |
| Noise Level | 33.5 dBA | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler if
- You are using a 2U server chassis with LGA1155 or LGA1156 processors.
- You need a cooler that relies on case airflow rather than an integrated fan.
- You require a unit with a specified noise rating of 33.5 dBA.
Choose Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler if
- You are installing a cooler in a 4U system for X9 series boards.
- You are using Intel Xeon E5-2600 series processors on LGA2011.
- You prefer a design that includes a front-mounted cooling fan.
Verdict: Choose the SNK-P0046A4 if you are maintaining older 2U systems with LGA115x sockets. Select the SNK-P0050AP4 if you are building or upgrading 4U systems with LGA2011 processors. The active design of the second option suits higher TDP requirements typical of the E5 series.
Socket, Size, and Cooling Methods
Socket Compatibility
Product A supports LGA1156 and LGA1155 sockets. It targets older Xeon 3400 and Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. Product B supports the LGA2011 socket. It is designed for Intel Xeon E5-2600 series processors. These sockets serve different generations of hardware. You cannot install either cooler on a motherboard with an incompatible socket type. The socket support is distinct and non-overlapping. This is a tie because each product is optimized for a specific, non-interchangeable platform.
Cooling Method
Product A is a passive cooler. It relies on case airflow to dissipate heat. It does not include a built-in fan. Product B is an active cooler. It includes a cooling fan on the front side. This fan forces air through the fins. Active cooling generally handles higher thermal loads than passive designs. You need case fans to make Product A work effectively. Product B brings its own airflow solution. This gives Product B a clear advantage for standalone thermal performance.
Tower Design
Product A measures 3.6 inches in width, height, and length. It is a compact block. Product B measures 5 inches in width, 4.2 inches in height, and 3.6 inches in length. It is larger and has more surface area for fins. The larger dimensions of Product B allow for more heat dissipation material. Product A is constrained by its 2U server height limit. Product B utilizes a 4U space. The larger physical size of Product B supports its active cooling needs.
Build Material
Product A does not list specific base or fin materials in the provided data. Product B uses a copper base, aluminum fins, and heat pipes. The copper base helps transfer heat from the CPU quickly. The aluminum fins provide surface area for cooling. The heat pipes move heat from the base to the fins. Product B has a defined thermal path. Product A lacks this detailed specification in the data. This makes Product B the stronger choice for known thermal construction.
Fan Noise
Product A lists a noise level of 33.5 dBA. This noise comes from the case fans interacting with the passive cooler. Product B does not list a specific noise rating in the provided data. It includes a fan that runs at an unspecified speed. Without a decibel rating for Product B, you cannot compare the acoustic output directly. Product A has a stated noise value. Product B has no stated value. This is a tie because the data is incomplete for a fair comparison.
Which Supermicro Cooler Fits Your Server
You have an older 2U server with 1155 sockets
This cooler matches your LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets. It is built for 2U UP servers. The 2800 RPM fan provides active cooling. It weighs one pound. The push-in pin mounting is simple. It supports Xeon 3400 and Core i7 chips. This fits your specific hardware constraints.
You run high-end Xeon E5 processors in a 4U case
This unit supports the LGA2011 socket for Xeon E5-2600 series. It is designed for 4U UP or DP systems. The active cooling includes a front fan. It uses copper and aluminum with heat pipes. Screw and spring mounting ensures stability. It fits larger chassis dimensions.
You need compatibility with older Core i3 or i5 CPUs
Product A explicitly supports Core i3, i5, and i7 series processors. It works with LGA1156 and LGA1155 sockets. This makes it ideal for older workstation builds. The 2U form factor fits standard server racks. It weighs one pound. The 33.5 dBA noise level is moderate.
The products compared
Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler
Best for: 2U servers with LGA1155 or LGA1156 CPUs
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1156, LGA1155
- Fan Speed
- 2800 RPM
- Server Height
- 2U
- Cooling Method
- Passive
- Dimensions
- 3.6 × 3.6 × 3.6 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This is a Supermicro 2U active CPU cooler designed for UP servers and workstations. It supports LGA1156 and LGA1155 sockets, including Xeon 3400 and Core i3/i5/i7 processors. The unit runs at 2800 RPM with a noise level of 33.5 dBA. It uses a push-in pin mounting method and weighs 1 pound. You should consider this if you need a compact 2U solution for specific older Intel platforms.
Pros
- Supports LGA1156 and LGA1155 sockets
- Runs at 2800 RPM fan speed
- Low noise output of 33.5 dBA
- Lightweight at 1 pound
Cons
- Limited to 2U server height
- Only supports older LGA1155/1156 sockets
- Fixed fan speed with no adjustable settings
Good fit if
- You are building a 2U UP server
- You use LGA1156 or LGA1155 processors
- You need a lightweight cooling solution
Skip if
- You have a newer LGA1700 socket
- You require a 4U chassis height
- You need silent passive cooling
Verdict: Supermicro 2U Active CPU Cooler is a practical fit for 2U servers using LGA1155 or LGA1156 CPUs. It provides adequate airflow for Xeon 3400 or Core i-series chips without excessive noise.
Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler
Best for: 4U Supermicro X9 servers with LGA2011
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA2011
- Cooling Method
- Active
- Dimensions
- 3.6 × 5 × 4.2 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This is a 4U active cooling solution designed for Supermicro X9 UP and DP server systems. It supports LGA2011 sockets and Intel Xeon E5-2600 series processors. The unit uses a copper base, aluminum fins, and heat pipes with a front-mounted fan. It weighs 1 pound and measures 5 by 4.2 by 3.6 inches. You need this for active cooling in 4U chassis environments.
Pros
- Active cooling with front-mounted fan
- Supports Intel Xeon E5-2600 series
- Compatible with LGA2011 sockets
- Includes mounting brackets for Square and Narrow ILMs
Cons
- Requires 4U chassis space
- Limited to LGA2011 socket compatibility
- Only supports specific Supermicro X9 systems
Good fit if
- You are building a 4U Supermicro X9 server
- You use Intel Xeon E5-2600 processors
- You need active cooling for LGA2011
Skip if
- You have a 1U chassis
- You use LGA2066 or newer sockets
- You need passive cooling only
Verdict: Supermicro 4U Active CPU Heatsink fits 4U Supermicro X9 servers using LGA2011 and Xeon E5-2600 CPUs. It provides necessary active cooling where passive options fall short.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler | Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1156, LGA1155 | LGA2011 |
| Fan Speed | 2800 RPM | not stated |
| Server Height | 2U | not stated |
| Cooling Method | Passive | Active |
| Dimensions | 3.6 × 3.6 × 3.6 inches | 3.6 × 5 × 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 1 pounds | 1 pounds |
| Model | SNK-P0046A4 | SNK-P0050AP4 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Supermicro 2U cooler have a fan?
No, the Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler uses a passive cooling method. It relies on case airflow rather than an integrated fan. This design helps reduce noise in your server environment. You must ensure your server chassis provides sufficient air movement across the heatsink fins.
What is the weight of the Supermicro 4U cooler?
The Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler weighs one pound. This lightweight design makes it easy to install in standard 4U server racks. Despite its low weight, it includes an active fan to handle the thermal load of LGA2011 processors effectively.
Can I use the 2U cooler on an LGA2011 socket?
No, the Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler is designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets. It is not compatible with the larger LGA2011 socket used in newer Xeon E5-2600 series processors. You should use the 4U Active model for LGA2011 builds instead.
What are the dimensions of the 4U heatsink?
The Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler measures 5 inches in width, 4.2 inches in height, and 3.6 inches in length. These dimensions allow it to fit within 4U server chassis. The active fan ensures adequate cooling for high-performance processors in this form factor.
Is the 2U cooler suitable for Xeon 3400 processors?
Yes, the Supermicro 2U Server CPU Cooler is suitable for Xeon 3400 processors. It is optimized for 2U servers using LGA1155 or LGA1156 sockets. The passive design provides adequate airflow for these older chips without generating excessive noise in your data center.
Which model is better for a 4U X9 server?
The Supermicro 4U Active CPU Cooler is the better choice for a 4U X9 server. It is specifically designed for LGA2011 sockets and Xeon E5-2600 CPUs. The active cooling method ensures necessary thermal management where passive options might fall short in this high-performance environment.