Direct contact pipes vs solid contact plate - Which is the best CPU cooler type?

[Tommygunn]

I am interested in a Themalright Burst Assassin 120 cooler. There are, however, two specs I need to choose between; standard version with a nickel plated copper plate and an 'SE' version that has the pipes in direct contact with the CPU.
Which, theoretically, or as tested, conducts away the most heat?

https://www.thermalright.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/7.jpg

https://www.thermalright.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7-4.jpg

Cheers,
Tom.

 

[Gabriel Pike]

Usually a copper plate is slightly better performance than direct contact due to advances in cooling wicks of air coolers.

 

[Tommygunn]

I've decided to go with the solid plate version, due to things, such as you describe, but also I've heard about flatness inconsistencies with exposed pipes.