1. Intro - AC Freezer 7 Pro
Cooling has been a rather hot subject for many users, from amateurs
to experienced ones. As we all know, both AMD and Intel are offering
coolers at their retail package, these coolers are sufficient for
normal
everyday use. However recently there are so many different needs to be
covered that we have seen enormous growth in the cooling
systems world. There's no doubt that the market is very strong and
while most CPU coolers are priced low, there is a higher demand for
less noise and increased performance. After receiving a great
number of emails,
we decided to perform a rather "big" roundup with many different
coolers from well known and established companies. We will how they
perform with as much as possible accurate measurements and correct
testing methodology. More on
this later, lets meet our first contender.
- AC Freezer 7 Pro
Manufacturer |
Arctic Cooling |
Model |
|
Price |
$27 |
Category |
Medium Level |
AC Freezer 7 Pro is a well known CPU cooler. We have already reviewed AC Freezer 7 Pro in the past.
For your convenience we'll sum up its most important features. The AC
Freezer 7 Pro consists of a copper base with six heatpipes ending up in
aluminum fins. We would say that it has a rather typical design and
it's easy to install. The CPU cooler has PMW function that allows it to
operate very well producing low levels of noise, depending on the work
load. All this of course if the
motherboard supports this function.
- Full specifications
Heat Sink: |
104 x 58 x 126.5 mm |
Fan: |
107 x 43.5 x 96 mm |
Overall Dimensions: |
107 x 96.5 x 126.5 mm |
Rated Fan Speed: |
900 - 2500 RPM (PWM) |
Power Consumption: |
0.16 Amp. |
Air Flow: |
45 CFM / 77 m3/h |
Weight: |
520 g |
Noise Level: |
0.9 Sone |
Thermal Resistance: |
0.17°C/Watt |
Thermal Interface Material: |
Pre-applied MX-1 Paste |
Warranty: |
6 Years |
- Retail package
The retail package of AC Freezer 7 Pro is rather simple and doesn't include much, only an installation guide and the ARCTIC MX-1
thermal compound preapplied. Of course this was removed in order to
perform all CPU coolers tests with the same thermal compound.
As we said earlier, the base is fully made of copper and the three U-shaped heatpipes should absorb and release heat very efficient.
The four rubber connectors on the fan base act as vibration
dampers preventing vibrations from being transfered to the heatsink and to the system. Surprisingly,
this works rather well and the noise that comes from that CPU cooler is quite low.
A closer look at the base. AC Cooling has included the MX-1 thermal paste, which was left for all tests:
- Installation
The AC Freezer 7 Pro installation process is very simple. For best
results it's advised to remove the fan (it's very simple) for
securing the cooler at the motherboard. Note that the white plastic fasteners
bend too easily so it takes some time until you align all
four to complete the task. Make sure to hear the clicking sound that
indicates that all four plastic fasteners are at the same depth and
therefore at the correct position. If you miss one, the cooling
performance is highly affected.
Due to its design, it's very possible that you need to rotate the fan
until you would be able to fit it. In our case we did noticed that the
right side of the cooler was very close to the motherboard's
copper heatsinks, I guess you could bend the aluminium fins to avoid
any contact.
After that you can finally attach the rotating fan to the cpu cooler. This is very easy, nothing to worry about.
Installing the whole structure to our case, can unveil how big and
how empty space was left from the cpu cooler. As we can see there is
enough room around the cpu cooler.
Another picture...
The height of the cooler is not that big...
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Copper Base quality |
|
2. Akasa AK-965
Manufacturer |
Akasa |
Model |
|
Price |
$25 |
Category |
Entry Level |
The low noise AK-965 utilizes U-shape heatpipe technology for rapid
and even heat transfer. A copper base is used for maximum heat
absorption, three precision embedded copper heatpipes ensure
hi-speed heat transfer and 45 aluminium fine fins for ultimate heat
dissipation. Intel approved power management (PWM) lo-noise 92mm round
frame fan provides efficient and quiet cooling. Intel reference
push-pin retention is used for safe and easy attachment. The specific
fan positioning enhances the VRM cooling (VRM - CPU Voltage Regulator
Modules located on the motherboard). Thermal compound is pre-applied.
The AK-965 can be assembled horizontally or vertically as the
heatpipes work independently of installation direction. Akasa plans to
ship the AK-965BL soon, with different air cooler colours:
- Features
- PWM controls fan RPM accordingly to CPU usage and provides lo-noise cooling
- Three U-shape heatpipes give rapid heat dissipation
- Copper base for maximum heat absorption
- Intel reference push pins for safe and easy retention
- Thermal compound pre-applied
- Full Specifications
Socket type |
Intel LGA 775 |
Heatsink dimension |
132 x 105 x 56.5mm |
Heatsink material |
Aluminium fins, copper heatpipes and base |
Cooler dimension |
139.5 x 111.6 x 89.5mm |
Fan dimension |
92 x 25mm (on 80mm fan fitting) |
Fan speed |
600 - 2500 R.P.M. |
Fan connector |
4-pin (PWM enabled) |
Fan airflow |
10.56 - 47.68 CFM |
Fan air pressure |
0.18 - 2.56 mm H20 |
Fan life expectancy |
45000/hrs |
Bearing type |
Ball Bearing |
Voltage rating |
12V |
Noise level |
17 - 30 dB(A) |
Product code |
AK-965 |
- Retail package
The retail package of Akasa AK-95 is very minimal.
Opening the package, unveils its contents, which are...only one:
The cooler follows the design of several other cpu coolers. There is
a big 92mm fan in the front. The bottom is made out of copper and there
are three U-shaped heatpipes that absorb the heat from the base and
transfer it to the aluminium fins. The height is only 11cm and we can
say it's a middle size cooler.
A side view of the cooler...
Another picture that shows the aluminium fins. As you can see the thermal compound is pre-applied.
- Installation
The installation procedure is very simple, since it
follows Intel's standard procedure. No much to explain here, this
cooler can be installed in less than 1 minute. We didn't encountered
any problems with the nearby copper heatpipes.
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Copper Base quality |
|
3. Akasa AK-925 Revo
Manufacturer |
Akasa |
Model |
|
Price |
$72 |
Category |
HTPC/Medium Level |
Revo is a totally new class of CPU cooler powered by "bubble-pump"
technology. Revo has been developed by Akasa Europe. At the heart of
the cooler is "SilentFlux" a technology developed in Denmark.
SilentFlux utilises a unique dual-component coolant to drive the bubble
pump. This product and its patented technology is unique to Akasa.
Revo marks a revolution in the development of Silent CPU cooling: it
is quieter and more efficient than heatpipe coolers, significantly
cooler than conventional heatsinks and easier to fit (and safer) than
watercoolers.
Revo does not use a conventional heatsink. At the heart of this
technology is a "bubble pump" (no moving parts, dual component fluid)
which silently shifts heat instantly to an aluminium eight port
radiator with approximately 1200cm sq. of profiled fine fins that
rapidly dissipates heat. Due to the high thermal efficiency the fan can
operate at low speeds, effectively eliminating fan noise. Vents in the
fan -mount direct cool air to surrounding components, motherboard,
VRM’s, chipset etc.
Revo can be used with a 92mm smart (PWM) fan or fan-less for lower
wattage CPU’s.This cooler is all aluminium and consequently
lightweight, and can be easily fitted tool-free without Motherboard
removal .
- How Revo works ?
Revo uses SilentFlux® technology.
- Heat is absorbed from the CPU into a chamber which stores a specially designed dual-component liquid-coolant
- From
the CPU chamber heat moves to the radiator along the up-pipe of
a hermetically sealed circuit. The specially designed
dual-component liquid-coolant works with a bubble pump to force
the heat rapidly to the radiator
- Heat is dispersed from the radiator by a 92mm fan rotating at low speed
- The
dual-component coolant is cooled by the airflow from the fan and
returns along the down-pipe of the sealed circuit to the chamber
for re-use
- Features
- Dual platform: AMD and INTEL
- Utilizes new SilentFlux Technology
- Revolutionary bubble pump with no moving parts
- Unique radiator design with over 1200cm square of dissipation surface
- Fan is mounted on four cushion dampers. Noise is virtually eliminated
- Ultra quiet misty blue 92mm PWM fan silently cools the radiator
- Specially designed fan bracket redirects part of the airflow onto motherboard zones cooling VRMs
- Full Specifications
Socket type |
AMD Socket 939 / AM2
INTEL LGA 775 |
Cooler dimension |
132 x 90 x 138mm (W, D, H) |
Cooler material |
Aluminium |
Fan dimension |
92 x 92 x 25mm |
Fan speed |
600 - 2200 R.P.M. |
Fan connector |
4-pin (PWM) |
Fan airflow |
11.44 - 41.96CFM |
Fan air pressure |
0.85 - 3.13 mm H20 |
Fan life expectancy |
45000/hrs |
Bearing type |
Ball bearing |
Voltage rating |
12V |
Noise level |
17 – 26 dB(A) |
Weight |
330g |
Product code |
AK-925 |
- Retail package
The retail package of the Akasa Revo included all the needed logos to show what this product is about.
Opening the package, unveils its contents, everything is well placed
and secured. There are mounting mechanisms for AM2 and Socket 775
platforms. You will also find a printed manual in several languages.
Let's now examine the Akasa Revo cooler. The design is unique for
sure. In the middle we can find a 92mm fan supporting PWM.
At left we can find the bubble pump pipe and the return pipe.
At the back, there's the small radiator.
The bottom includes the support stand, the liquid reservoir and the heatsink chamber
The base is made out of aluminium and the whole weight is low
(330gr). This could be easily the lightest cooler of this roundup.
- Installation
The installation procedure is simple. First you need to secure the included Socket 775 base and lift up the two retaining clips.
Gently insert the cooler and place it at the base. Secure the
cooler with the two retaining clips. Lock it by pushing them down and
outwards so it's latched securely.
Take a note here, the Akasa Revo works only when the case is
standing up, this means that the radiator must face the power supply.
Akasa recommends for best performance that the Revo should be installed
with the radiator on top. The cooler will also work with the radiator
on the right side, but not with the radiator at the bottom or at the
left. The Akasa Revo doesn't occupy much space inside the case...
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Copper Base quality |
|
4. Asus Silent Knight II
Manufacturer |
Asus |
Model |
|
Price |
|
Category |
Overclockers |
Asus recently decided to enter the CPU cooler market with several
products. We can definitively say that the Silent Knight II is a good
example of design and at the same time performance. The Asus Silent
Knight II is made out of 100% copper materials with six copper heat
pipes that ensure excellent heat dissipation for maximum cooling
performance. Due to its design, the Silent Knight II supports the Intel
Core2 Extreme/ Core2 Quad (Quad-Core) CPU, Intel Pentium 4 LGA775 &
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core CPU, AMD Athlon 64(-FX) (939/940/AM2). The
PWM function automatically adjusts rotation speed according to CPU
temperature and delivers a quiet cooling at a mere 25dBA. Lastly, the
fan is positioned inside the frame and VRM shield guides cool air to
critical components around the CPU for stable operation.
- Full specifications
CPU Support |
Intel® Core™2 Extreme/ Core™2 Quad (Quad-Core)
Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Pentium® Dual Core/ Pentium® D (Dual-Core)
Intel® Pentium® 4 HT/Celeron® D
AMD Athlon™ 64 FX
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
AMD Athlon™ 64
AMD Sempron™ |
CPU Socket |
Intel LGA 775
AMD 754/939/940
AMD AM2 |
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
115 (L) x 140 (W) x 110 (H) mm |
Net Weight (g) |
610 g |
Heatsink Material |
Cu. Base + Cu. Fins + 6 Heat Pipes |
Fan |
Dimension (mm)
92 x 92 x 25
Bearing Type
Sleeve
Connector
4 Pin with PWM Control
Speed
2300 rpm ± 10%
Max. Airflow
45.6 CFM
Max. Air Pressure
2.325 mm-H2O |
- Retail package
The retail package of Asus Silent Knight II is semi-transparent in front to show up the design and its features.
The package is full, this means that it includes all the needed
items for installing it either with an AMD or an Intel processor.
The Asus Silent Knight II is fully made of copper. There
are six heatpipes that absorb heat from the processor and via the
centered 92mm fan, heat is released to the nearby area. For sure this
cooler looks impressive.
What we didn't liked is the fact that the power fan cable is too
short and can easily be messed up with the fan. Just make
sure to push it away from fan during the installation procedure.
At night the fan will light up in an electric blue color adding a
special mood to your case.
The bottom is very impressive without a mirror finish and no manufacturing defects or scratches:
- Installation
The Asus Silent Knight II needs some extra time to install it. First
of all you need to add the backplate stabilizer, add four screws to the
black base and mount the whole structure to the motherboard. Then you
need to pass through the bottom of the cooler another metal plate and
push it down so the cooler stays stable at the motherboard. The
procedure does sound complicated, but Asus has included well written
instructions.
With Asus Blitz Extreme we had some problems fitting the left bottom
screw, since the black metal case was touching the copper heatsink.
With some extra force this problem was overcomed. We could
have simply rotated the whole base instead...
Installing the cpu cooler at the case we can have a better idea of its dimensions and overall volume.
The cpu cooler from top view, there is enough empty space around it...
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Copper Base quality |
|
5. Asus Triton 75
Manufacturer |
Asus |
Model |
|
Price |
|
Category |
HTPC/Medium Level |
Asus apart from Silent Knight II, provided us with a lower priced
CPU cooler the Triton 75. The inspiration for the design and
the look comes from ancient greek god Poseidon and his distinctive
"weapon", the
Triton. So according to Asus this product should be very efficient
against your main "enemy", the heat! The Triton 75 comes fanless with a
very wide space for easily accepting 12cm fans. The installation is
very easy and there is
no special preparations to be made. The product is very lightweight
(395gr.) and
is made out of a copper base, aluminium fins and four copper heatpipes.
The Triton
75 supports the Intel Core 2 Extreme/Core 2 Quad Quad-core CPU (LGA
775) and AMD Athlon 64 FX/X2 Dual-Core processors (939/940/AM2). The
unique
design allows to use any aftermarket 12cm fan, so that
gives gamers and other enthusiasts -according to Asus- the freedom
to choose and satisfy their DIY needs...
- Full specifications
CPU Support |
Intel® Core™2 Extreme/ Core™2 Quad (Quad-Core)
Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Pentium® Dual Core/ Pentium® D (Dual-Core)
Intel® Pentium® 4 HT/Celeron® D
AMD Athlon™ 64 FX
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
AMD Athlon™ 64
AMD Sempron™ |
CPU Socket |
Intel LGA 775
AMD 754/939/940
AMD AM2 |
Dimensions (L x W x H) |
137 (L) x 120 (W) x 90 (H) mm |
Net Weight (g) |
350 g |
Heatsink Material |
Cu. Base + Al. Fins + 4 Heat Pipes |
Fan |
Dimension (mm)
Fan-less
Connector
Fan-less
|
- Retail package
The retail package of Asus Triton 75 is small and features a photo of the product along with several other general specs.
Opening the package we find several components for installation with either an AMD or Intel processor.
The Asus Triton 75 is made out of full copper base with 4 heat
pipes. The high density aluminum fins design allows better heat dissipation according to Asus. What we didn't liked was that the copper base had
several weird scratches/marks...
We can see at the side the empty space needed to add the two metal straps for securing a 12cm fan
- Installation
The Asus Triton 75 takes a few minutes to install. You only need to screw the two bases for Socket 775 at the copper base:
and shortly your new cpu cooler will be ready to install.
Due to the massive volume of this cooler, we had some issues
securing it on the motherboard, since our long screw couldn't very easily
rotate the Intel default mounting mechanism. After a while, we shorted out
all things. Again it's not a major negative but it could take some time.
Due to its height, the Asus Triton 75 cpu cooler will cover a large
area of the motherboard. Depending your motherboard design, we
encountered some problems securing the mounting screws on the case
and the 8pin power cable is not very easy to mount/un-mount.
With higher heighted copper heatsinks, installation would be impossible.
Adding a 12cm fan is very easy
Finally here is how our CPU cooler looks after the installation on Thermaltake's Soprano case
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Copper Base quality |
|
6. GlacialTech Igloo 5160
Manufacturer |
GlacialTech |
Model |
|
Price Range |
$20 |
Category |
Entry Level |
GlacialTech launched its latest IGLOO 5610 PWM CPU cooler and IGLOO
5610 Silent CPU Cooler for Intel CPUs on October 22 2007. The design
and price aims at the entry level users who wish an affordable and at
the same time efficient cpu cooler. The unique design incorporates a
specially aligned aluminum heatpipe combination of two pipes that
dissipate the heat from the CPU directly to the heatsink fins. From
there, the Silent version’s fan brings the temperature down. The low
decibel (19dB), high volume (30.8 CFM) fan is 80mm×80mm×25mm and
runs at the ultra-quiet speed of 1800 RPM.
Unlike the
Silent version of this series, the PWM version has an 80mm×80mm×25mm
adjustable speed fan which brings the temperature down according to
your needs, The fan's speed ranges from 800 to 3200 RPM, with a maximum
volume throughput of 51.3CFM. The fan produces a maximum of 34dB
at full speed. The entire heatsink (both versions) keeps a relatively
low profile and weighs 373grams.
Highlighted Features
● Quality Aluminum design with Copper base
● Heatpipe-fin-airflow combination with Patented Engineering principles
● PWM version: Enhanced speed adjustable Fan (800-3200 RPM)
● Silent version: Silent performance (19dB)
- Retail package
The retail package of GlacialTech Igloo 5610 Silent/PWM versions are
very simple. Actually both models are the same concerning the
design and the physical structure, the only difference is the power
management functions (PWM) of the 5610PWM model.
Opening the package, there is only the backpanel braket and a quick installation guide
The Igloo 5610 is fully made of aluminum with four (4)
heatpipes and the 80mm fan produces low noise, according to
GlacialTech. At the bottom there is already pre-applied thermal paste.
More pictures...
Here is the backside...
While on top, there is the GlacialTech logo...
- Installation
The GlacialTech Igloo 5610 Silent/PWM function takes sometime to
install it. The backpanel has a sticker that if removed will hold it
until you secure all the mounting screws. The whole process is
rather simple and users shouldn't encounter any problem.
Due to its small volume, there shouldn't be any kind of problems,
even with specially designed motherboards. Finally here is how
our CPU cooler looks after the installation on Thermaltake's
Soprano case.
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Bottom Base quality |
|
7. Noctua NH-U12F
Manufacturer |
Noctua |
Model |
|
Price Range |
$60~65 |
Category |
Overclockers |
Noctua, an Austrian company, introduces the NH-U12F to the market as
one of the most powerful CPU coolers with high efficiency and very good
performance.The NH-U12F can be rotated by 90° on all sockets
It fully supports AMD's new AM2 socket and comes equipped
with a Noctua NF-S12 120mm fan, which has a minimum noise rating of
only 8dB(A). Thanks to the 4 Dual-Heat-Pipes, the 38 aluminium cooling
fins with a total surface area of more than 5000cm² and soldered joints
for optimal heat-transfer, the Noctua NH-U12F achieves superior cooling
performance at minimum noise levels.
- Features
4 Dual-Heatpipes for optimal heat absorption
The 4 u-shaped Dual-Heat-Pipes have a huge contact area with the copper
base to efficiently absorb the CPU's heat. They form 8 risers to spread
the heat throughout the fins.
38 aluminium cooling fins for optimal heat dissipation
Thanks to a surface area of more than 5000cm², the cooling fins
dissipate the heat extremely fast. Both the choice of aluminium and the
fins' shape and spacing allow for outstanding cooling performance with
the supplied ultra silent NF-S12-1200 fan.
Soldered joints for optimal heat-transfer
Unlike many other coolers, whose heat-pipes are stuck to the base and
the fins, the Noctua NH-U12F possesses high-grade soldered joints to
ensure optimal heat transfer.
Noctua NF-S12-1200 fan with Ultra-Low-Noise adaptor
Thanks to the sound-optimized blade geometry of the Noctua
Straight-Blade-Design and the self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing
(SSO bearing), the NF-S12-1200 achieves a flow rate of 81m³/h at a
noise rating of only 17dB(A). Using the supplied Ultra-Low-Noise
adaptor, the noise level can be lowered to only 8dB(A)!
Screwless fan-mount including anti-vibration strips
Attaching the fan with the steel clips is a child's play and doesn't
even require a screwdriver. The supplied anti-vibration strips minimize
vibrations transmitted to the cooler and hence allows for extra
quietness.
Easy installation on socket LGA 775, K8 (754, 939, 940) & AM2
The NH-U12F fits Intel's socket LGA 775 as well as AMD's K8 (754, 939,
940) and AM2. Thanks to the detailed step-by-step installation guide,
installation only takes a few minutes!
SecuFirm™ mounting system
The SecuFirm™ mounting system guarantees optimal contact pressure and
maximum security thanks to the use of a backplate and spring-loaded
screws. As a result, the SecuFirm™ mounting system makes it possible to
safely transport the assembled system without any risk even though the
cooler exceeds the 450g weight specification established by Intel and
AMD. Perfect for LAN gamers!
Can be rotated by 90° for improved compatibility and optimal positioning within the case
The NH-U12F can be installed rotated by 90° on all compatible sockets
to allow for an optimal positioning of the cooler within the airflow
inside the case and to evade compatibility issues.
Including manual, thermal paste and mounting hardware
In addition to the mounting hardware, the manual and the NF-S12-1200
fan, the package contains a syringe of high-grade thermal paste so that
you can get started right away!
- Specifications
Socket compatibility |
Intel Socket LGA 775, AMD K8 (754, 939, 940) & AM2 |
|
|
|
Height (without fan) |
155 mm |
|
|
|
Width (without fan) |
126 mm |
|
|
|
Depth (without fan) |
70 mm |
|
|
|
Height (with fan) |
155 mm |
|
|
|
Width (with fan) |
126 mm |
|
|
|
Depth (with fan) |
95 mm |
|
|
|
Weight (without fan) |
640 g |
|
|
|
Weight (with fan) |
790 g |
|
|
|
Material |
Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fan size |
120x120x25mm / 120x120x38mm (2 fans mountable) |
|
|
|
Fan |
|
|
|
|
Bearing |
|
|
|
|
Blade Geometry |
|
|
|
|
Rotational Speed (+/- 10%) |
1200 RPM |
|
|
|
Rotational Speed with U.L.N.A. (+/- 10%) |
800 RPM |
|
|
|
Airflow |
81 m³/h |
|
|
|
Airflow with U.L.N.A. |
59 m³/h |
|
|
|
Acoustical Noise |
17 dB(A) |
|
|
|
Acoustical Noise with U.L.N.A. |
8 dB(A) |
|
|
|
Input Power |
1,44 W |
|
|
|
Input Current |
0,12 A |
|
|
|
Voltage Range |
4-13 V |
|
|
|
MTBF |
> 150.000 h |
|
|
|
Scope of Delivery |
- NH-U12F
- NF-S12-1200
- Complete mounting hardware
- Ultra-Low-Noise Adaptor (U.L.N.A.)
- Thermal Paste
Anti-Vibration-Strips
|
|
|
|
Warranty |
6 years |
- Retail package
The retail package of Noctua NH-U12F is middle sized and includes
apart from the cpu cooler, a 12cm fan from Noctua, mounting hardware
and thermal paste.
The Noctua NH-U12F is made our of a copper base with U-shaped copper heatpipers and aluminium fins.
The base has an excellent finish..
On top there is the Noctua logo...
- Installation
Noctua has a webpage that includes many motherboard brands and the compatibility list.
Due to the size of the cpu cooler, we advise to visit the page and
check if your motherboard is compatible. Apart from this page, there is
a FAQ page
with many interesting facts about the NH-U12F product. There is also
the possibility to add a second 120mm fan using the included 4 fan clip
for further boosting the product's capabilities...
Let's begin our installation tour, everything you need is included, you can i the cooler either in horizontal or
in vertical position, this depends upon your needs. For our tests,
we placed the cooler horizontally as shown on the photos bellow:
Then you need to gently place the cooler and mount it with the
included screws. The included screwdriver does helps, since the Noctua
NH-U12F has 155mm height. Included in the retail package there are four
(4) anti-vibration strips that absorb any shocks produced from
the fan.
Finally our cpu cooler is ready and armed. The two steel clips are
easy to place, until you understand how exactly they should be placed,
Noctua should had a better sketch for this.
Despite the height of this cooler, we didn't had any problems with the nearby copper heatsinks.
Due to the small volume, there shouldn't be any kind of problems
even with specially designed motherboards. Finally here is how our CPU
cooler looks after the installation on Thermaltake's Soprano case
Yep, the height is enormous...
- Adding an extra 12cm fan
You can add a second 12cm fan on the Noctua NH-U12F in order
to boost the product's abilities and performance. For this we used
a Noctua NF-S12 fan that was very easy to install. The overall volume
of the cooler rised up and the total weight of both fans and CPU cooler
reached 940gr...We are not very sure if this is safe for your
motherboard.
Another picture from the top, despite the increased volume, there is
still enough room for air to circuit. What we didn't like was the fact
that our 12cm case fan wasn't aligned at the same height as the Noctua
NH-U12F cooler. This could have a negative effect on the overall
performance but we will talk about this later in our review.
- Ratings
Retail package |
|
Design |
|
Motherboard compatibility |
|
Installation time |
|
Bottom Base quality |
|
8. OCZ Vendetta
Manufacturer |
OCZ Technology |
Model |
|
Price Range |
$30 |
Category |
Medium Level |
Using a distinctive, highly efficient heat pipe and fin design
developed by Xigmatek, combined with a low-noise fan, the Vendetta is
built to tackle heat-induced performance degradation and solves the
cooling challenges of today’s enthusiast system builds.
While traditional heat pipe CPU coolers typically
use a solid base plate design, the Vendetta’s three copper heat pipes
make direct contact with the processor allowing for maximum heat
transfer at a more rapid pace. A novel “dimple” design in the
micro-configuration of the stacked aluminum fans adds turbulences,
thereby reducing the skin effect of laminar air flow. Moreover, a
folded "V" shape of the macro-configuration of the fins adds surface
area without compromising the compact design. As a result, the Vendetta
offers incredibly efficient cooling area comparable to much larger
coolers which is reflected in its performance.
The ultra-quiet fan cools without disruption with its
anti-vibration rubber connectors to reduce excess noise, resulting in
quiet, yet extremely effective performance. Because the OCZ Vendetta
has a compact design, even the most crowded cases can accommodate the
cooler with ease.
- Specifications
- For Sockets AMD 754/755/939/AM2, Intel LGA775
- 3 Pure Copper heat pipes for superior heat dissipation
- Pure Aluminum fins for ultimate durability
- 1 year warranty
- Fan Specs
- Size: 92mm
- Rated Voltage: 12V DC
- Fan Speed: 1200-2800RPM
- Fan Air Flow: 39-54.6 CFM
- Noise Level: 22-34 dBA
- Bearing type: ball
- Connector: 4 pin with PWM
- Dimensions:
Heatsink: (L)97 x (W)79 x (H)134mm
- Part Number:
OCZTVEND
- Retail package
The retail package of the OCZ Vendetta is middle sized. Its contents are well packaged and secured inside the box:
It includes a 92mm fan with rubber connectors, mounting hardware for supported CPUs and thermal compound:
The OCZ Vendetta is made our of a hybrid copper/aluminium base with V-shaped copper heatpipers and aluminium fins.
The base consists of three copper strips with thick aluminium fins between.
On top there is the OCZ logo...
- Installation
The OCZ Vendetta doesn't take much time to assemble and install.
First you have to secure the Intel stock motherboard screws as the
picture shows:
Then you have to mount the 92mm fan with the included rubber connectors as shown.
A good idea is to install the fan after you secure the CPU
cooler on the motherboard. This will allow to easily fasten the
mounting screws or else you will have to bend them, since the fan
is right above them.
Due to its small volume and design, there shouldn't be any kind of
problems even with specially designed motherboards. Finally here is how
our CPU cooler looks after the installation on Thermaltake's Soprano
case.
The OCZ Vendetta doesn't take much space on your motherboard...
- Ratings
Retail package |
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Design |
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Motherboard compatibility |
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Installation time |
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Bottom Base quality |
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