We saw that the installation was a little tricky but nothing too difficult. Now how about it's performance? Don't forget that this cooler costs an additional $42! We made a direct comparison with the Intel stock cooler using the following test system:

• Asus P5W64 WS Pro (Intel 975X) + Intel E6600 @ 3.15GHz
• OCZ GameXStream GXS600 SLI-Ready
• 2x1GB OCZ DDR2-6400 SLI Ready
• WD 800JB 7200RPM

Our aim was to run 3DMark06 which stresses both the CPU and GPU producing maximum heat. In addition, we overclocked the CPU to 3.15GHz which produced additional heat on our system. Note, that both coolers were running at maximum rotating speeds. All temperatures were logged using CoreTemp 0.94b.

The results are rather impressive. In all cases, the Spire Fourier IV managed to keep a temperature difference of 10°C.

At full load, we can see a temperature difference of up to 17.5°C! At idle, the Fourier IV runs at 56 temperature difference, whereas Intel's stock fan at 65 temperature difference. In any case, the Spire Fourier IV keeps the CPU very cool.