Benchmarks were run first with case side panels open and repeated with side panels closed. Temperatures were monitored with Motherboard Monitor 5.3.6.0 and the load was provided by two CpuBurn processes running at the same time. Each stage of the benchmark was carried out by allowing the system to stable the temperature before it was logged.

Although we had some problems with the unit during the installation, I believe it was still worth it. When you are given a chance to run a modern computer system without an active cooling on the CPU, you know that the heatsink is very effective. Sure you need to have a proper air circulation inside the computer case but this is the same with even the most powerfull heatsink that uses a big fan. If you can't get in the cold air and push out the hot, eventually you are going to be in trouble.

"Bigger is better" kind of thinking seems to be the key here. It is good to see that the manufacturers didn't build the heatsink around a huge lump of copper but decided to make the unit relatively light by utilizing aluminum fins and multiple heatpipes. This makes the cooling power to weight ratio excellent.

This cooler is definitelly not for everyone as the dimensions of it will dictate in what case it can be installed and where not. If you plan to operate the cooler without the fan, just make sure you have a good air circulation on your case. A single 80 mm fan at the back of the case might not be enough if you are loading the CPU hard.

I'm very confident about this heatsink and have it installed without the fan in my primary computer setup. This is also why it is so easy to give an Editor's Choice Award for it. Great cooling without the "wet stuff".

Additional Information

Past related articles in MetkuMods