16 Thermal Compounds Tested

X-bit Labs tested 16 different thermal compounds, and compared their efficiency on an overclocked Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 (3.0GHz, 1.25V, 2x6MB L2 cache, 4x333MHz FSB, Yorkfield, C0) processor, and a HIS Radeon HD 4870 GDDR5 512MB / 256bit, @830 (300) / 3600MHz graphics card.

Thermal Compounds tested:

• Arctic Silver 5
• Pro-Thermal 81
• IC Diamond 7 Carat
• AiT Cool Silver
• Arctic Alumina
• OCZ Ultra 5+ Silver (OCZU5STP)
• OCZ Freeze Extreme (OCZTFRZTC)
• Zalman ZM-STG1
• ZEROtherm ZT-100
• Noctua NT-H1
• Tuniq TX-2
• Arctic Cooling MX-2
• Coollaboratory Liquid MetalPad
• Coollaboratory Liquid Pro
• Gelid GC1
• SilMORE (usually bundled with some Scythe, Thermaltake, Xigmatek, Ice Hammer, OCZ CPU coolers)

"As for the winners, I can certainly single out liquid metal from Coollaboratory and Coollaboratory Liquid MetalPad with a few remarks regarding its proper use that should be taken into account. The new OCZ Freeze Extreme performed extremely well as a highly efficient, relatively inexpensive and very easy to work with. The good old Arctic Silver 5 still holds on to its leading position successfully, although now it has at least eight worthy competitors to worry about. Overall, it is very pleasing to see that there are more than 2-3 worthy thermal interfaces around. And of course, do not forget that thermal interface is simply a substance to fill into the micro-pores between the cooler base and the processor heat-spreader. You have to make sure that both these surfaces are very even, because no "millimeter" layer of thermal compound usually applied by newbies and several "experienced" testers out there will guarantee efficient cooling and objective cooler comparison." [X-bit Labs | Thermal Interfaces Roundup]

X-bit labs suggests that we stay away from the bundled SilMORE thermal compound, and try to avoid AiT Cool Silver, Pro-Thermal 81, and Zalman ZM-STG1.

IceRocket : arctic silver, coolaboratory liquid, grease, ocz freeze, thermal compound

Cooler Master Aquagate Max Liquid Cooling System Reviewed

The Cooler Master Aquagate Max (US$229) is a complete liquid cooling system package (AMD K8 or Intel LGA775) that includes the following:

• Main water block (water pump, expansion tank, 2x fan controllers, 5x thermal sensors, USB cable connector)
• Radiator block (aluminum radiator, 2x 120mm PWM controlled fans w/ green LEDs)
• CPU water block (K8 / LGA 775 retention brackets, solid copper base)
• ethyl glycol coolant
• UV reactive coolant tubing
• thermal compound

"It turned out pretty hard to draw any definite conclusions today. On the one hand, let's try to answer the following question: what will potential Aquagate Max users get? A liquid-cooling system as efficient as a good air-cooler, compatible with limited number of system cases, equipped with uncontrollable fans generating tangible noise and featuring a price tag of $229. Doesn't seem to be very promising, does it?" [X-bit Labs | Aquagate Max]

The reviewer did point out that the Aquagate Max would probably realise its cooling potential when the CPU water block is replaced with a more efficient model. It's probably a good idea to look at other liquid cooling packages. Personally, I would like a liquid cooling kit that beats any air cooler out of the box.

Technorati : aquagate, cooler, cooling, liquid, master, max

Five APACK ZEROtherm CPU Coolers Tested

X-bit Labs rounds up 5 CPU Coolers from APACK ZEROtherm: BTF80, BTF90, BTF92 Overclocker Edition, BTF95 Fanless, and Nirvana NV120 Premium. These CPU coolers are priced at the US$30 to $60 ranges.

"Our today's tests showed that there is at least one more very serious brand name in the cooling solutions market these days - APACK ZEROtherm. ... But I would like to specifically point out a remarkable performance of ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 Premium - cooler with only four 6-mm heatpipes that managed to demonstrate the same cooling efficiency as Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme that has remained undefeated for quite some time now with very few exceptions." [X-bit Labs]

As a result of the tests, X-bit Labs gave te Nirvana NV120 Premium its Editor's Choice award as the best processor air cooler with heatpipe technology. The next time you build a new PC system, it would be great to look if ZEROtherm products are available in your favorite shops.

Technorati : apack, cooler, cpu, fan, heatsink, review, zerotherm

Thermaltake Big Water 760i Liquid-Cooling System Reviewed

X-bit Labs reviews the Thermaltake Big Water 760i Liquid-Cooling System.

"... What are the advantages of this system? Acceptable price compared with the rest of the liquid-cooling solutions out there and extremely simple assembly procedure. Universal design and compact size are also great advantages, although they are quite typical of almost all contemporary cooling solutions including a big number of liquid-cooling systems. But don't get the impression that I didn't like this system at all. This is not true. Any product deserves a market and will eventually find it, although Thermaltake Big water 760i will hardly become an overclocker's choice." [X-bit Labs]

The Big Water 760i will serve you well if you are looking for a low-cost liquid cooling system that is easy to assemble and install.

Technorati : 760i, big water, cooling, liquid, thermaltake, water

Scythe Infinity CPU Cooler Reviewed

Madshrimps tests the Scythe Infinity, a CPU heatsink fan (HSF) that features AMD Athlon64/64+ Socket 754/940/939/AM2 and Intel S478/LGA775 compatibility, Tower configuration, 5 heatpipes, 960 grams overall weight, 120 x 120 x 25mm fan (1200RPM, 23.5dBA, 46.5CFM), and 125 (L) x 116 (W) x 160mm (H) overall dimensions.

"The Infinity does add more raw potential power with tightly packed aluminum fins and 5 copper heat pipes, add a high speed 120mm fan (or even multiple) and it will allow for some very high end (overclocked/overvolted) CPU's to run at very low temperatures, overclockers will love this heatsink." "Coupled with a silent fan the Infinity performs admirable but doesn't improve on the Ninja, if you are building a new PC either choice of heatsink will keep your CPU cool and your system quiet." [Madshrimps]

The reviewer did appreciate the Infinity's fair price and excellent performance. As with all Tower configuration HSFs, try to avoid moving your machine unnecessarily, since the weight and mass of the cooler might be stronger than the installation brackets.

Technorati : Cooler, HSF, Heatpipe, Infinity, Review, Scythe

ASUS Silent Square CPU Cooler Reviewed

MadShrimps and X-bit Labs take a close look at the Asus Silent Square CPU Cooler (~US$45 to 50). It supports compatibility with S775/S478 for Intel and K8 S939/S754 for AMD, and features 92mm fan, aluminum plates on a copper sole, five heatpipes, 18dBa noise output, and 656g overall weight.

The Asus Silent Square is a very competent cooling solution, keeping temperatures down, whether the CPU is overclocked or not. The included fan at full speed is relative silent, yet turned down to 50% it becomes inaudible. The installation requires motherboard removal but that's the only drawback, the compact size of the HSF allows for wide motherboard/case compatibility. [MadShrimps]

The new cooler from ASUS has proved to be capable of cooling overclocked CPUs. It is very efficient on the AMD Athlon 64 platform, a mere couple of degrees worse than the Thermaltake Big Typhoon. The difference between the two coolers on the Intel Core 2 Duo platform is bigger, and the Silent Square is a little behind again, yet its performance was quite successful considering the overclocking results I achieved with it. For example, the well-known Scythe Ninja couldn't cope with the overclocked Intel Core 2 Duo under the same conditions and I had to lower the frequency by 1MHz FSB. The Silent Square also features a simple and reliable fastening system and a cute-looking highlighting of the fan. [X-bit Labs]

Before buying this cooler, you could also consider taking a look at the Thermaltake Big Typhoon, which is reported to be cheaper than the ASUS Silent Square.

Technorati : Asus, CPU, Cooling, Processor

16 Water-Cooling Systems Reviewed

X-bit Labs has a nice article on water-cooling systems. A total of 16 water-cooling systems were compared. Tested were the following systems:

• Asetek WaterChill KT03-L20 Entry
• Asetek WaterChill KT03A-12VX
• Aucma Coolriver 3
• CoolerMaster Aquagate mini R120
• Gigabyte 3D Galaxy GH-WIU01
• ProModz Cooled Silence Extreme Package
• Thermaltake Tribe
• Thermaltake Bigwater SE
• Thermaltake Symphony
• Thermaltake Rocket
• Titan TWC-A05 (Bianca)
• Titan TWC-A04 v2.0 (Nikita)
• Zalman Reserator 1
• Zalman Reserator 1+
• 3RSystem Poseidon WCL-02-120.cu
• 3RSystem Poseidon WCL-03-120.cu

And finally, here is the 3D Galaxy GH-WIU01 system from Gigabyte, a newcomer on the market of water-cooling solutions. The Taiwanese company debuted with a high-performance and, which is very important, affordable system. Of course, it cannot compare with products from Asetek or ProModz in efficiency, but it is two times cheaper and is powerful enough to cool any modern CPU. As a result, the system from Gigabyte must be considered the best buy as having the best price/performance ratio. [X-bit Labs]

The system that performed best was the ProModz Cooled Silence Extreme Package, followed by the Thermaltake Symphony, and the third placer was the Asetek WaterChill KT03A-12VX.

It is interesting to note that the Gigabyte 3D Galaxy GH-WIU01 outperformed a lot of popular products, such as systems from CoolerMaster, Zalman, and Thermaltake.

Technorati : Cooling, Hardware, PC, Review, System, Water

Beginners Guide to Air Cooling

Bona Fide Reviews has a nice article on PC Air Cooling. The article discusses Basic Air Cooling Concepts, CPU Cooling, Thermal Paste, RAM Cooling, and Effects of Dust.

Computers are getting faster and faster every week. Faster, denser CPU's, motherboards, and video cards are coming out all the time and all of these things generate more and more heat. It used to be that you could count on the little fan in your power supply to suck the hot air out and keep everything humming along just fine. Try that on some machines today and you'll end up with a heap of smoking silicon and plastic and a decidedly dull, blank monitor to stare at. [Bona Fide Reviews]

Although water cooling seems to be a superior choice, air cooling still is the most popular choice among enthusiasts and builders. The article educates us on how to do air cooling right.

Technorati : Air, Cooling, Guide, Hardware, PC

Thermaltake AquaBay M4 - HDD Liquid Cooling

Thermaltake's hard disk drive liquid cooling system, AquaBay M4, retains the successful outer appearance and advantages of the previous AquaBay M1, M2, and M3. The AquaBay M4 can be installed in the 5.25" drive bay in the front to optimize the room within the computer system and yield a great look front bezel. The silver all-aluminum outer shell, large surface copper base, and 6 rows of copper tubes all work together to provide the hard disk drive the best cooling it can. On the other hand, in order to prevent any possible harmonic vibrations that can damage the motor within the drive, the AquaBay M4 includes two extra heat dissipation pads which can mate the AquaBay M4 perfectly with the hard disk drive, eliminating any rattling and perfecting cooling performance.

In order to maximize compatibility with other liquid cooling systems from Thermaltake Technology, the AquaBay M4 includes both 6.4mm (1/4") and 9.5mm (3/8") quick connectors and PU hoses. The enthusiasts around the world can connect the AquaBay M4 into their computer systems however they want without having to worry about compatibility issues.

If you already are using water cooling on your rig's CPU and GPU, then the next logical step is to employ a hard drive water block.

Technorati : Accessory, AquaBay, Cooling, Hardware, Liquid, Modding, PC, Thermaltake

Six Thermaltake Cooling Solutions Reviewed

X-bit Labs reviews six cooling solutions from Thermaltake: Bigwater SE, Tribe, Silent Water, Symphony, Tide Water, and Blue Orb II.

If we try to split the solutions into groups according to their price range, we will get three major groups. The first one will include Silent Water, Bigwater SE and Tribe, which demonstrated pretty much the same level of performance. The second group will be represented by Symphony, which is beyond all competition in this test. And finally, the air coolers will form the third group. The comparative performance analysis of the latter two proves very illustratively that regular coolers have no chances against solutions with heat-pipe technology.

However, if you are looking for something like Zalman 7700CU, you should definitely consider the new Orb from Thermaltake: the current price-to-performance ratio it offers makes it a great buy, especially for AMD Athlon 64 based platforms.

[X-bit Labs]

Looks like the Symphony had the best performance in the group. AMD fans take note: the article describes the Thermaltake Blue Orb II to be a great buy!

Technorati : Cooling, Hardware, PC, Processor, Review, Solution, Thermaltake
Ice Rocket : Cooling, Hardware, PC, Processor, Review, Solution, Thermaltake

Tuniq Tower 120 CPU Cooler Reviewed

X-bit Labs has a review article on the Tuniq Tower 120 (US$49), a heatpipe CPU cooler that features Socket 478, LGA775, K8 (Socket 754/939/940) compatibility, copper footing, aluminum heatsink ribbing, and 1,000-2,000 RPM 120mm fan.

The article compares the cooler against the perfomance of super cooler offerings from Scythe (Ninja, Shogun), Zalman (CNPS9500 LED), and Thermaltake (Big Typhoon, Sonic Tower).

Simply the new Tuniq Tower 120 cooler is a much more efficient solution than its famous rivals.

According to the results of our tests we decided to award Tuniq Tower 120 cooler with our prestigious Editor's Choice Award. [X-bit Labs]

If you are looking for an aftermarket CPU cooler for your PC, the Tuniq Tower 120 would be the one to look for.

Technorati : 120, CPU, Cooler Processor, Hardware, PC, Review, Tower, Tuniq