Performance & Testing

In most cases, the ThermoHAWK 200 does not require you to point the device directly on the object being measured.  It has a Distance-to-Spot (D:S) ratio of 1:1.  This means that the distance the tip of the thermometer can be held from the diameter of the spot to be measured.  For example, to measure a spot with a 1in diameter, you would need to hold the device 1in from the test spot.  While this is indeed based on their operating instructions, I found it to be inaccurate in most tests.  For one, the ThermoHAWK 200 is accurate to +/- 2.5%.  I found that placing it as close as possible to the object provided a very accurate reading that does indeed reflect this slight margin of error. 

For the first test, the ThermoHAWK 200 was actually tested on myself.  We all know that the normal body temperature is usually 98.6ºF.  Anything above that would normally indicate you have a fever and the severity of it mainly depends on the reading.  When placing and capturing my body temperature with the unit approximately 1/2 inch from my body, the results did make sense and were indeed credible.  The result was 96.5ºF and that roughly falls in the margin of error based on its specs.  I confirmed its reliability by conducting this simple test numerous times.  The results were exactly the same each time and I was quite convinced that the readings are indeed reliable and up to specs based on this simple but effective test.  Now I was ready to move on to computer hardware and compare the results against both  temperature probes and motherboard diodes. 

After "ThermoHAWKing" a number of things, including my cat, I then jumped to computer components to see what kind of readings I would get.  I quickly started with the Asus EAX1600XT SILENT.  This card features a fan-less design and the large heatpipe fins get extremely hot.  Until now, I really had no accurate way of testing its temperature but suspected its temps to be easily in the 50's.  When testing on a number of the hottest spots, the ThermoHAWK 200 reported temps between 51ºC and 54ºC.  I can easily find these to be accurate based on touch alone.  Next, I tested it over the heat exchanger of the CoolIT Freezone.  For those who are not familiar with this product, it is a unique cooling solution that actually chills the water via multiple TECs.  Now, I do know that the average motherboard reading on from the motherboard diode was a low 27ºC.  The lowest reading I got with the ThermoHAWK 200 was 29.6ºC, which does put it within that 2 degree margin of error. 

After using this neat product excessively on a number of computer components and electronics around the house, I was quite pleased with the temp readings and all did make sense and were indeed highly reliable.  In fact, when attempting to capture temps from the same exact spot multiple times, I would get the same reading every time as long as ambient temperature did not change.  This is a good sign its sensor isn't flakey or unreliable.

Conclusions

The ThermoHAWK 200 is a handy gadget that will allow you to easily and accurately capture temps from your hot-running system as well as just about any other device or object.  It will instantly read the temperature of components that may not be able to be monitored or components that don't have reliable temperature diodes built-in.  It is an excellent tool for hardcore overclockers and PC enthusiasts looking for a quick and reliable way of monitoring all their components.  Results are instant and consistent and is what makes it a product worth the small investment considering its MSRP of $49.99.  As far as design goes, it certainly does have its share of flaws.  For one, the button to activate it is not recessed and can accidentally be powered on.  However, the unit is designed to automatically shut off after approximately 15 seconds.  It may not be well-designed, but it is what's inside that is most important.  EMHz Recommended!

More information on the new ThermoHAWK 200 can be found on the Q3i Website.

UPDATE 08/07/06:  Q3i has sent an email over stating that the ThermoHAWK 200 is now available at select CompUSA stores for a limited time.  For a list of stores, visit

our forums.

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