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Installation
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**click to enlarge** |
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Despite its massive size, I found that I was able to install this heatsink on
two of my test boards without issues. The first board was a Soyo P4VAL
and the second and main test board was the Shuttle AS45GT/R. Now, as far
as the actual install goes, this heatsink is super easy to mount on the
existing P4 bracket. The issue, however, is the poor fan mount design.
I spent at least 15 minutes trying to get the fan clips properly in place for
a secure fit and I still wasn't too happy with it.
**click to enlarge**
Finally, a shot with the clear 120mm fan installed. It didn't provide
enough clearance to install our other 120mm rear case exhaust fan.
All system builds are obviously different so if your case doesn't have a rear
120mm fan, you should have just enough room to have both. For
those with 120mm exhaust fans, you still might be able to get enough
clearance, but both fans will definitely be touching each other.
Performance
Now,
my first initial tests weren't that great, but I quickly found that it was the
included thermal compound that was to blame. If you invest in a quality
heatsink such as this one, I strongly recommend you get yourself some Arctic
Silver 5 compound. It provides a thicker coating, which will basically
ensure proper cooling. With AS5 applied, the results were indeed very
impressive. Let's take a look...
| |
Idle
Temp |
Load
Temp |
| CPU Temp |
35șC |
38șC |
| Case Temp |
30șC |
33șC |
I was
very impressed with its cooling performance and temperatures remained well
under 40șC, even under load. They are actually the lowest readings I've been able
to achieve. Not even my trusty old Alpha P4 cooler would perform this well.
Also, keep in mind that the 120mm I used in testing is not a high performance
fan and I'm sure you can do even better with a high CFM fan, if you can handle
the noise that is.
Sidewinder Computers has some screaming 120mm Delta's that I'm sure will
not disappoint! My point here though is that with this heatsink, you
really don't have to compromise. Supporting a 120mm fan will not only
provide you a quieter solution, but an effective one as well.
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