The company ThermalTake and its products have a double impression. On the one hand, this is an unconditional respect for the manufacturer who brought the production of coolers (and in the subsequently of other cooling devices) to a separate branch of computer equipment. At one time, the buyer had a simple choice: either a standard piece of aluminum with a fan, or the thermaltake cooler, which ensured the significantly better cooling efficiency. Let me remind you that it was a time when the first systems on the AMD Socketa platform appeared on the market, which were very favorably accepted overclockers and computer enthusiasts. Since such processors easily accelerate, the need for powerful cooling systems has grown multiple times. And Thermaltake very successfully released the ORB series coolers.

Subsequently, other companies that tried to snatch their piece of sweet cake (or get the share of the fast-growing market, began to go to the cooling device market. But Thermaltake tried not to miss his leadership, and constantly pregnant more and more new products. Currently, the range of the company is very large, ranging from enclosures and ending with water cooling systems.

However, from a certain point, TT products have ceased to me, and some products resembled a frank halica (high price, high noise level and low efficiency). In particular, in recent times, not one of the products Thermaltake did not receive a positive assessment in our reviews.

Therefore, I with some distrust reacted to the thermaltake cooler Big Typhoon.who got into the present test for pure randomness (there were no other coolers with thermal tubes in the nearest computer stores). Waving to the price (more than 1200 rubles) and under the impression of the mass and dimensions of the cooler, I agreed on mandatory Manibek and began to examine.

Like most other coolers, Big Typhoon is packed in a transparent plastic boxing:

In addition to the cooler, in the box we found a set of fastenings for all popular platforms (LGA775, S478, S939754) and colorful installation instructions on two glossy sheets.

As we have noted, the cooler is striking with its sizes:

For the best illustration of its size, we give a photo Big Typhoon installed on the ASUS P5WD2-Premium motherboard (on the i955x chipset).

The design of the cooler does not differ in principle from similar products. So we have a copper base from which six heat pipes come out:

Tubes rise up and enter aluminum radiator:

Metal frame installed on the radiator

On which the giant is attached 120mm fan:

What would prevent the body parts from entering the fan, or, do not give God, cables and train plumes, a protective grille is installed on the fan.

We list the technical characteristics of the fan: rotation speed 1300rpm, the created air flow 54.4cfm, and the noise level is 16DBA! Honestly, I did not watch those. Characteristics before the first launch of the system with the Big Typhoon cooler, and was very surprised by the silent operation of the fan (if you listen very carefully, you can only distinguish the rust of air). The last silent fan was made by Thermaltake I met only in the water cooling system Aquarius II (an instance was from the first parties).

Now let's look at the quality of the processing of the base, for which you can put a "strong four":

Last on what we will stop are a description of the installation procedure. To be brief, a metal amplifier plate is installed on the opposite side of the motherboard. Through it is installed 4 studs with carvings, which are fixed with special nuts. Next, the cooler is installed on the processor, on the basis of which the same metal frame is found. Studs pass through the holes in this plate, and the second set of nuts is installed on them.

In general, the procedure is a bit wisp, but when you hold the set of fasteners in your hands, everything becomes intuitive. However, we note the two points that we have arisen. First on the ASUS P5WD2 Premium board on the back side of the board were hefty tin blambes, which prevented the installation of an amplifying plate. I remember some gigabyte board We encountered a similar problem, and finalized a fee with a file. But P5WD2 was a pity, and we just put an additional gasket:

By the way, if the P5WD2 was installed on the P5WD2 board. Cooling Stack Cool, then there was no such problem. However, in order to save (or for other reasons), ASUS stopped putting such plates, but limited himself only to the inscription on the board (from which, of course, it will not be colder).

Another point concerns the tightening of the second set of nuts. This operation can be performed in a matter of seconds if the nuts are pre-naked, press each side of the plate, and a pair of movements scroll into a nicketer into several revolutions.

The cooler, which will be discussed in this review, does not require long ideas, it has long established itself as a quiet and effective processor cooling system and, in some way, has become a reference for the rest of the coolers. Yes, it is Thermaltake Big Typhoon more precisely Thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX. The latter is a modification of the initial version, having received a faster fan with a maximum rotation speed of 2000 rpm and changing the mounting.

Full specification:

	THERMALTAKE BIGTYP 120 VX (CL-P0310-01)
Support processor connectors	LGA 775, Socket 754/939 / AM2
Processor support support	Intel Core 2 Exterme, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Pentium. Extreme Edition, Intel Pentium D, Intel Pentium 4, Intel Celeron. D, AMD Athlon 64 x2, AMD Athlon 64 FX, AMD Athlon 64, AMD SEMPRON
Material radiator	Copper base + aluminum plates (142) + 6 thermal 6 mm tubes
Radiator dimensions, mm
Fan dimensions, mm
Rated voltage in
Starting voltage in
Power consumption, W
Rotation speed, rpm
Air flow, CFM
Air pressure, mmh2o
Noise level, dB
Power connector	3-pin
Resource, watch
Thermal interface	in bag
Products webpage
average price

The thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler is packed in a plastic cover placed in a red-black cardboard box with a window through which the appearance of the cooler is quite well visible. A cardboard box is quite informatively filled, a complete product specification is applied on the side part.

On the back of the box are listed top Qualities, and posted photos of the thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler in different angles.

The package includes a small amount of Components. Just a shame for such a miserable amount of thermal interface, it is enough for only one installation.

The set to the cooler is attached:

• small installation instructions;
• clamp on four latches for LGA 775;
• clamping clip for AMD platforms;
• sachet with thermal ward.

The thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler has sufficiently large dimensions and weight of 827 grams. The radiator consists of 142 aluminum plates struck on six thermal 6 mm tubes. The radiator on top of the radiator is installed a large 120 mm fan, the fanning air down, thus choking not only the radiator, but also elements around the processor connector, such as modules random access memory and a processor power stabilization node.

The fan is screwed to the radiator frame with four screws.

The profile looks well a form of bend of heat pipes. The name "Thermaltake" is engraved on the radiator frame.

To regulate the speed of rotation of a 120 mm fan from above, a small regulator is installed in the corner. With it, you can change the speed from 1300 to 2000 rpm. According to the specification, with maximum revolutions, the air flow reaches 2.45 cubic meters per minute (86.5 CFM). The fan wires are in a protective cover. The cast orange impeller is covered with a protective black grid, which reduces the likelihood of extinct elements into it. In addition to the main function, it also performs a decorative role, the "Thermaltake" logo is decorated in the center. At a speed of 1300 rpm, the fan is almost not audible, but with an increase in revolutions there is a noticeable noise.

The base thickness of the Bigtyp 120 VX cooler is not very high. For a better heat exchange with heat pipes in it, a gutter is made to the depth of the entire diameter of the tubes. Thermal tubes are soldered to the base, and from above are covered with a sufficiently thin copper plate with a fastener limiter.

The quality of the surface treatment of the base leaves much to be desired, and some mirror surface say not to have to say.

Finally, let's say a few words about the mount. The thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler ThermalTake Bigtyp 120 VX platforms is attached on the principle of boxing - clamping clip with the retainer. To the Intel platforms with the LGA 775 processor connector in complete is coming Special clamp with latches, the same as a "box" cooler. The process of installing and removing the cooler is quite simple and quickly, but still there are some doubts about the reliability of fasteners, considering the weight of thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX.

Testing

The test configuration of the platform with the AMD and Intel processor was collected from the following components:

On the AMD platform:

Motherboard	ASUS M2N-SLI DELUXE on NForce 570sli (AM2, DDR2, ATX)
CPU	AMD ATHLON 64 3600+ X2 (ADO3600JAA4CU), AM2, @ 2600 MHz
RAM	2 x DDR2-800 512 MB TRANSCEND PC6400
Video card	Gigabyte GV-NX76G256D GeForce 7600GS 256 MB DDR2 PCI-E
HDD	Samsung HD080HJ 80 GB 7200RPM 8 MB SATA-300
Optical drive
Power Supply	FORTRON ATX400-PNF, 400 W, 120 mm low noise fan
	Colorsit ATX-L8032 + 92 mm SilverStone FN91

On the Intel platform:

Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-965P-DS4 (Intel P965 Express)
CPU	Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (LGA775, 1.86 GHz, L2 2 MB) @ 2.8 GHz
RAM	2x DDR2-800 1024 MB PQI PC6400
Video card	EVGA GeForce 8600GTS 256 MB DDR3 PCI-E
HDD	SAMSUNG HD080HJ, 80 GB, SATA-300
Optical drive	ASUS DRW-1814BLT SATA
Power Supply	Chieftec CFT-500-A12S 500W, 120 mm Fan
	Codegen M603 Miditower, 2x 120mm Fan Fighter / Fold

We tested the cooler in three modes of the processor, with different speed Fan rotation:

Idle. Idle mode at which the processor load is minimal. In this mode, the computer works when the user works in office applications or is viewed by Internet Passengers.

Normal. The processor load is at the level of 60%, as when performing simple tasks or problems of unpredictable for multithreaded performance. This mode of operation we received when recoding uncompressed WAV in MP3 using the LAME codec operating in single-threaded mode.

Burn.. The maximum loading mode of the processor, characteristic of many resource-intensive tasks and modern games, was modeled by the stress test of the EVEREST processor.

Who would doubt, is shown quite expected from the result. The difference in readings at a speed of 1300 and 2000 rpm is 2-3 degrees, which can be sacrificed for more comfortable and quiet operation.

Conclusions.

The thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler is one of the best prices for prices and opportunities. Maybe some "aesthetes" will not greatly like his appearance, but people who are needed, first of all, functionality will stop on it. A large 120 mm fan that blows down the air flow, not only cools the radiator, but also the elements on the motherboard surrounding the processor connector, which is very important during long-term operation of the system. Thermaltake Bigtyp 120 VX cooler even at the minimum speed of 1300 rpm, in which it is almost not heard, is able to provide sufficient cooling of the processor. Therefore, it can be quite recommended not only for gamers and overlooks, but also for people just valuable silence and calm.

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Luxury novelties against Intel Core 2 Extreme

In the field of our attention - the next new items of beautiful and expensive coolers on heat pipes from the famous manufacturers who (coolers :)) will once again compete for the right to adequately cool the elite older model of the top-end dual-core Intel desktop processor on the CONROE victorious core.

• "Core 2 Extreme against Zalman CNPS9700 LED and CNPS9500 AT and not only. Or extreme processor - extreme cooler "and
• "Cooler Master Mars, Hyper UC, Hyper TX and others against Intel Core 2 Extreme - and again aluminum against copper and thermal tubes"

we looked at some of the most advanced coolers on thermal tubes from the elite of modern "coolers". However, our task was not only to find the coolers properly, among which the Zalman CNPS9700 LED and Cooler Master Hyper TX, but also disassemble what pitfalls will be waiting for new Intel core processors 2 DUO / EXTREME and at the same time not considered it necessary to pay enough attention to their cooling, which will be up on "40% lower" their power consumption. After all, as we have already noted in the "previous series", underwater stone (and at the same time a stumbling block for a row of coolers) when cooling Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme is that the maximum permissible Intel specifications temperature in the center of the Hitpreder of these processors is only 60.1-61.4 degrees Celsius, which is almost 10 Degree less than allowed for previous generations intel processors Pentium 4, Pentium D and their fellow. That is, the same 40 percent savings in Intel Core 2 energy consumption, which is promoted by the corporation in relation to the Pentium D ruler, actually "eaten" more stringent requirements for the maximum permissible operation temperature, and new Intel processors need no less efficient coolers than were used. for their much more voracious predecessors linek Pentium. 4 and Pentium D.

First of all, we will get here with the top currently in the line of universal from Cooler Master with a fresh Eclipse cooler, who did not sleep towards our previous testing of the "tubular" products of this manufacturer. And "on the second" in today's exquisite menu at the request of some permanent visitors to our restaurant "Pisks for the mind" :) - a new old friend, namely: the famous cooler Thermaltake Big Typhoon in the recently updated and improved reincarnation Big Typhoon VX.

And at the same time, in addition to this - we clearly with the numbers on the "dish" with the situation with the "right" and "wrong" orientation of the coolers on heat pipes in space, since so far some "gourmets" have "wrong orientation" to this account. This menu item is added again "at the requests of regular visitors." :)

Cooler Master Eclipse (RR-CCB-WLU1-GP)

As we said, now this cooler is topped in the lineup (that is, the title in the section "Chef's offers" on the manufacturer's website) universal (K8 / LGA775) of the air coolers of this company.

I do not know what "eclipse" or "permanent" - namely, the word translates from English eclipse - Found on the heads of the marketing department of this company, who released the "to the positive market" such an ambiguous name (and thereby giving the reason to suit observers;)), but looking at it I have the impression that the cooler Master engineers entered into a similar phase, generating One after another (remember Mars) products in which the originality and "steepness" of the appearance dominates the concern about the actual efficiency and the consumer wallet. :) However, as if in the excuse of the name and design of Eclipse on the manufacturer's website, the following tirade is given:

"The Look Is Different, Because This Cooler Is Different. Cooler Master "S Brand New Cooler - Eclipse Is The Realization Of A Lifestyle That Integrates Style and Function, Beauty and Technology. Eclipse" S Exceptional Design of a Gliding Fan Duct Impeccably Channels The Airflow to Cool Down NOT Only CPU Itself, But Also The Surrounding Components (VRM, Memory, NB Chipset, and etc). "

Updating promotional slogans like "looks like others because it is really different," the translation of it can be reduced to the fact that the special design of the "built-in" fan and the "pipes", in which it is placed, "unmistakably" guides the air flow for cooling not only the processor act , but also the surrounding components (VRM, memory, chipset). As far as this idea is "with a turbine" Nova (and Different), I do not undertake to judge, but similar (well forgotten;)) immediately come to mind.

However, in Eclipse, of course, there is a rational grain, since here a 4.5 mm copper base is connected to a radiator of 0.5 mm aluminum plates not only with four standard 6 mm heat pipes, but also directly, that is, part of the ribber ribs themselves concern the foundation of the cooler. Unfortunately, the contacts of the contacts of the ribs with the base and heat pipes are just a mesmer cut of the copper millimeter edging holes and edges of the ribs, and the edges in the joints of the joints can be easily moved with the finger (I did not find the tracks of the thermoclause). This method, of course, is easy to produce and is applied by many (including in other nothesive coolers of this manufacturer), but the thermocontact is not the best.

The Eclipse Ords Square in the alas specification is not specified, and it is considered to consider it yourself - a good task for entrance examinations in mathematics on fisteh due to the complexity of the form of most ribs. :) The dimensions of the radiator - 132 by 120 by 105 mm. The weight of the cooler is a lot (670 grams), despite the use of aluminum. Complements the "Eclipsency" (in order not to say in Russian;)) the design of the transparent dark "semi-boring", in some places (well, very "places") the air entering the air seems to be down (although in fact who knows where). Moreover, the angle of inclination of this casing can be changed. The dimensions of the cooler with the casing - 147x146x110 mm.

A non-standard "turbine" fan of 66 68 mm on a sliding bearing (long-life, a 40,000 hours resource) has cylindrically curved blades, designed for the maximum current up to 580 mA and is equipped with a 4-pin connector (for PWM control) with optional 3 -pin speed switch (jumper). In manual adjustment mode with jumper, its minimum and maximum speed of rotation (according to specifications) is 1,800 and 3300 rpm. Accordingly, however, with a pulse latitude and pulse (that is, PWM) from the motherboard, the rotational speed may vary from 900 rpm. At the maximum speed, the fan performance is at the level of 39.8 CFM. Noise at a minimum revolutions - 17 dBA. Unfortunately, such a constructive solution for the rotational speed switch is inconvenient to place either on the front or on the rear panel of the PC housing, unless you use the optional wires and the output switches.

Fastening the cooler to the motherboard is carried out either by the standard clip (for AMD processors, in the photo above), produced in two slots through the ribs of the radiator, or frame on 4 screws with fixation of nuts from the reverse side (for all Intel processors LGA775 form factor). In the latter case, the counter-frame that prevents the bomb of the board, the supply kit, unfortunately, is not provided. But there is a hexagon to twist the nuts with a conventional screwdriver. The manufacturer declared an interference-free installation, but in practice it turned out that installing Eclipse, for example, on the Intel D975xBX board is possible only in one orientation, since in three other interference between the radiator, the fastener frame and the details on the board prevented this.

The cooler is supplied in a large packaging (more at the coolers I do not remember and remember) with numerous inscriptions (specifications, a list of supported AMD and Intel processors dr.). Included, there is everything you need, including a tube with a branded thermal storage (the sole is protected by a sticky sticker). Separately, it is noted that the cooler is ROHS-compatible, that is, it is made without the use of lead.

THERMALTAKE BIG TYPHOON VX (CL-P0310)

Despite its "Giantism" (or "Propitality"? :)), that is, the impressive dimensions, this wagon (K8 / LGA775) has a completely intelligible price (20 dollars cheaper Eclipse) and excellent performance characteristics that put it in one row with Top products of competitors.

The radiator with dimensions 122x122x103 mm consists of a composite copper base of 50x50x9 mm with six-6-mm copper thermal tubes fixed in it (3 from opposite sides) and 142 aluminum ribs with a thickness of 0.3 mm with a total area of \u200b\u200babout 7000 sq. Cm, going with a step of 1 mm (this distance is critical to the scoring of dust, and besides, the edges are not very uniformly). Thermocontact tubes with ribs - crimp clip and thermoclaim. Culera weight as much as 827 grams.

The large 12-cm fan TT-1225A of the corporate thermaltekovsky color blows not only the ribs and the base itself, but also components on the motherboard around the socket. The consumption of propeller does not exceed 250 mA, the rotational speed is adjusted in the range from 1300 to 2000 rpm. Through a miniature potentiometer installed in one of the corners of the fan grid (output voltage in a minimum - 7 volts). Despite the relative slowness, this fan provides airflow up to 86.5 CFM when passporting noise from 16 to 24 dBA.

From the progenitor Big Typhoon updated model with VX index is distinguished not only

• faster (maximum) fan and
• the presence of a built-in revolt controller, but also
• the cooler mounting mechanism to the board.

The fact is that the mechanism applied in the former Big Typhoon caused many complaints - and the complexity / complexity of the installation, and the risk of a cooler skew with a violation of thermal contact. Now they did it easier: for LGA775, a metal frame is attached with standard rotary plastic pistons (as on the box cooler), and for AMD K8 processors - a pressure lever (the disadvantage of which is, however, use only one of the hooks on each side that with such A considerable weight of the cooler is fraught with chips and not very dense clamp). However, with a new mounting mechanism, the installation of the cooler has simplified significantly. By the way, the design of the cooler is so successful (compact at the base), which allows the installation to most of the boards in any of the 4 orientations.

Comes Big Typhoon VX in a red-black cardboard box with a transparent plastic liner and enumeration of characteristics, specifications and basic advantages. The package includes two collected fastening mechanisms (clips), a white and sufficiently liquid thermal packet in the package and a brief installation guide. We use this cooler below to test heat transfer in the 3 most characteristic orientations of thermal tubes in space.

Table 1. Specifications Covered coolers.

Model	Cooler Master Mars. (RR-CCX-W9U1-GP)	Cooler Master Eclipse (RR-CCB-WLU1-GP)	Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX. (CL-P0310)
Supported processors	LGA775 and Socket 754/939 / 940 / AM2 / F
Refractory price retail	55 USD.	60 USD.	40 USD.
Thermal resistance, ° C / W	there is no data	there is no data	there is no data
Weight, G.	672	670	827
Radiator
Dimensions, cube. MM.	132x120x105.	132x120x105.	122x122x103.
Number of heat pipes	3	4	6
Material	Copper base, thermal tubes with a diameter of 6 mm, aluminum ribs of the heat dissipant
Fan
Dimensions, cube. MM.	90x90x25	66x68 (turbine)	120x120x25
Bearing	sleeve.	sleeve.	long Life.
Rotation speed, rpm / min., ± 10%	900-3000	900-3300	1300-2000
Rotation speed control	jumper and PWM (4-PIN)	jumper and PWM (4-PIN)	manual controller (3-PIN)
Maximum Performance, CFM	55,3	39,8	86,5
Max. air pressure	-	-	2.22 mm H 2 O
Working voltage in	+5…+12	+5…+12	+7…+12
Current consumed, and	0,4	0,58	0,25
Noise level, dBA	17minimism 25 Middle	17 minimum	16-24
Lifetime	40 000	40 000	-

Test methods of heat transfer

As before, in order to confront the coolers, the Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (2.93 GHz) operating on the clock frequency of 3.20 GHz was selected, which operates on a clock frequency of 3.20 GHz by increasing the processor multiplier. The clock frequency FSB and memory on the Intel D975XBX board was the nominal 266 (533/1067) MHz. In such conditions, the processor highlights approximately the dual-core CPU, the following in the line of X6800. In addition, the frequency of 3.2 GHz is the almost guaranteed level to which the current CONROE is accelerated without any effort from overclocker. So we at the same time check the "abilities" of these coolers to acceleration Core. 2. The company with our heroes amounted to all coolers on heat pipes from two earlier reviews (see links at the beginning of the article).

The DDR2 processor and gigabyte board was located inside the closed MIDI-ATX PALO ALTO PA-810 Case with the Hipro HP-W460GC31 power supply (460 watt), and the ASUS AX800 XT college (ATI X800 XT), hard disk WD800JD and one frontal 90 mm fan running on a speed of 2500 rpm. The same Zalman ZM-STG1 liquid thermal panel was used for all coolers other than Big Typhoon VX (it was tested with "native" paste). The room temperature in the measurement process was maintained at 22 degrees Celsius. To measure the temperature of the processor and the motherboard (near the voltage stabilizer on the processor), built-in thermal sensors and EVEREST utilities were used Ultimate Edition 3.01.652, Speedfan 4.30 and Intel DCC under MS Windows XP SP2. At the same time, the speed of rotation of the fan of the processor cooler was recorded. The processor load with calculations was simulated in the S & M. 1.8.1 optimized for the CONROE program for three different download levels:

• 100% (the highest possible heating, practically not found in real work),
• 75% (according to the approval of the creator of S & M, this is the level of a typical game environment) and
• 50% (according to the approval of the creator of S & M, this is a level of typical office work, although such an approval needs to be added).

Of course, measurements were carried out and with the total idleness of the system and the processor (0% of the download). EIST technology in the measurement process was involved, since it best corresponds to a real situation (it is it, and not just naked numbers of temperature, we are trying to simulate here). Therefore, at moments of short-term inactivity, the processor dropped the frequency to 1.6 GHz, which was clearly visible on the work of the utility V 2.15. With the best, the lack of trolling in the process of our measurements was also monitored (the standard mechanisms of activation of trottling we disconnected during measurements).

Cooler Master Eclipse was tested by us in three modes of fan operation: with diet + 12V, with fixed low revs (jumper \u003d 2-3) and at the lowest revolutions (fully open jumper). For THERMALTAKE BIG TYPHOON VX, tests were carried out at two extreme positions of the regulator of its revolutions.

And was there a boy? (Does the orientation affect?)

So, first, we will check whether there is a dependence of the heat transfer of a cooler on heat pipes from its orientation in space relative to the direction of gravity. After all, many still think that there is, since pairs are lighter than liquid. ;)

It is quite convenient for such an inspection by the cooler is Big Typhoon VX, which allows you to install yourself without any problems in various positions, as well as equipped with a revolution regulator. Big Typhoon VX was taken out in three spatial orientations:

• Vertically, pipes in the vertical plane ("vertic");
• Vertically, tubes in the horizontal plane ("Horiz");
• The board is horizontal (the body is put on the side; without designation).

This will hope to allow us to trace the dependence of the heat transfer of the cooler from the orientation of heat pipes in the field of gravity, if this suddenly detects. ;) Take a look at the charts with the results of tests at two speeds of rotation.

It is obvious that there is no dependence on orientation, and the cooler is equally well (within the measurement error) cools the processor for all modes of operation. Why is this happening? Yes, the manufacturers of heat pipes still do not lapties humping and perfectly realize the need to get rid of gravitational "anisotropy", for which it is placed inside the heat pipes, a porous material, according to whom, due to the capillary effect, the liquid is well moved well along and against the direction of gravity. By providing evaporation on the hot end of the tube, wherever he is. :)

By the way, from these charts, it is clearly clearly seen that lowering the speed of rotation of the Big Typhoon VX fan by a third (with a corresponding decrease in its noise, see below), almost does not lead to the loss of its heat transfer - the temperature of the components cooled to them increases on average only for degrees! That is, the design of the radiator of this cooler is such that even at 1300 rpm. The efficiency of the cooler is close to saturation (with higher revolutions a narrow place serve the tubes, their joints with soles and ribs, and may also be insufficiently free air locked between the ribs - it can be a little resaced to). So, a special point to raise the turnover of this cooler to 2000 per minute. :)

Test results of heat transfer

Now we turn to the actual comparison of different coolers. Let's start, as usual, with the case of the limit (100%) loading of the dual-core processor in S & M, extremely rarely occurring in practice for a long time.

And even in such harsh conditions, a slight overclocked "extreme" processor, almost all of the coolers discussed here on heat pipes are fully coping with its cooling to the passport temperature (remind you that the temperature of the processor crystal is measured in several degrees, which is specified by the Intel specified by the temperature lid of his heathspreder). Slightly worse the rest, however, there is a pathos Mars from Cooler Master, but the last Eclipse turned out to be on a good account, making a "warm company" (sorry for the pun) much cheaper CM Hyper TX and GT Igloo 5700 MC. Large Typhoon frankly pleased, showing the results at the level of a more expensive Zalman CNPS9500 AT and lifting only the super-elotone 9700-Mu Zalman! Moreover, Big Typhoon VX turned out to be unconditionally better at a fan reduced to 1,300 revolutions, demonstrating practically no deteriorating heat transfer (see above) and essentially ahead of even Zalman CNPS9700 LED at the same speed of rotation! By the way, Big Typhoon VX turned out to be one of the best and when cooled system board Near the processor.

If we proceed to a more realistic load of the central processor (75% by S & M, the diagram above), it turns out that the disposition of the coolers almost did not change: Big Typhoon VX is still the third on full revolutions, rival with CNPS9500 AT, and the best on low revs. , Confident ahead of CNPS9700 LED and better than all of the cooling fee. Cooler Master Eclipse turns out to be at a good account, walking in a CM Hyper TX and GT IgLoo 5700 MC on full revolutions and turning out to be one of the few cooler capable of low revolutions to cool our processor to standard temperatures.

If such a powerful processor use "in a manner unusual" on "half-load" (50% on average S & M, chart 3), then the situation is simplified, and already practically with any of our employees, even working on reduced turns, you can use acceleration CONROE up to 3.2 GHz. Leaders here are all the same.

In the state of inactivity (IDLE mode, diagram 4), we can not be worried about Core 2 kernel, if the system has an expensive cooler. :) :) :)

Testing acustics

Measuring the noise of coolers was carried out with the help of a noiseomer of the WSV-003-M3 according to the procedure developed earlier (see and). The results are shown in the diagram along with the testimony of the fan tachometer.

The most quiet on low revs (in PWM mode) was Cooler Master Eclipse with a small-diameter turbine fan, while even Zalman CNPS9500 AT, operating at 660 rpm! Unfortunately, if such in fact, in general, it is able to cope except with the "office" (50 percent) loading of our monster processor. Whereas on medium fixed revolutions (1900 per minute) Eclipse, in principle, copes (in our cooling conditions inside the case), even with a 100 percent S & M loading of CONROE 3.2 GHz, demonstrating noise at 26 dBA (relatively quiet , but still heard). Approximately the same noise makes Big Typhoon VX at minimum, reduced to 1300 revolutions per minute. However, its heat transfer at the same time is incomparable above! Considering that the noise of a large typhoon increases to a very noticeable 38 dBA, and the heat transfer almost does not change, I think there is no need to say that the use of such a work mode is almost meaningless. :) And the "additive value", which is due to the use of a more powerful fan and the presence of revolt regulator - unjustified. By the way, Cooler Master Eclipse on full revolutions turned out to be the most noisy of our employees, and given the above data on the heat transfer, it apparently does not have much sense to operate in this mode, limiting the average fixed speed or PWM control.

Conclusion

So, we got acquainted with the next novelty of Cooler Master - the turbine model Eclipse on 4 heat pipes, as well as with a bit modified relative to the one-year-old model with a Big Typhoon VX cooler from Thermaltake. Unfortunately, Eclipse turned out rather in the spirit of the Mars cooler of the same manufacturer (demonstrating a moderate heat transfer at an impaired appearance and price), rather than continued the tradition of the successful semi-budget line of the Hyper TX of this manufacturer, worthy of all silence. In particular, it turned out that the Eclipse heat transfer is generally not better than Hyper TX, although the noise of its work is significantly higher (in comparable modes). Can we recommend a 60-dollar Eclipse user if there is a $ 27-dollar Hyper TX of the same manufacturer, or, say, even more efficient 40-dollar Big Typhoon VX from Thermaltake (about Zalman coolers I'm silent now)? I think the answer is obvious. Another thing is Big Typhoon VX, which confirmed its highest efficiency, although its design, as we could ensure, are not free from the flaws: its operation at elevated more than 1,300 revolutions per minute is simply inexpedient.

Today we have to get to know two new solutions in the field of cooling systems from Thermaltake and Xigmatek. The first company does not need a special submission, our readers certainly know about it. Xigmatek is a newcomer in the cooler market. The founding date - 2005 Since then, this manufacturer has released a lot of interesting products focused on cooling processors, video cards, hard drives. Every day the range of power supplies is expanding. In a word, the company grows and gradually conquers a place in the market. Perhaps soon we will see their products and on the counters of Russian shops. So far we turn to new items.

The first - Thermaltake Big Typhoon VP, which is the reincarnation of the product that has become incredibly popular in our country. The secret of success was in universality, excellent efficiency and low price. Add good accessibility to this - and you will get the best choice for overclocking. Of course, then to purchase this solution has become more complicated. The excitement has affected, and the thermaltake itself began to promote new products.

Time went, the cooler would be quite removed from production. Only here the company decided not only not to turn the release of such a successful product, but also to start producing it updated version. In today's material, we have to find out how effective there is a new product, both in comparison with competitors and with the standard option.

The second novelty - Xigmatek Achilles. At the moment it is a top model in the xigmatek hierarchy. For a long time, the primacy in efficiency was held by the coolers of the S1283 series and solutions for them. Koi, by the way, there were several. After all, it's no secret that there are many people who pay special attention to the appearance of the product. It is for them that the manufacturer has released the modification of S1283 with the updated external species: Covered heat pipes with nickel, put a quieter fan with backlit and narek "red scorpion". New model With the name Achilles not only inherited the same modding appearance, which, for sure, pleases the aesthetes, but also received a number of changes in the field of functionality, which should significantly affect efficacy.

As a result, we have, in fact, two updated versions familiar coolers. Who from the manufacturers of new items turned out to be lucky? In this we will try to figure out. In the meantime, we turn to the first to our guest - Thermaltake Big Typhoon VP.

THERMALTAKE BIG TYPHOON VP

Couple packaging surprises with dimensions. Thermaltake never misses this aspect. Thanks to a significant area of \u200b\u200bthe box, the manufacturer managed to apply to the surface of a lot of different useful information - Characteristics, photos, etc. In our opinion, the presence of such data is never excess.

The cooler himself is placed in a plastic cocoon - a moment that allows you to make the process of transportation more secure for the product.

In a white box, there is a package of a cooler - fasteners for various platforms, installation instructions, thermal paste and branded sticker. In general, the standard set.

The Big Typhoon design has not changed. We have a standard VX model. As it seems to us, the company could well make adjustments, especially since it is clearly there, on what to work.

120 mm fan is responsible for cooling the radiator, an important feature of which is the presence of a revolt controller. The maximum impeller rotation speed bar is limited to 2000 rpm - this is a rather serious indicator. Not for everyone will be a comfortable operation of such a noisy cooler. So to reduce the turnover is the first thing we would advise to do.

It is a pity that you can use the revolver regulator only by removing the housing cover. Otherwise, it is impossible to get access to it. However, it's not so scary. After all, you are not going to constantly change the fan speed. It will be quite sufficient to fix the revolutions, for example, at a mark of 1300 rpm - it is a quiet mode, while not much intimacy.

And now - about what could be changed in "Typhoon", but what remains in a similar VX version of the form.

Plates are too tight to each other. This leads to poor blowing. In a poorly ventilated body, Big Typhoon can simply "suffocate".

Secondly, at the base, the radiator should be installed, which will partially remove the load with heat pipes. Such an approach has long been used by Scythe. As you know, their products do not suffer with low efficiency. In addition, the quality of the base processing has grown. It seems that the company alternates the models with good treatment and with bad. Pretty long soles thermaltake coolers It was possible to scare nervous, a little later, the cooling systems ThermalTake V1 and Maxorb appeared. They had no such problem. Why do we again see the rough and untreated sole?

The third change could be the shorter of heat pipes, which, theoretically, could accelerate the process of heat transfer from the base on the radiator. In short, options for refinement is enough. Only here the company decided to leave everything as it is.

The only innovation is the inclusion in the construction of an additional fan, also operating in the range from 1300 to 2000 rpm.

From the classic 120 mm fan Thermaltake it is distinguished by the modified shape of the blades, which should provide more low level noise.

Secure an additional fan is easy. True, you first need to unscrew the screws from the standard fan and remove the grille. After that, it is already possible to fix the metal platform, which, by the way, can change the angle of inclination. However, it is not worth overestimate the possibilities of this feature. The tilt can be changed in a rather small range - from 0 to 45 degrees. You can install fans of different sizes from this platform - from 40 mm to 120 mm, depending on your needs.

To install the fan in the kit there are two screws. Only, we failed to use them without concomitant problems. Unfortunately, one of them was defective, which was in its uneven thickness. As a result, it was possible to spin it only on 2/3 lengths. However, from this situation we came out quite easily, having decided to screw the self-sufficiency from the bottom.

After that, we started installing a cooler into the case. Immediately note that this process is as simple as possible and fully corresponds to what we could see in the VX model. In the case of fasteners on the LGA775 platform, it will be enough to use a metal bracket with VTMS.

In the network, by the way, about this method of fastening you can find quite a lot of displeased shocks. All of them relate, mostly, the console cooler forces to the processor heat distributor. There is also concerns about the fact that the clip may not withstand the weight of the cooler (more than 800 g) and to be pulled off during operation, which can damage both the motherboard and the video card.

However, we have a somewhat different opinion on this issue. First, you should not be afraid of a weak clamp. The most important thing is uniformity. If the sole of the cooler is smooth, then there will be no problems. And the presence of a backlash is characterized by many solutions, such as Zalman products. Do not give it a special meaning.

Regarding that the clip may not withstand the weight of the cooler, we also can quite confidently say that such a chance is pretty small. Such precedents, of course, are possible, but only defective fasteners can be guilt here. Today, when testing, we encountered low-quality screws. It is likely that someone can put both a defective clip. So be careful, carefully examine the components of the configuration. In this case, the likelihood of unpleasant consequences is much less.

As you can see, without an additional fan, the novelty is completely similar to Big Typhoon VX. However, it is worth attaching this element like a cooler acquires even large dimensions. We installed the fan right above the video card. You ask again, why not unfold it so that it turns out to be, for example, over memory. As it turned out, it is impossible. Such a design as part of our housing, by the way, is far from the smallest, it can only exist in one embodiment (when it comes to a 120 mm fan). Otherwise, she will restrain: hDD, Case wall, Power supply, etc. In general, to appreciate the Big Typhoon VP functionality can except open bench holders. There they will be able to deploy it in any way. Yes, and free from the additional fan will be larger there. In the case, it all looks at somehow awkwardly. Moreover, many video cards have a turbine cooling system (most AMD products, and from some time - and NVIDIA), they will have such an additional blowing. However, we will not get ahead, the real alignment of the forces will show only testing. In the meantime, we turn to the next product of today's review.

Xigmatek Achilles-S1284

For a long time, Xigmatek products have been supplied in colorful cardboard packages. In our opinion, this is the most optimal option. The surface of the box is quite informative, and to remove the cooler, without damaging it, it is not difficult. This time the company decided to diversify his approach, having a product in plastic. It looks like this, just say, not very.

The first thing I want to say is a complete set. The manufacturer has included in its composition all the necessary fasteners, thermal colors, installation manual and rubber clamps for installation.

Initially, the fan is located in the package separately from the cooler. Therefore, at first, let's talk exactly about the element designed to cool the radiator of the Achilles. The working level of turns is 1500 rpm. Cable branched four pins. There is support for PWM, so that the motherboard can be controlled by the speed of the impeller rotation. The lowest bar is 800 rpm - this mode will be the perfect choice for fans of silence.

To the radiator, the fan is attached rubber retainers. This operation is characterized by speed and convenience. In addition, the fan holds extremely reliable.

Finally, before us and the XigMatek Achilles itself. In his constructive, it has a number of aluminum (by the way, quite thick compared to previous models of coolers) plates. Through them there are four copper nickel-plated tubes with a diameter of 8 mm each. The first change that immediately rushes into the eye is the amount of heat pipes. In Xigmatek, they increased their number of one thing, which, of course, should be reflected at the heat sink speed.

The weight of the cooler without a fan is 660, respectively, with him he turns over 700 g. Not so much. However, you should not be surprised, because we are dealing with the supercoupler.

Compared to the "red scorpion", the radiator has a number of differences. First, the profile of plates changed. Now they form a kind of ladder. At the same time, on the sidewalls, they are bent into two rows, which makes it possible to avoid airflow losses when purging fins. Finally, the radiator himself has changed. He became much thicker. It is likely that now it will take a more efficient fan.

As already mentioned, thermal tubes are four pieces. Studying products, xigmatek we have long noticed that the company does not bet on the quantity, but on the total area of \u200b\u200bremoval. The diameter of each tube is 8 mm.

HEAT-PIPE DIRECT TOUCH is a branded technology that allows thermal tubes to contact the processor directly. It is this method that is used in the cooler of Xigmatek Achilles. At the moment, all Xigamatek solutions intended for cooling processors work on this principle.

In general, he justifies himself. After all, we do not have the loss of efficiency due to the lack of such a thermal intermediary as a sole. Heat is immediately transmitted on the tubes that are transferred to the radiator, where it dispels. However, this method also has the theoretical disadvantage - the probability of local overheating in the area of \u200b\u200b"dead zones", i.e. In places where the sole does not come into contact with the processor. However, otherwise, as a theoretical lack, you won't call, because In practice, products working on this principle usually shows excellent results.

At the base, thermal tubes are flattened and leveled. Only here about polishing the manufacturer, apparently forgot. Quality in this aspect is clearly lame. This can be seen, without even removing the protective film. But such flaws can seriously affect effectiveness.

Installation on the LGA775 platform is extremely simple. To do this, it is enough to take two VTMS fixing clips and fasten them to the base of the cooler. Then you can safely place the cooling system into the case. The motherboard in this case will not need. By the way, it will not be required in the case of AMD platforms. To secure there, a metal bracket-swing, clinging for a standard fastener frame is used. It is very pleased that Xigmatek is trying to simplify the installation process for the user as much as possible. It is also important that along with simplicity fastener is different and quality. Fit rather strong, uniform problems also do not occur.

True, there are complaints about the VTMS clips. We have been faced with this problem for no first time. It is present in almost all products from xigmatek. Its essence lies in the fact that the clips are too tough, so sometimes they are very difficult to snap. If you do this, for example, on an open bench, you can see how the motherboard is seriously becoming a bit. We will pay attention to this place. The main thing in the fit is uniformity. Put a cooler, as visets, is not worth the motherboard. Moreover, the cooling system has serious weight indicators.

Xigmatek Achilles is set. During operation, it can please the user with a pleasant backlight combining orange and white color. At night, it looks great. Surely, for fans of spectacular coolers, it will be a pleasant addition.

So, the product examination is completed. It's time to go to the most important testing. However, first we will tell you about how the testing process occurs.

Test Stand and Testing

Testing methodology

Any studies would be unthinkable without strict compliance with the list of rules that need to be adhere to when conducting testing of any cooling systems for processors. So, list of basic testing methods:

All testing of air cooling systems are conducted in the usual room, without the use of thermoshkaf, which brings the resulting results as possible to what majority users have. Testing can be carried out both when using an open bench and in the housing. In this case, the relevant information is present on schedules with results.

The basis for any comparison is the similarity of the conditions. Therefore, testing of coolers is always carried out in one day, because The next day, the room temperature can change significantly. In addition, testing starts only after sufficiently long warming up the system and the complete stabilization of the room temperature. After that, the doors and windows no longer open, which ensures the stability of the conditions.

Before the main launch of the program for heating the cooler, it warms up in the system. Only at the end of this operation it is possible to start testing. The basis for the results is the maximum temperature that has been achieved during heating. After that, the load stops, and the system is in idle state. Only by achieving a stable minimum temperature, this indicator is removed.

All data on the temperature indicators of the processor are taken from the corresponding motherboard sensor. A variety of test research performed clearly shows that this method can be trusted, since the output values \u200b\u200bare quite close to real. As a test motherboard, a product from ASUS is used, the P5B-Deluxe model. Information about this board is also included in the configuration. test standdescribed above.

The second source of information for us is special thermocouples. There are two in the system in the system. One is responsible for the removal of information about the temperature in the case. This is very important, because we need to know about any fluctuations in testing conditions and try to maintain them at one level. The second thermocouple is installed on one of the capacitors of the motherboard nutrition system. Experiments have shown that all capacitors have close temperatures, so the output of information at least one of them is enough to find out the level of the cooling efficiency of the zone near the socket.

It is no secret that most manufacturers puts along with their products branded thermal interfaces. Often they have a worthy level of quality and, accordingly, in practice they can allow to achieve excellent level Efficiency, however, to compare the coolers, we always use one particular thermal interface. Previously, the Domestic Product of Production "Himtek" - KPT-8 was performed as such a thermal paste. However, test studies have shown that the use of this thermal interface does not allow the most objectively to judge the effectiveness of a product. Therefore, at the moment the thermalcase from the company Arctic Cooling is MX-2.

Studies also show that many thermal interfaces may vary certain properties over time. Thus, efficiency can either improve or worsen. In order for such changes to do not affect the compared indicators of different coolers, with any manipulation with the cooler (a change of platform during testing: the transition from an open stand to an option using the housing) The thermal interface is applied again. This leads to the fact that during testing of all cooling systems, the thermal interface remains fresh and, it means that the same properties have the same properties. In addition, the removal of the thermal paste is carried out using alcohol, which leads to the complete cleansing of the processor cover. Thus, a large "purity" comparison is achieved.

Another point that may affect the objectivity of the comparison of products, is that different manufacturers use various fans for their products. Accordingly, these fans may differ not only in terms of efficiency, but also by noise level. Thus, for the Terms equations, we use several testing modes for those or other coolers. Typically, when using the level of revolutions in the range from 1300 to 2000 rpm, we are tested first and second cases. If, even at minimum turnover, this product is objectively more noisy than comparable revolutions, then the level of revolutions on which the noise level will be comparable to the analogues. At the same time, the cooler will be tested not in two, but in three modes. Namely - on the founder in the very quiet level of revolutions, at 1,300 rpm and 2000 rpm. Of course, there are certain exceptions when within a specific study it is necessary to carry out a more voluminous study. In this case, other modes can be used. In some cases, on the contrary, we use only one mode. However, the conclusions about the cooler are based on a combination of noise and efficiency.

The case described above relates to the coolers, which does not allow the fan to be changed. However, many tower type coolers, as well as other solutions allow you to easily easily change the fan on them. Therefore, we often can install more efficient fans. In addition, if the constructive of the cooler allows the installation of two fans, this manipulation is also carried out. However, depending on the nature of the testing and number of participants, the abstracts described above can be somewhat adjusted within a specific study.

For some time, the utility used to heat the processors changed. The main reason for this was the fact that over time there were programs capable of heating processors much more efficiently than their predecessors. Of course, in this case, our choice in testing fell on them. At the moment we use several utilities. For Intel processors, in particular, generation CoreThe Intel Thermal Analysis Tool utility is used.

According to our observations, this program can create the most atypical level of heating, which makes it more to disclose one or another products. This uses the loading mode of both processor cores by 100%. At the moment latest version Utilities - 2.05.

However, for AMD processors, you need to use another heating tool, in connection with which the already classical S & M utility is suitable as it is impossible. It performs high-quality, atypical for any other heating utilities. In addition, it has a number of others useful features, among which the most important thing for us is the withdrawal of information about temperature, including in real-time graphics. At the moment, the version of the utility is 1.9.0a.

* The methods described above apply only to testing cooling systems for processors. In the case of other cooling systems, appropriate rules and research tools are used.

Test results

Today a non-standard solution is involved in the study - Big Typhoon VP. Therefore, in order to comprehensively explore this product, simultaneously comparing it with analogues, we shot data on three parameters: the temperature of the processor, motherboard elements and video chipped video cards.

The results were quite controversial. The reason for this is an incredible density. Talk about the winners, to put it mildly, difficult. The nominal leader can be considered xigmatek Achilles. This cooler with an advantage of 0.2 degrees was able to surpass Big Typhoon VX. But you yourself understand, all this error of measurement. In fact, all products have shown an almost equal level of efficiency. However, it takes effect already another moment - the level of revolutions. The "winner" works not as an example of quieter typhoon, seriously noisy at 2000 rpm. But when reducing the speed of rotation of the impeller to 1300 rpm, the product Thermaltake becomes the relative outsider. Why relative? Because 4 degrees are not a critical lag. If we talk about a full-time bet between two typhoons, then a draw, what was expected. Of course, theoretically additional fan could reduce the temperature in the case itself and to help it. But that did not happen. We have an absolutely identical level of efficiency. The difference is within the error.

Finally, take a look at the results of Achilles. Yes, of course, this decision can be considered a winner, given the level of turnover and relatively quiet operation. However, notice, the advantage over "red scorpion" is some 1.5 degrees. It is rather strange, because In the novelty, the design of the radiator was recycled, the heat tube was added, and, given its diameter, it should have given a decent bonus in efficiency. What is the reason? And the reason was on the surface. After the test, we studied the base of the cooler, in particular, the imprint of the paste on the processor and tubes, and noticed that one of them almost did not contact the heat distributor. In other words, only three thermal tubes completely worked. The fourth fulfilled its function with large losses in efficiency. As a result, it is easy to understand why the novelty could not be unambiguously established as a leader. What is it - private case, Or is there such a problem with other instances? It is difficult to say, after all, this is one of the first copies of the cooler. Such misses are often often from manufacturers. We do not premind about this problem in xigmatek so that engineers pay their attention to this aspect.

And now let's see how coolers showed themselves to cooling elements of the board. Here Achilles turns out in the outsider. This is simply explained. The radiator relative to past models has become more thicker. Air with difficulty passes through it, and, accordingly, blowing the fees is seriously difficult. From here a loss not only the coolers from thermaltake, but also the previous model - S1283.

Typhoon did not show anything special. M have long been told that a great blowing of the near-fake zone by this cooler is a myth. Take a look at him, it has a very serious height. Now try while working in the area of \u200b\u200bthe board items during the work. You are unlikely to feel a serious air flow. Of course, compared to some tower type products there is some advantage, especially if compared with massive Scythe Mugen. However, the compact tower like xigmatek S1283 is not inferior in the efficiency of the zone cooling near the processor.

Finally, turn your eyes on the chip temperature schedule video card Radeon. 3870 x2. We have been not attempting for this card. It has a serious heat dissipation. Additional blowing to her clearly does not hurt. However, the turbine accumulating cold air is answered for its cooling in the area hard disk. It is not difficult to understand that the fan located somewhere in the middle of the card cooling system will not give almost nothing. Is that the PCB temperature will slightly decrease. Unfortunately, Riva Tuner does not withdraw such information, and we had to be content with the temperature indicators of the GPU fee. As you can see, the difference is small, however, consider that the card worked in a simple at minimum turbine turnover.

As a result, the additional element in the form of a fan gives a low increase in the performance of blowing. Of course, in the case of another video card, everything could be different. However, is it not easier to use the full-time capabilities of the hull itself, using the playgrounds for the fans? This, in our opinion, will be quite enough. In Thermaltake, they clearly hurried with the release of a new product, overestimated its potential. At the moment, Big Typhoon VX is sold for not such a small price. It will not be a surprise if the modification of the VP in this will seriously surpass it. Only that's why it will be needed and for a larger price, when it does not differ anything?

Conclusion

The novelties left a very ambiguous impression. Let's say straight, manufacturers needed to think twice before producing them. On the one hand, they, of course, have high efficiency. In this regard, Achilles and the updated Typhoon can give odds to many products from third-party companies. Only here the snag is that their predecessors have had the same abilities. This is especially true of Big Typhoon VP. This solution frankly disappointed. The effectiveness is no different from the standard modification, and the dimensions of the cooler are indecent. Xigmatek Achilles also makes it up and saddened at the same time. In it, of course, laid interesting ideas. This applies to both four heat pipes and modified radiator design. However, misses in quality (in this case it concerns our copy) did not allow to reveal the novelty to the fullest. As a result, we have a minimal advantage over the previous model - xigmatek S1283. So the result is:

THERMALTAKE BIG TYPHOON VP - In general, a good product with good efficiency and versatility in the installation on various platforms. However, there is no advantages over the VX version, so there is no particular sense in the acquisition of VP modifications.

Xigmatek Achilles-S1284 - Certainly, an interesting solution. The company's engineers designed a fairly well-thought-out structure of the radiator, while including four copper heat pipes in diameter of 8 mm at once each. In addition, the cooler is endowed with a pleasant appearance, thanks to the presence of nickel tubes and the installation of a spectacular fan with illumination. In short, the most real supercouler. However, for the full disclosure of the potential, there was not enough quality of manufacture. One of the tubes was almost not in contact with the basis, which seriously affected the effectiveness. In addition, upset the quality of the polishing of the sole. In general, the company has about what to work, otherwise the champion with "Achilles fifth" is published.

Testing powerful coolers. The first one.
THERMALTAKE BIG TYPHOON 120 VX VS NOCTUA NH-U12P.TVETUA NICH 50-55 $
Preface

To date, many different coolers are represented in the Ukrainian market. Among them are expensive, and affordable models are focused on different categories of users. Most are a purely budget class, but there is a Hi-End Class Cooler that are expensive. It is also worth noting that very dear models Do not always demonstrate the desired performance, and cheap is not always bad. There are many famous companies on the market, but sometimes it is also small, who are trying to conquer the celebrity and popularity with high-quality and more available models.
By the first, I would probably take thermaltake, which produces many accessories for modding, power supplies, housing and, naturally, cooler. Perhaps the most famous cooler of this company is the legendary Typhoon, who helped accelerate old processors under 939 and 775 sockets for pentiums. There was a lot of time, but many users do not change, and some even buy it. In this review, I picked up the opponent Typhoon from the Noctua camp, NH-U12P cooler. The company has long been selling its products in the territory of Western Europe, but we have almost disseminated in Ukraine.
Perhaps today there was such a situation when you can purchase good processor For respective money ... And then essentially, let's say, speed it up. For this we must thank modern technologies, and in particular Intel, which released a very successful architecture. For more or less adequate prices, we must thank AMD, which is trying to survive in this market segment. Well, these companies in turn must thank us, for buying their processors.

Test platform and testing conditions.

So, Introduction will be finished, go to practice. For testing, I used the following system:
Processorintel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (G0)
Maternal fee P5K Premium / WiFi-AP
CouplersThermaltake Big Typhoon 120 VX,
NOCTUA NH-U12P
RAMGOODRAM 2 GB DDR2 800 MHz X2 (4GB)
Video Cardagigabyte X800GTO 256MB + Zalman VF700-CU
Hard diskSeagate ST3750330AS 750GB
SoftwareThermaltake ToughPower 750W
Drivesus DRW-1814
CorpsCooler Master ELITE 331 (1x12 cm Fool)
IPSAPC Back-Ups CS 500
Operating systemWindows Vista 64bit SP1

On the eve of me, a pre-configuration of the system and stability test was made. It is necessary to confess, dispersed the processor to the frequency of 3.6 I failed. More precisely, it was possible, but the system worked in an OST about an hour, and then I watched the "screen of death". And so repeated several times. Perhaps the reason was in the overheating of the northern bridge, although it is definitely not known. But I set myself the task to squeeze the maximum while maintaining complete stability, and when the system has steadily worked for 6 hours, I counted overclocking successful.

So, at the FSB 400, the multiplier was 8, the total frequency is 3.2. 1: 1 memory divider, efficient frequency - 800 MHz. Bios settings:
CPU Voltage 1,4.
CPU PLL Voltage 1.6
FSB Termination Voltage 1.3
Dram Voltage 1,8.
NB Voltage 1,4
SB Voltage 1.05
Load Line Calibration (VDROop) Enabled
CPU GTL VOLTAGE REFERENCE 0,63X
All other settings are delivered in the car. Fans control is turned off, with the exception of multiple tests.

voltages on the nucleus

Well, now we turn to the experimental:
P.S. I will not stop on cardboard and plastic boxes, but I will note that the Taufuna package looks solid, about the configuration - read below: