Overclockers Tech » Cooling

Thermaltake Chaser MK1 LCS Solution

Gilgamesh — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:50:55 +0000

Introduction

What makes a computer case special? Is it because it has plenty of storage space or lots of fancy lights? Maybe it is for the reason that it is great for water cooling? All these questions and more must be answered when purchasing a computer case.

We at OverclockersTech have reviewed many computer cases ranging from the unusual Lian Li T1 Spider chassis. To the enormous Coolermaster Haf X and the Thermaltake Level 10 GT. Now we bare the latter mentioned cases in mind and then finally throw in the behemoth-like ‘Mountain Mods’ cases into the mix and the result is an interesting brew indeed.

A few short months ago our very own ‘Lvcoyote’ gave the Thermaltake Chaser MK1 a gold award and when reviewing this product with the eye of air cooling, and it richly deserved our coveted award. However, let us now review the same product but looking at it from the viewpoint of a water cooling enthusiast! Will the product still receive a gold award even when factoring in its great air cooling potential? Or will it slip down the scales slightly? Only an in depth review from a water coolers viewpoint will reveal the truth.

Here at Overclocker’s Tech we have two sides in the industry. We have our esteemed fellow reviewer ‘Lvcoytote whom is our ultimate guru when it comes to air cooling and yours truly for water and the more exotic forms temperature control. With this in mind we have decided to once again review the Thermaltake Chaser MK1, however ‘we have a twist in the tale’, as this time we are taking a look at the LCS (Or Liquid Cooled Solution) version of the same case.

Before moving on make sure you catch ‘LV’s’ fantastic and informative review at:

Thermaltake-chaser-mk1-case-review

Company Background

We live in a world where most things seem to move at the speed of light. At Thermaltake, we feel the same way and that is exactly how Thermaltake conducts itself to deliver innovative, reliable and customer-centric solutions to the worldwide market.

Since the beginning of Thermaltake in 1999, it has been at the forefront of creating new and exciting products at a time where most computer users were provided little to no choices for components that may seem irrelevant, but in reality crucial to the performance of a PC.

While still a relatively young company, established in 1999, Thermaltake is built on unwavering will and dedication to address issues and innovate at the same time for computer enthusiasts and corporate users worldwide .

Customers are our greatest asset and Thermaltake does not take that for granted. That is why Thermaltake is the industry leading in customer service and customer support with around-the-clock automated product return service.”

CoolerMaster Gemini Two Mark Four Processor Cooler

Gilgamesh — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:21:54 +0000

Introduction:

In today’s performance intensive computers there is a myriad of differing cooling solutions, all designed to entice the end-user with their specifications. Many manufacturers opt for either silence, overclocking, small form factor spacing or all of the above. Only those whom are truly willing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the industry can hope to survive this free-for-all. Then if we throw in more esoteric forms of cooling into the bag we are in for some interesting times indeed. Today however we are focusing our attention on the cooler that is designed for the Home Theatre PC case market.

Coolermaster have sent us their brand new Gemini Two Mark Four CPU cooler and it will be very interesting to see if this cooler can hold a candle to Coolermaster’s long line of high quality products.

Company Background

Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry’s best thermal solutions. Since its establishment a decade ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved.

In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. It aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service.

Cooler Master’s current business encompasses a comprehensive lineup of thermal solutions for a full range of applications. Its products range from heat sinks and fans to component housing, chassis, and ducting for computers, industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, and many other devices.

Specifications:

GeminII M4 is a super low profile CPU cooler (59mm / 2.3in height) designed for a system with limited space, such as mini-ITX, HTPC, or any small desktop. With its four direct contact heat pipes and unique heat pipe layout, GeminII M4 not only keeps compact size but provides amazing cooling performance.

Super low profile cooler (59mm / 2.3in height) with 4 direct contact heat pipes.
A base engineered to minimize CPU contact gaps provides excellent heat conduction.
Suitable for limited space applications (e.g. HTPC or slim systems).
Newly developed thin fan profile delivers uncompromised cooling performance in a compact package.
Unique heat pipe layout combines two very effective cooling methods to increase cooling efficiency while maintaining a low profile heat sink.

CPU Socket Intel® LGA1366/1156/1155/775 AMD FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2

Dimension (W / H / D) 137 x 122 x 59mm (5.4 x 4.8 x 2.3 inch)

Weight 289g (0.64 lb)

Heat Sink Material 4 Direct Contact Heat Pipes

Aluminum Fins

Heat Sink Dimensions 120x 118 x 44 mm (4.7 x 4.6 x 1.7 inch)

Heat Sink Weight 210g (0.46 lb)

Heat Pipes Dimensions Ø6mm

Fan Dimension (W / H / D) 120 x 120 x 15mm (4.7 x 4.7 x 0.6 inch)

Fan Speed 500 – 1600 RPM (PWM) ± 10%

Fan Airflow 17.4 – 58.4 CFM ± 10%

Fan Air Pressure 0.18 – 1.76mm H2O ± 10%

Fan Life Expectancy 40,000 hrs

Bearing Type Long Life Sleeve Bearing

Fan Noise Level (dB-A) 8 – 30 dBA

Fan Weight 79g (0.17 lb)

Connector 4-Pin

Some interesting specifications for a processor cooler that is aimed at the Home Theatre PC market.

Lamptron FC9 Fan Controller Review

Gilgamesh — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:40:55 +0000

Introduction

What does it take to become the king of kings in the ‘fan controller’ world? Some try to grab the crown by useing fancy LED’s that zigzag along, which have a passing resemblance to a Cylon from Battleestar Galactica. Others may try to go for a more demur look and try for quality or additional features such as temperature probes. All manufacturers are in a ‘free for all’ in an attempt to grab the crown for themselves. One such contender is Lamptron and we all know the aforementioned company is a ‘dab-hand’ at this game, with producing fan controllers one after another for years.

Lamptron have produced many good products such as the FC/3 and the FC-Touch product. In the past each one of these items have boasted a massive 30 watts per channel. Now any water cooling enthusiast ‘worth their salt’ would connect their water cooling pumps to the product and have the controller power them. However, the FC/9 promises to do a little more than the usual fare, let us see if Lamptron can truly have even a glimpse of the crown, much less snatch it.

Company Background

“Lamptron develops and markets the next generation of high performance computer peripherals using the latest technology that enables a new level of interaction between the end-user and their personal computer. Products developed are through a combination of proprietary technology, innovation and ergonomic industrial design. There are three principal business sectors:

PC Gaming products
PC Silence products
PC Modding products

Products are designed and developed by our experienced Research and Development Department. Our engineering and R&D staff specialize in user analysis, material control and industry design. Lamptron not only has expertise in product easy-to-use and product design, but we also plays a vital role in the enhancement of production efficiency and marketing analysis. We are constantly developing new products and technology to meet market demands and to generate new markets for our innovation products.

Our Global success is attributed to three basic visionary attributes:

Continue to offer innovation products which means the products are in the highest quality and innovation.
Providing our global partners with a level of service that is consistent with our premium product range.
Helping our global partners grow, through reliable service, quality products, flexibility and co-operationThis simple philosophy has allowed us to build long standing relationships with global distributors.”

Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler Review

Gilgamesh — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:26 +0000

Introduction

As processors obtain faster speeds with each generation then it usually brings a greater amount of heat-due to the limitations of the silicon itself. Many manufacturers have self-proclaimed ‘their’ processor cooling fans to be the best in a myriad of environments and being able to do so quietly. This is by no means an easy feat when it has to fit a number of differing motherboard and system configurations. Getting the right combination of cooling and noise can be very difficult to get right. One such manufacturer whom believes that they have the right combination is Noctua.

Company Background

“Designed in Austria, Noctua’s premium cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb quietness, exceptional performance and thoroughgoing quality. Having received more than 1000 awards and recommendations from leading hardware websites and magazines, Noctua’s fans and heatsinks are chosen by more than a hundred thousand satisfied customers around the globe.

Noctua comes from a cooperation of the Austrian Rascom Computerdistribution Ges.m.b.H. with the Taiwanese cooling specialist Kolink International Corporation, pooling more than ten years of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-end cooling components. Established in 2005, Noctua took the international silent enthusiasts’ hearts by storm and quickly developed into one of the most acclaimed suppliers of premium quality quiet cooling products. Today, Noctua is present in more than 30 countries across the globe and working with several hundred sales partners. Chosen by noise conscious PC users, system integrators and industry clients alike, Noctua has become synonymous with impeccable quality, excellent customer service and class leading quiet cooling performance.

The little owl, Athene noctua, is the symbol of the Greek goddess Athene, who represents wisdom, science and strategy. She has a marked preference for the most clever among the Greek heroes, like Odysseus, who endure their adventures by the use of savvy consideration instead of mere force. Until today, the owl symbolises intelligence and prudence, its manlike face emblematises attentiveness and communication. We from Noctua follow the suit of its calm and accurate observation in the dark, its soundless flight as well as the effective, economical use of its powers and precise attack.”

Lamptron FC Touch Fan Controller Review

Gilgamesh — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:59:39 +0000

Introduction

Fan controllers are a much called upon item when assembling a computer in this day and age. The ability to control fan’s speed, and the noise that accompanies it, to either a high performance level or near silent is something that appeals to most system builders. The aforementioned would be great in an ‘overclocking’ environment and the latter in a more home theatre situation. Whilst the fan controller is a simple concept, which works by simply lowering or raising the voltage supplied to a fan to achieve the desired speed, it is hard to get right. Many manufacturers opt for blaring lights and bling in a vain effort to appeal, whilst others go for under-stated elegance.

There are many pretenders to the throne of “King of Fan Controllers”, however there are a few that have proven they are the genuine article, one such is the company called Lamptron!

Company Background

Lamptron develops and markets the next generation of high performance computer peripherals using the latest technology that enables a new level of interaction between the end-user and their personal computer. Products developed are through a combination of proprietary technology, innovation and ergonomic industrial design. There are three principal business sectors:

PC Gaming products
PC Silence products
PC Modding products

Products are designed and developed by our experienced Research and Development Department. Our engineering and R&D staffs specialize in user analysis, material control and industry design. Lamptron not only has expertise in product easy-to-use and product design, but we also plays a vital role in the enhancement of production efficiency and marketing analysis. We are constantly developing new products and technology to meet market demands and to generate new markets for our innovation products.

Our Global success is attributed to three basic visionary attributes:

Continue to offer innovation products which means the products are in the highest quality and innovation.
Providing our global partners with a level of service that is consistent with our premium product range.
Helping our global partners grow, through reliable service, quality products, flexibility and co-operationThis simple philosophy has allowed us to build long standing relationships with global distributors.”

Thermaltake FrioOCK CPU Cooler Review

Lvcoyote — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 22:02:57 +0000

Thermaltake’s latest innovation is a new and improved design of their popular Frio CPU cooler, this one being the FrioOCK. OCK, as in overclocking and it is advertised as such with a slogan of “Design For OverClocking King”. Get it?? We thought you would! Read on as we explore the Thermaltake FrioOCK and what it brings to the table compared to previous Thermaltake coolers. But first a bit about Thermaltake.

“The Tt Brand / Key 3 Spirit”

“Key 3 Spirit initiative is based on the strength and know-how that Thermaltake has mastered through innovation and continuous research & development that encompasses crucial components of a personal computer responsible for thermal management. The same initiative is instrumental in establishing groundwork for the Thermaltake Server Series solutions that offer unparalleled integration across 3 major server thermal management product lines: Rackmount Chassis, Server Fixed & Redundant Power Supply and Server CPU Cooling Management Solutions.

The Key 3 Spirit initiative allows Thermaltake to communicate directly with the consumer and businesses alike and educate them on the importance of purchasing quality, reliable and performance oriented key components such as chassis, power supply and cooler for proper thermal management.”

CoolerMaster Notebook Cooler Duel

Gilgamesh — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:59:16 +0000

Introduction

Laptops are increasing in speed in every generation and with ever-more demanding hardware then laptops get rather hot. This is not helped any more with the end-users often literally using them on their laps or worse still on their beds. The latter is the most heat extreme as the hot air cannot escape from the equipment and it eventually leads to system failures. The coolers for laptops/netbooks etc are an often overlooked item and these days it has pretty much become an essentially piece if equipment. Enter two cooling products from Coolermaster, TheÂ NotePal air and the Infinite EVO models. Can these reduce temperatures significantly and whats more can they do so quietly? This however remains to be seen.

Company Background

Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry’s best thermal solutions. Since its establishment a decade ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved.

In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. It aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service.

(taken from http://www.coolermaster.co.uk/contact.php?page_id=2)

Spire Corp Thermax Eclipse Two CPU Cooler

Gilgamesh — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:18:50 +0000

Introduction

In this modern age we are fortunate enough to live in; components are getting faster and hotter and one needs an efficient cooling system in order to keep up with increasing demands of modern technology. For example: A modern processor cooler is needed to not only keep a processor cool during normal operations but that of an overclocked environment also. Many have tried and failed to achieve both tasks; mostly only able to achieve a fair measure of performance in normal CPU operations.

However there have been amongst the myriad of CPU coolers true gems, one that sells on sheer performance alone and this makes the whole task of searching for this treasure a worth while one.

Enter Spire Corp, a rather little known company in the west but one that seeks to truly kick the preverbial ‘behind’ and take names.

Company Background

Founded in 1998, Spire is a leading premier brand for computer thermal solutions, power supplies and pc cases. In order to meet the needs and demands of the global market, we have established our production facilities in shenzhen, China. Our incorporated branch offices are located in the USA and The Netherlands with sales offices in Germany, Japan and Brazil. All locations are located strategically to better work with the customers we serve.

Spire Products are dedicated to bringing you the latest technology in computer cooling as it becomes available and to offer a variety of solutions to combat the growing concern of overheating. With today’s high-speed processors functioning at an unprecedented speed and output, the demand for better and more reliable cooling solutions has become one of the most important issues in the computer industry today. As a premier manufacturer of high quality cooling solutions, we are able to meet the demands of the computer industry by providing competitively priced products, next day delivery and lifetime warranty. With reliability of products having such high precedence in the business, Spire has earned the loyalty of many well known manufacturers and distributors throughout the world. We have maintained close business ties with international names in the computer industry.

(taken from http://www.spirecoolers.com/main/aboutus_company_profile.asp)

Cooler Master NotePal Ax

admin — Thu, 12 May 2011 04:30:36 +0000

Introduction

Today we are lucky enough to have the NotePal Ax notebook cooler from CoolerMaster for review.

Since the boom of notebooks in the 21^st century, the accessory market has become very competitive. Manufacturers attempting to offer both quality and a good price often find themselves in a no win situation. CoolerMaster’s recent attempt at a quality Notebook cooler at a good price point is what we will be exploring today. Notebooks and Laptops in general are bursting with features which are tightly packed in a small portable unit. Obviously the result of the compact size leads to reduced lifespan of the components due mostly to the poor airflow designs. Overheating of a notebook will cause a multitude of problems including crashes, freezing and blue screens. Companies such as CoolerMaster are trying to combat this problem and have developed products to help reduce and eliminate overheating issues.

Companies and their employees rely on their notebooks and laptops to perform their jobs and they are important tools in today’s business world, largely because of the portability which allows people to perform job functions basically anywhere at any time. The CoolerMaster NotePal Ax is not the first Notebook/Laptop cooler they have produced and with their other models performing well it will be interesting to see if CoolerMaster has again lived up to it’s name.

Company background

CoolerMaster was established in 1992 with the aim of providing the industry’s best thermal solutions. Since the company was established CoolerMaster has had tremendous growth over the years and now offers a wide range of products, including cases, power supplies, and server cooling. All of CoolerMaster’s products are designed to offer the best cooling solution possible at a reasonable price.

Thermaltake Jing CPU Cooler Review

Lvcoyote — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:50:58 +0000

The recently released Jing CPU cooler landed at our doorstep courtesy of Thermaltake USA, so naturally a review is in order! For those wondering what the heck “Jing” means, it’s Chinese for silence! “Silent by Design” is the slogan Thermaltake has assigned to the Jing, so lets run it through the paces and see what it is capable of shall we?

About Thermaltake

From the Thermaltake Web Site:

“We live in a world where most things seem to move at the speed of light. At Thermaltake, we feel the same way and that is exactly how Thermaltake conducts itself to deliver innovative, reliable and customer-centric solutions to the worldwide market.

Since the beginning of Thermaltake in 1999, it has been at the forefront of creating new and exciting products at a time where most computer users were provided little to no choices for components that may seem irrelevant, but in reality crucial to the performance of a PC.

Thermaltake Server Series solutions, with years of thermal experience and industry leadership, sets its goal on reforming total thermal management in server segment by formulating the perfect mixture of versatility, efficiency and thermal management with each respective server product category: Rackmount Chassis, Server Fixed & Redundant Power Supply and Server CPU Cooling Management Solutions.

With its comprehensive line of products available, it enables Thermaltake’s core customers to enjoy a one-stop-shop experience, reduce product design-in evaluation period and most important of all, flawless integration process. Each of Thermaltake’s strengths enables its customer to focus on their core business while taking advantage of the skills and efficiency of a single thermal management solution partner.

Values & Principles

- While still a relatively young company, established in 1999, Thermaltake is built on unwavering will and dedication to address issues and innovate at the same time for computer enthusiasts and corporate users worldwide .

- With strong support of Research & Development team standing behind the brand, Thermaltake is committed to never-follow but always-lead.

- In past decades, the industrial and technological advancements in different fields have shaped the world we live in today and have also made a big impact on the environment. Thermaltake takes great measures to ensure the product that we produce relieve these impacts by being first to act on 80 PLUSÃ‚Â® specification for computer power supply that greatly reduces the amount of electricity that a computer consumes.

- Always striving to be the best, we continuously benchmark our performance against the very best internally and externally.

- Customers are our greatest asset and Thermaltake does not take that for granted. That is why Thermaltake is the industry leading in customer service and customer support with around-the-clock automated product return service.”

Read on as we explore the Thermaltake Jing and just what this CPU cooler has to offer.