One thing to note, this unit is large so please check
and double check that your case and more importantly your motherboard
can support it. On our IWill KK266 test rig, the unit stuck out
a little bit more than we liked:
Not a big problem since we have ample room to work with.
Check
Alpha's website for motherboard compatibility. Hopefully
they will update that page with more information as they test more
motherboards.
Our trusty old test rig is as follows:
IWill KK266 Socket A Motherboard
AMD Thunderbird 800Mhz CPU
Crucial PC133 CL2 Ram, 128MB
The test will consist of an idle
temperature check and a full load temperature check. The full
load will be accomplished by using the RC5
program and running 3DMark
2001 for 30 minutes. Arctic Silver II Thermal Paste used
without a doubt.
Here are some results:
Models
AMD Tbird 800 Stock
AMD Tbird 800 @ 1003
(1.85V)
Ambient
Temp. ~ 27C
Idle
Full
Load
Idle
Full
Load
ThermalRight
SK-6
31C
34C
36C
40C
GlobalWin
CAK38
34C
37C
38C
42C
ThermalTake
Dragon Orb 3
35C
37C
38C
43C
Vantec
CCK-6035D
32.5C
35.5C
36C
42C
Swiftech
MCX370-0A
31.3C
33.7C
34.3C
38.5C
SVC
Golden Gate 40
33.5C
36C
39.5C
43.5C
Thermal
Take Volcano 5
35.9C
37.5C
39C
43.8C
Thermal
Take Volcano 6Cu
35.6C
37.4C
38.6C
43.3C
Thermal
Take Volcano 6Cu+
35.2C
37C
38.2C
43C
Bits
Power NP60D
31.3C
35.2C
36.7C
42.4C
Bits
Power NP80D
31C
34.8C
36.5C
42.4C
Dynatron
DC1206BM0
31C
33.5C
37.2C
40.6C
Vantec CCk-6027D
31.8C
34.9C
35.7C
41.5C
Alpha PAL8045
31.5C
32.8C
34.8C
38.1C
These numbers are actually not that
surprising, I sort of expected this drop in temperature in using this
unit. It isn't copper based, but a hybrid of aluminum with a
copper embedded base. This combination proves to be a success as
seen in these tests. Please also note, this unit is quieter than
the screaming 60mm Delta fans! A strong and quiet unit, always a
plus in our books.
Overall, if you have the cash, this is
the cooler to get. Hands down, it beats out the rest of the pack
in almost all the speed tests. The best proof of its great
performance is the lowest temperature at the highest overclock on this
chip. Granted, this is only at 1Ghz, but pitted against the
other units, this turns out to be a good indication of what the
PAL8045 can do. If you get the 8045U, I am sure the temperatures
will be even lower considering that the Delta fan pumps out about
twice as much CFMs as the Sunon fan we used.
Thanks to William at
Heatsink
Factory for sending us this new unit. If you need any
heatsink solutions, get 'em at the factory.
Pros:
Great performance
Option to choose with or without ear splitting fan
No clip installation, a lot more secure for a heatsink this
size
Very detailed instruction manual
Cons:
May be a bit pricey, but what is money when you can get the
lowest temps for you CPU
Installation requires motherboard that supports it
