-- SVC Golden Gate 40 Socket Cooler
-- Price: ~ $24.99
USD
-- 8.08.2001
-- By: GideonX
-- Page: 1 2
A few months ago we reviewed a cooler from OCZ
called the Gladiator.
It was one of the top performing copper based heatsinks we got a
chance to use. From that point on, a huge surge in
manufacturers and retailers have been stocking copper based coolers
because of their great ability to dissipate heat.
After awhile, the Gladiator seemed to have copied
itself and numerous other retailers are stocking them besides OCZ.
One of these new retailers is SVC, Silicon
Valley CompuCycle. Besides the long name, this company is
actually a producer but they're directly dealing on the retailer
level for the time being. After talking with Rodney, one of
the techs at SVC, he did mention that they will be the sole provider
from now on of the Golden Gate. With our test sample, we are
going to find out if there have been any changes from the
manufacturer of the GG.
Included in this package is the copper
heatsink itself, a YS-Tech 40CFM 60mm Fan and a packet of SiZn Thermal
Grease. Here are some specs on this version of the cooler:
- Solid copper bonded fin construction
- 40.1 CFM YS-Tech fan!
- Dual connector: 3-pin RPM and 4-pin power
- Auto power off if rotor is locked, restart in 2-6 seconds
- 60mm finger guard
- SiZn thermal grease
- Machined screws for fan and grille
- Special clip design allows fins to run across entire legnth of
heatsink for increased efficiency
- Compact size fits all motherboards (60x63x55mm without grille)
From the specs, the only thing different
is the speed of the fan on this unit. Four more CFMs than the
fan used in our Gladiator review. The YS-Tech also uses a
4pin/3pin combination connector so you can power the fan using the 4
pin, but also monitor the speed using the 3pin through your
motherboard. A nice touch for the common tweaker. This fan is
not quiet by all means, if you fear loud noises this is not the unit for
you.
The clip on this unit is the same one as
the Gladiator unit, this has not been changed. It is still
slightly tough and rigid to place on the motherboard clips. It
is however, very strong and provides enough force to keep the unit
from moving from side to side. Be careful if you plan on pushing it
down with a flat screwdriver, not leverage at all so there could be
slippage!
OCZ Gladiator Base
SVC Golden Gate Base
From the above two pictures, the base has
been changed! Not really a huge improvement but the corners have
been rounded and the base that comes in contact with the CPU slug has
been centered. The thermal pad is also gone, no need to scrape
that off anymore. I did notice from the touch of the surface, it
is not as rough as before.
OCZ Gladiator Shroud
SVC Golden Gate Shroud
The casing that covers the copper fins
has changed a bit also. More room has been added, possibly
adding more room for the fan to pass air through. The fins and
that bar that run across have not been altered.
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