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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2008-01-02
Provider: Acousticpc
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Silentmaxx Frostbite CPU Cooler Review
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The heat sink is made of a machined copper base that interfaces with the CPU and a set of fins connected by six copper heat-pipes. The copper base appeared to be machined-smooth and free of imperfections, and it comes with a protective plastic sleeve that we’ve come to expect with most coolers.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Prior to installing the cooler, the CPU surface must be prepped. AcousticPC.com also provided for this review a sample of ArcticClean’s thermal grease removal system, which comes in two parts- a thermal material remover and a thermal surface purifier. These are excellent products that do a great job; there was a noticeable difference in how clean the surface of the CPU was before and after applying the remover and purifier. I’d recommend picking up a bottle of each if you plan on changing any cooler that uses thermal grease.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Installing the Silentmaxx Frostbite Cooler was a fairly straightforward process, despite the fact that the instructions were all in German! It was one of the less complicated installations I’ve had to perform, despite the fact that the motherboard does have to be removed. First step after removing the existing CPU cooler is to install the included mounting brackets to the motherboard, using standoffs and screws. Next, the cooler is placed onto the CPU and secured with a bracket and two more screws. I was disappointed that the cooler didn’t come with springs to prevent overtightening of the screws, so some care must be taken when securing the cooler to the motherboard.
Though this is a large cooler, as expected I had no clearance issues. The cooler’s height did not interfere with the case, and there was plenty of clearance around the base, thanks to the raised set of radiator fins. No concern with this cooler hitting any of the capacitors, RAM, the Northbridge cooler, etc.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
After turning on the computer, I was greeted with a very cool light show thanks to the multi-colored LEDs on the cooler that flash in various patterns. Kind of cheesy perhaps, but I think it’s a nice touch that adds some pizzazz to the product.
From a sound performance perspective, the Silentmaxx Frostbite cooler operates very quietly, on par with some of the more quiet air coolers on the market. You could barely hear it over other components in the computer, and I would definitely consider it for a quiet PC build.
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Testing:
AMD 64+ 4000+ S939 Winchester
Biostar T-Force Motherboard
Corsair 1GB ValueSelect PC3200 DDR RAM
GeForce 7600GS
Western Digital 250 GB 7200 rpm harddrive
Idle temperatures were taken running Windows and full loads were taken while running SiSandra’s Burn-in Module. Temperatures (in degrees Celsius) were recorded, with the results compared with two recently reviewed air coolers: the Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme and the Zalman CNPS9700. Ambient temp was about 20C.
Stock speed:
Overclocked:
As seen in both tests, the Frostbite cooler performed not quite as well but close to both cooler, which was surprising given that the other coolers are horizontal coolers that blow air away from the CPU instead of on it. Again, he fan noise was pretty low for a cooler with no fan controller; the large fan performs quieter than most thanks to the lower RPM settings. Overall I thought the cooler does indeed provide “quiet performance”.
Conclusion:
I was pleasantly surprised with the solid design and performance of the Silentmaxx Frostbite CPU cooler. This simple-yet-effective cooler packs a punch when it comes to cooling performance, and its simple installation make it perfect for the user looking to improve their computer’s cooling ability without dealing with the added hassle of a more sophisticated cooling solution. Despite a couple of minor nits, this cooler delivers where it matters the most- quiet operations with great performance.
Pros:
+ Simple installation with complete set of accessories
+ Compatible with a wide range of processors
+ Good cooling/sound performance
+ No clearance issues around the cooler
+ Multi-colored LEDs with variety of light patterns
Cons:
- Have to remove motherboard for installation
- Care needed when tightening screws
- Instructions are in German
Thanks to AcousticPC.com for providing the products for this review!
Current Real Time Pricing
Related Articles:
Zalman CNPS9700 NT CPU Cooler Review
Silenx Ixtrema 120mm Case Fans Review
Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme CPU Cooler Review
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