For review tonight is Microcools NorthPole XE whisper. Serving not only as a chipset heatsink for AMD and Intel, the Northpole XE can also be used as a CPU cooler for socket 479. With a noise rating of under 18dB the Northpole XE should be able to keep the core cool without being heard. Read on while I put this up against an AMD based nForce 4 Ultra based board.
About Microcool:
Microcool was founded in 2003 and specialises in designing and developing component heat control products for computers. It made its debut on the international market with the first high-performance Northbridge cooler: NorthPole. Over a short period of time, the chipset coolers produced by Microcool have become a real reference point and have gained widespread approval amongst the specialist press and customers alike.
Microcool aims to cater for even the most demanding users. It operates in the constantly evolving IT market, where rapid technological growth and competition between companies in the sector mean that the market offers a wide range of electronic components which always need suitable, efficient cooling systems.
Microcool seizes this challenge by proposing unique products, paying particular attention to the choice of materials and the components that make up its end products, and to design, combining compatibility with heat control standards and optimisation.
Specifications:
Overall dimensions
42(L)x42(W)x40(H)mm
Cooler dimensions
40(L)x40(W)x19.5(H)mm
Heatsink material
Copper
Manufacturing technology
Skiving
Number of fins
28
Sheath material
Anodised alluminium
Connecting system
Modular with screw brackets
Fan dimensions
40(L)x40(W)x15(H)mm
Fan voltage
5~12VDC
Voltage control
Based on temperature
Fan speed
1500~5000 RPM
Air capacity
2.5~6.5 CFM
Fan noise
12~18 dB
Fan mechanics
Double ball bearing
Connector
Three-pole
Weight
180g
Warranty
3 years
The product:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The cooler comes packaged in a plain brown cardboard box with just a Microcool sticker on the top. Inside is more cardboard, the base of the cooler is protected by a clear sticker. Normally I would like to see a little more internal packaging, yet everything arrived in good condition.