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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2006-02-02
Provider: Rosewill
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Rosewill RCX-Z2-EX CPU Cooler Review
We’ve seen a lot of intricate CPU coolers, from large air-cooled units to liquid coolers to peltiers. However, sometimes a computer doesn’t need a fancy cooling setup when a simpler yet effective solution might do. Rosewill, makers of a wide range of computer peripherals, offers a CPU cooler, the RCX-Z2-EX, which comes in a small package but promises respectable cooling performance nonetheless. Will good things come in small packages? That is the question we’re going to answer in this review.
About Rosewill:
Check out their website
Not long ago we had an idea - bring quality hardware and affordable prices together. From that idea Rosewill was born. Formed from a top team of hardware professionals, Rosewill is dedicated to our mission to compete and win on price, quality, and service. We work only with the best partners - businesses we know and businesses we trust.
Our vision is to become the leading brand in computer hardware and peripherals. We aim to achieve this goal by creating superior customer satisfaction. We view our customers as our most important assets. Through our integrity, our innovative products, and our excellent customer service, we aim to create lasting customer relationships.
Specifications:
Model No. RCX-Z2-EX
Fan Size 92mm
Compatibility Intel LGA 775, Intel Core 2 Dual , Pentium 4, Pentium D, Celeron,
AMD Athlon 64X2, socket 754, 939 & 940/ Sempron
Fan Speed 800 - 2400 RPM ±10% (Supporting PWM)
Air Flow 16.5~50.5CFM, 3.1mmH2O (Supporting PWM)
Noise Level 19-29 dB(A)
Weight 380g
Power Connector 4 Pin
Heatsink Material Hi-grade aluminum fins, 4 embedded copper heatpipes and copper base
Bearing Type Long life two ball bearing / 80000 hours
Heatsink Dimensions 111x 108 x 71mm
Fan Dimensions 92 x 92 x 25mm
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The product:
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
The Rosewill RCX-Z2-EX cooler came in a simple, black-glossy package with a simple Z on the front and a couple of nice pictures of the cooler on the sides. The back of the package has a list of the features and specifications of the cooler.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Once opened, the box reveals the CPU cooler itself along with a couple of mounting brackets to adapt to different CPUs and a set of instructions. There are only 4 small screws needed to install the fan, which is a contrast to some of the previous fans we’ve seen that require a bunch of screws, springs, and clips to install. Also included is a syringe of thermal compound. One thing that’s missing from this cooler that others provide is a fan speed controller, though the cooler’s speed can be controlled via SmartFan controllers.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Taking a closer look at the cooler, I first notice that this cooler has a fairly small form factor, much smaller than the Rosewill Z3 we previously reviewed a month or so ago. However, that other cooler had a vertical fan, which theoretically provides better convection away from the motherboard. However, the smaller form factor might cause less interference issues, especially if you have a case that has an external case fan over the CPU which is becoming more popular. This cooler does have the same sized fan as the Z3 and a nice set of heat pipes and radiator fins.
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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 four copper heat-pipes. The copper base appeared to be machined-smooth and free of imperfections, however it did not come with a protective plastic sleeve that we’ve come to expect with most coolers. Why they left this step out I don’t know. Attached to the heat sink is a 92mm fan with a clear housing.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Given how easy the installation of this cooler was, I can imagine where the letters “EX” stand for in the model number. This had to be one of the easiest coolers I’ve had to install; even the stock coolers are more complicated. The motherboard does not have to be removed, nor does the stock cooler retention bracket that comes with most motherboards. After installing the AMD-specific bracket and removing the old cooler, I installed new thermal compound on the CPU, sat the new cooler into place, and simply engaged the two clips onto the retention bracket. Done. After wrestling with other installations trying to figure which end is up, this cooler’s simple installation was a welcome break.
Current Real Time Pricing
Testing and Conclusion >>>>> Page 2
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