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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2006-12-27
Provider: Rosewill
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Rosewill RCX-Z3 CPU Cooler Review
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Despite its larger size, installation of the Z3 cooler was painless and took less than 10 minutes. I spent more time trying to find the installation directions for the processor to be tested; our sample cooler only came with instructions for an AM2 processor. (note- though it’s pretty easy to figure out how to install it, there are detailed instructions that can be downloaded from the website). As described earlier, the Z3 is compatible with a wide range of processors. If you have the AMD stock retention module backplate installed, you don’t even have to remove the motherboard. The first step involved installing the appropriate apapter for the application (in this case an AMD socket 939 processor) onto the heat sink. Next, remove the previously installed cooler and applying a fresh coat of grease.
Next, the cooler is lowered into place (don’t forget to remove the protective sticker!) and secured using two spring-loaded screws. Finally, install the fan controller into an open slot and connect everything together using the wiring provided.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
With a larger cooler comes clearance issues, but I had no problems with this cooler hitting any of the capacitors, RAM, the Northbridge cooler, etc. Rosewill did a good job of designing the cooler such that it’s smaller on the bottom then expands outward once you get above the components on the motherboard. After turning it on, you see a nice blue glow coming from the crystal LEDs on the cooler.
Testing:
Test System:
AMD 64+ 3200+ S939 Winchester
ECS RX480-A 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 for 2 fan speeds (high and low), with the results compared with two recently reviewed air coolers: a Silverstone Nitrogon NT05 cooler at high speed and an OCZ Tempest. Ambient temp was about 21C.
Results after overclocking to 2200 MHz-
As seen in both tests, the Z3 outperformed the competition across the board, no doubt thanks to its larger form factor. The fan noise was loud at high speed, but the low speed was barely audible over the other system fans. Thankfully, the provided fan controller lets you dial in the right sound/performance setting.
Conclusion:
The Rosewill RCX-Z3 cooler proves that size does matter a lot of times. This product is a well-design cooler that is easy to install and provides solid performance. Despite its larger size, I had no clearance issues around the motherboard, and its compatibility with a variety of processors should allow for future upgrades. Overall, I was impressed with this new cooler on the market and suggest you give it consideration for your current or future computer build.
Pros:
+ Easy installation with complete set of accessories
+ Compatible with a wide range of processors
+ Great cooling/sound performance
+ Good clearance around the cooler
+ Low noise at lower fan speeds
Cons:
- On the tall side- check before you install
Related Articles:
Zalman CNPS9700 LED Cpu cooler
OCZ Tempest CPU Cooler
Zalman Cnps8000 CPU Cooler
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