Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
MSI P45 Platinum
2x2GB G.Skill DDR2 800
Gigabyte HD 4850
Western Digital WD6400AAKS
Samsung SH-S223F
2x80mm Scythe intake fans
120mm Noctua Exhaust fan
In this test, the HPK-10025EA was tested against a Kingwin XT-1264 full tower heatsink on a Q6600 CPU at stock frequency and voltage. Idle and load temperatures were each measured for 30 minutes with Speedfan v4.38. Idle temps were recorded at the windows desktop, load temps were taken after a quad-threaded blend test in prime95. The ambient temperature during each test was 25C. The XT-1264 results are provided strictly for comparison, as one cannot expect a low profile cooler to fare well competing against a full tower heatsink. End result: 47C Idle, 66C Load.
Conclusion:
The Evercool HPK-10025EA is a good low profile cooler which yields decent temps. Compared to a tower-style CPU cooler, it fared admirably, with temps around 10C higher throughout all tests. There are definitely better coolers out there, but this one packs it all into a small package for a low price of less than $30. A reasonably quiet fan, compact design, and suitable temps are what make this cooler shine. To it's disadvantage, though, it has an overcomplicated installation procedure that forces the removal of the motherboard, which tends to cramp this cooler's rating. Overall, a good, inexpensive product for any HTPC or SFF designs.
