Core i7 coolers test

I wonder how to give such a faramuci name to a product? Nothing ice, glacial, but not even thermal. There is some explanation that the manufacturer is German and even EKL AG. The company was established in 1995, specializing primarily in the development of PC cooling, but has expanded its portfolio slightly in recent years and ventured into other areas of the electronics industry. The point, however, to this day is computer cooling. Holding their product in hand, we are a little surprised that they were unknown in Hungary until now, as the rib bears all the characteristics of German precision.

The rib is, perhaps not surprisingly, a thermally conductive tubular solution. The engineers did not regret the material, we immediately get four thick tubes that leave the sole in two directions so the heat can escape in eight directions.

Looking at the sole, it immediately becomes apparent that we do not find the words “Heatpipe Direct Contact” on the box in vain. The solution is not new, we have seen this with Xigmatek coolers as well. The tubes meet directly with the cap of the processor to be cooled. At Xigmatek, the solution has proven itself, we suspect it won't be any different here.

The 125,5 × 104 × 157 millimeter cooler has a total weight of 929 grams, which is not small, but not surprising when you see the amount of material installed. In addition to the rib, we also get a fan, which according to the packaging received a Hydro bearing. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to come across the vent manufacturer, so we don’t know for sure if the bearing is really liquid, it’s sure to be quiet. According to the manufacturer's data sheet, it generates 1500 dBA of noise at a maximum speed of 21,4 rpm, which may be true. We get a lifespan of 30 hours, which in turn seems a bit small compared to a fluid bearing solution. The PWM-controlled fan is otherwise very showy, made of completely transparent, smoke-colored plastic, and has been given four LEDs as an extra to make the UV light look good even in a plexiglass housing.

The manufacturer has not neglected the vibration damping either, the air chiller sits on four silicone jacks, and after mounting and switching on, it pushes the air onto 51 nickel-plated lamellas. The design of the slats is not entirely normal either. It is clear from the pictures that their middle part is broken, and they are even cut out. This small change results in the direction of the flowing air being broken and the resulting turbulence increasing the efficiency of heat removal.

Let's see the numerical data after the presentation!

• Dimensions: 126 × 104 × 157 mm (with fan)
• Material: aluminum lamellas nickel-plated, copper pipes, nickel-plated
• Thermal conduits: 4 × Ø 8 mm
• Weight: 929 grams (with fan)
• Fan: 120 × 120 × 25 mm (purple LED, 21 dB (A), 850-1500 rpm, 101,89 m³ / h)
• Connector: 4 pin, PWM, sheathed cable
• Compatibility: Socket 1366, 775, 754, 939, 940, AM2 (+)
• Accessories: Two fan mounting steel brackets and 4 rubber mounts (for mounting a second fan)