Alpha AMD XP heatsink S-PAL8055F Review

Cooling/CPU Cooling by piotke @ 2004-06-12

ALPHA is back with an improved AMD XP heatsink, the S-PAL8055F, does bigger mean better? Does it stand a chance against the SP-97?s heatpipes? Time to find out!

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Introduction

Introduction

Not that long ago, when you wanted the best cooling solution for your AMD Socket A system, you heard only one name, "Alpha PAL8045". When Thermalright introduced their SLK (SLK-800, SLK900, SLK 947, ...) heatsinks and Swiftech updated their MCX series they passed the PAL8045 in performance, but the difference was not that big.

But when new heatsinks equipped with heatpipes started appearing on store shelves it was clear that Alpha’s time was over. The PAL trailed the Thermalright SP-97 by more then 10°C in our heatsink roundup last year.

But now ALPHA is back with an improved AMD heatsink, the S-PAL8055F, does bigger mean better? Does it stand a chance against the SP-97’s heatpipes? Time to find out,


Madshrimps (c)


So today, me and my monkey, will find out if we have a new Socket A heatsink king.

Specifications:

  • Total Weight: 519 grams
  • Overall height: 86 mm
  • Material: 6063 Aluminum
  • Finish: Black anodized
  • Embedded: Copper 1100 or 1020

    More information can be found here.

    Package

  • S-PAL8055
  • All the screws and clips and stuff needed for installation
  • A little bag of thermal paste
  • A clear and decent manual


    Content from the box, click for bigger picture:

    Madshrimps (c)



    The heatsink close up:

    Madshrimps (c)
    They have improved the old PAL design by making the it larger and using round pins in the middle and square ones on the outside to increase airflow



    Installation:

    The PAL8045 didn't score very high when it came to installation easiness. The mainboard had to be removed for installation, and when removing the heatsink the little standoffs came off also, so you ended up having to use pliers to get them unscrewed. Does the S-PAL bring an improved installation method?

    Well, you no longer need to remove your motherboard, so that’s a plus, but how exactly do you get it installed?

  • Make some kind of bracket, and put it over the socket.
  • Put the heatsink on the CPU, and put the bolts with the springs through the heatsink. Then screw it together.
  • Attach the fan to the top cover, and then put the cover on the heatsink.

    Doesn’t look too difficult and if you are a patient person it is really straight forward. But it’s not quite plug-and-play yet, due to the great quantity of little bolts and high DIY interaction required.


    On the left you see the bracket, on the right it is installed.

    Madshrimps (c)


    Time for some testing ->>
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