Thermalright SP-94:

Our first Thermalright entry is the high end SP-94 which has proven itself in the past.

Specifications:

This heatsink can be installed on:



* A full copper heatsink with 3 heatpipes running through the middle
* 80 and 92mm fan support
* 590gr


Construction:



The finishing on this heatsink is simply excellent, the 3 heatpipes are joined at the base , which is very smooth and shows machine lapping only faintly. The heatsink large size can be a source of concern when you first see it, but Thermalright compiled a motherboard compatibility list which proudly states:

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The 3 heatpipes deliver different performance depending on the heatsink’s orientation. Horizontal gives best performance, while vertical will give 1-2°C higher results.


Installation:


Installation requires motherboard removal; you first mount the back plate, then place the heatsink on the standoffs and screw it secure. Then you attach the fan clip for either 80 or 92mm fans. It is a straightforward installation but takes some time, the Thermalright website has a guide which helps you through the process step by step.

Problems and issues:

I had no problems with the SP-94.

Performance:



The best configuration for the fans seemed to be blowing down onto the heatsink “sucking” air away decreased performance. Performance scales up with each increase in CFM of the fan used. I included the Coolermaster Hyper6 fan as I noticed some changes in performance versus the testing I did earlier between these two heatsinks. However, when using the Coolermaster fan the performance was the same as tested before. With the Coolink 80mm at high the SP-94 delivers the best performance seen so far. At the other end of the scale we see the Papst 92mm at low setting equal the Stock Intel cooler, I had to put my ear next to the Papst in order to hear it spin.

Thermalright recommended fan is a Panaflo 92mm (pic), I’ve included it here, as you can see it pushes more air then the Papst fan, but it is also louder.