Specification summary

A quick overview of Socket compatibility and fan support:



None of the heatsinks will fit Intel's latest LGA775 type socket. The Scythe FCS-50 sticks out as the only heatsink which fits all other platforms.

Update: I was informed that Thermalright has released a LGA775 retention bracket for Socket 478 coolers, pictured here. So every Heatsink in this roundup which uses the default Intel retention bracket can be installed on LGA775 by using this nifty product!



The entrees made with * require extra modifications in order to make the fan fit.



Intel specified 450gr as the maximum weight for P4 heatsinks, about 8 out of 13 heatsinks tested are in close range of these specifications, 4 others have 200gr extra weight which is no cause of concern yet. The Hyper6 is extremely heavy, close to 1kg!

Installation summary

Points are deducted from 10 where issues where found with motherboard compatibility, or during installation. Over complicated installation procedures are penalized, as is the requirement for motherboard removal.



The MCX478-V, Vortex and Evercool score quite high due to their compact size and easy installation method, the Coppersnake loses a few points due to issues with certain P4 retention brackets. Overall compatibility is quite good as most manufactures try to get their heatsink to match Intel's specifications. For those who don't you best contact their support service which can provide you with a definitive answer on whether a certain HSF will fit your motherboard or not. I had the hardest time getting the HT-101 installed due to many loose parts which needed to be aligned "just right" in order for it to fit. The DP-102's install was excluded as I had a version which was using an outdated mounting method.


Performance summary

A compiled graph of the 60 results from all heatsinks with different fan configurations. 0°C entrees where the heatsink could not keep the CPU under critical temperature were removed.


Too small to read? Click the image for the full size version

We see quite a large difference between those tests run with High speed fan versus Slow speed setting; the Hyper6 is the first entry with the Coolink 80mm @ low, closely followed by TTIC NPH-1 with 2x70mm fans. The passive tests were also included in the graph, do note that the CPU speed was lower with these tests. All heatsinks with temperatures below 50°C can be classified in the higher performance category; those who pull it off with the equipped fan running at low speed are truly high end. Thermalright is well represented in the top ranking; the Hyper6, NPH-1 and FCS-50 are able to keep up with the toughest competition, closely followed by Aerocool's line-up.

Although it is not apparent when looking at the graph above, the sound generated with different sized fan should be calculated in the end results. Those heatsinks which support larger fans and provide good performance have the noise level advantage. The XP-120 with its 120mm fan support does an excellent job of keeping the CPU cool at extremely low noise levels, when equipped with the Papst 120mm fan (which is rated at ~18dBA @ full speed) CPU temp does not pass 45°C under load, even when the fan's rotation speed is cut in half.


Conclusion

After spending countless hours with close to 8kg of P4 coolers it is time to draw a final conclusion. When the SP-94 was introduced last year it took an impressive lead over the competition, this competition has now caught up with the top performer. Thermalright's new heatsinks are geared towards low noise operation and succeed very well at their job. But they are not the only ones to offer this performance, giving the user plenty of choice when picking up a high performance heatsink.

Many factors decide which heatsink will go best with your current PC and your budget, using Google's price finder, Froogle, I compiled the following price list, the prices are averages, you might find the listed heatsink at a lower/higher price in a local shop near you.



You have to remember though that some products have been on the market for time now time, and their initial launch price has been lowered quite a bit since then. I won't name an ultimate winner in this 1st part of this roundup, in this summary I have presented to you all the information needed to make an informed decision when upgrading your cooling. Combining your preferred performance, installation method, compatibility and price range you can see which heatsink will fit you best.

I hope you found this roundup useful, and do stick around for the 2nd part which features more new comers from Thermalright, Coolermaster, Speeze, Evercool and others!

For more information on the heatsinks and the manufactures please visit their homepage:

Aerocool: HT-101 and DP-102

Coolermaster: Hyper6 and Vortex Dream

Evercool: CUW8-715

Scythe: NCU2000 and FCS-50

Speeze: Coppersnake

Swiftech: MCX478-V

Thermalright: SP-94, XP-120 and XP-90

TTIC: NPH-1

Question/Comments: forum thread