CPU Heatsink Roundup Fall 2007

Cooling/CPU Cooling by jmke @ 2007-11-06

In this large group test we compare over 30 CPU heatsinks with different fan speeds, giving you the data on both thermal and decibel performance. Want to upgrade your stock cooler? This roundup will help you out.

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Auras GTO-990

Auras GTO-990

  • Provided by: Auras

  • Platform support: Intel S775, AMD S939/AM2
  • Type of heatsink: Tower
  • Installation Type: Push-Pins (Intel), Clip (AMD)
  • Materials: Aluminum, Copper, Water Cooling
  • Fan Support: 2x 92mm (one included)
  • Extra’s: Case Badge, LED fans
  • Average Selling Price: ~$80


The second cooler from Auras is a quite unique product, not strictly air cooled, as there an integrated pump and radiator, the GTO-990 remains quite compact and comes with a smaller 92mm LED fan and mounting gear for all current platforms. The estimated price is just that, an estimate, we couldn’t find an online e-tailer yet carrying this product.

As with the CTC-868, Auras includes a thermal image of the PC installed with the GTO-990 vs stock cooling.

Madshrimps (c)


On the side of the box this photo, less red = cooler running:

Madshrimps (c)


These are the specifications given by Auras:

Heatsink Spec:
  • Heat Sink Dimension: L109.5 x W135 x H133.2 mm
  • Radiator Material: Aluminum Alloy
  • Water Block Material: Copper
  • Weight: 596.7 g (with fan)
  • Bearing Type: FDBB (2 ball)
    Fan Spec:
  • Fan Dimension: 92 X 92 X 25 mm
  • Fan Speed: 800~2400 rpm
  • Fan Airflow: 47 CFM
  • Rated Voltage: 12 V
  • Noise Level: 23 dBA
  • Connector: 4 pin (PWM)
  • LED: 4 sets (blue light)
    Pump Spec:
  • Bearing Type: Ceramic bearing
  • Pump Dimension: 45 X 40 X 64 mm
  • Pump Speed: 1400 rpm
  • Rated Voltage: 12 V
  • Life: 70000 hrs
  • Connector: 3 pin

    The package contents holds everything needed to install the heatsink, you get an extra 4-pin to 3-pin converter, there’s a small tube of thermal paste, a descriptive manual and rather large case badge.

    Madshrimps (c)


    The next photo shows a close up of the unit, the pump is mounted right above the copper water block which pumps water through the micro-channels, the water goes back out the other end and into the radiator. The 92mm fan comes with 4-pin PWM connector and is sufficiently speedy to cool down the radiator.

    Madshrimps (c)

    Madshrimps (c)


    The base of the GTO-990 has an okay finish, it’s no mirror finish but it’s flat:

    Madshrimps (c)


    The 92mm fan is mounted with soft rubber grommets which are held in place at 4 corners of the radiator:

    Madshrimps (c)


    You can install an additional 92mm at the other side of the radiator with the included black plastic push pins:

    Madshrimps (c)


    Before you install the cooler, we suggest to remove the fan holder, which can be slid upwards over the radiator, this will give you better access to the 4 push pins of the Intel S775 mounting:

    Madshrimps (c)


    The ideal orientation of this heatsink is with the radiator pointing towards the rear of the case, so hot air is expelled directly outwards:

    Madshrimps (c)


    Unfortunately on the Asrock motherboard the 20-pin ATX power connector sits in the way, and one of the water pipes on the GTO-990 comes in contact, preventing a correct installation:
    Madshrimps (c)


    So we had to install the heatsink point the other way, to still keep the airflow going from front to back we flipped the 92mm fan so that it’s now sucking air through the radiator, sending warm air to the rear case exhaust:

    Madshrimps (c)


    With the LED fan active, the special design and reflective surfaces of the GTO-990 make for a cool looking CPU heatsink:

    Madshrimps (c)
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    Comment from Rutar @ 2007/11/06
    impressive


    A new sheriff in town from Coolink (former Noiseblocker), it is VERY interesting that it seems to be geared towards silent computing (hence performing best there while not outperforming with a high speed fan. I can't seem to get it here tough
    Comment from thorgal @ 2007/11/06
    John, in your chart the "coolIT freezone" : where is that review ?

    Edit : found it :$ But it's watercooling :s : why did you include it in the charts ? Shouldn't there be an explanation added ?
    Comment from jmke @ 2007/11/06
    it's water cooling and it's not water cooling at the same time imho; this all in one kit doesn't install different from many other heatsinks, there is zero maintenance, zero risk. It gives you an idea of TEC performance combined with water cooling. Plus, if you state that I should not include it, why include the GTO-990 ? It has a radiator, pump and water block, mounted on a small surface; should I not include that one either?

    While the CoolIT does use water to cool down the CPU, it's such a compact and one in all device that I never stopped to think of it as a water cooling setup, similar to the Swiftech and Dangerden offerings. It can be installed by any PC illiterate without risk of damage, most water cooling kits sold do require a bit more knowledge and include some risk.
    Comment from thorgal @ 2007/11/07
    My feeling is you're walking a thin line here. I do not disagree with your previous post, but to my feeling : air is air, and water is water

    Hassle is not a criterea I think, or you could just as well include a resorator from Zalman for example : all in one solution with only one waterblock to install to the cpu, almost the same as the CoolIT in my book. Zalman uses a clamp system not unlike CoolIT to attach the tubing to the cpu block, external connections with Zalman are clampless. Just to say there's no hassle there as well (I'm not a real resorator fan myself )

    And then there's the price : air coolers of around $40 compared to a watercooling system from over a $100... in that respect the CoolIT is definately in the watercooling league.

    Anyway : the chart is not necessarily wrong, and provides an interesting comparison between the two technologies, but isn't this comparing apples to oranges ?

    All imho of course
    Comment from jmke @ 2007/11/07
    The Ultra ChillTEC is $120+, all air cooled. THe reserator is not all in one kit, you need to handle the tubes = more risk

     

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