CPU Cooler Roundup - 23 Heatsinks for Intel/AMD Reviewed

Cooling/CPU Cooling by jmke @ 2009-05-03

After 200 Hours of testing we are proud to present you with the first CPU Cooler Roundup of 2009, featuring a 23 different products compared to the best out there; make use of our dynamic chart generator to compare up to 72 Intel/AMD heatsinks.

  • prev
  • next

CoolJag Falcon 92-AL & 92-CU ~ Top Down LED Fan HS

CoolJag Falcon 92-AL & 92-CU

CoolJag started making heatsink in 2001, mostly for large scale OEM, but more recently they have ventured into the enthusiast and retail market.

Cooljag is a renowned manufacturer of cooling devices specialized in the “skiving” technology. Since establishment in the year 2001, Cooljag has ventured and advanced in the field of skiving and has became a leader in mastering this technology. However, Cooljag is not self-contented for its achievements in the technology alone, and has evolved to become a thermal total solution provider. Being customer oriented and focused on thermal solutions, Cooljag targets specific thermal problems of our customers and finds the best overall solution for heat transfer, airflow, noise and cost, with all kinds of technologies. From our very own skiving technology to extrusion and even stacked fins with heat pipes, we can find and customize the best solution suited to our customers needs.


CoolJag Falcon 92-AL & 92-CU
Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)



CoolJag Falcon 92-AL
- Intel S775 / AMD AM2
- 92mm fan, temperature controlled
- 1250~2700rpm
- Heatsink With Fan: 487 gram
- Fan PWM Connector
- ~$40

CoolJag Falcon 92-AL
- Intel S775 / AMD AM2
- 92mm fan, temperature controlled
- 1220~2300rpm
- Heatsink With Fan: 818 gram
- Fan PWM Connector
- ~$45


Both these heatsinks share the same design, the difference being the material used and the fan speed. The 92-AL features a combination of copper base and aluminum fins, while the 92-CU is completely made from copper. The weight difference is quite big, the 92-CU almost weighing twice as heavy. The 92mm fan is temperature controlled, a small temp diode sits near the center of the fan motor. The minimum speed are similar for both models, while the maximum speed on the 92-AL is about ~400rpm higher.

They can be installed on Intel S775 with the included motherboard back plate, which means: motherboard removal. For AMD 939/AM2 the mounting clips can be used more easily without motherboard removal.

Madshrimps (c)


Next to the mounting gear the contents of the packages is the same, you get an installation manual with lots of pictures, there’s a small plastic bag with thermal paste and a small plastic paddle to spread the paste.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)


A total of four heat pipes are joined in the base, they curve upwards into a series of tightly packed fins, at the center of the fin construction sits the 92mm fan, this is a custom frameless fan, the fins actually act as part of the frame, and at the same time increase the total dissipation surface of the heatsink.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)


The copper base shown some sign of machine lapping, but it’s flat and quite smooth and should do the job adequately without need for manual lapping. The 92mm fan has transparent blades which come into full effect when powered on as they feature LEDs. On the last picture you can spot the small thermistor which is used to control the fan speed.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)


Installation on the Intel platform is quite time consuming as the access to the 4 screws is obstructed by the heatsink itself, bending gently the upper section to the left and right allows for easier access, but it is far from ideal.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)Madshrimps (c)


Once powered on the 92mm fan lights up nicely; as you can see the compact size means little to no compatibility issues. The heat pipes orientated horizontal is the ideal position for them to work at their best.

Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)


We did a small experiment with the 92-CU, bending the top part upwards to allow the fan to blow towards the rear of the case, while performance did not suffer after this modification, it did not improve either; and with the fins blocking half of the DIMM slots not recommended.



The 92-AL is quite good, offering a better performance/noise ratio than the Intel stock coolers, the 92-CU ended up 2°C hotter while noise level is practically the same.





In summary here are the strong/weak points of the CoolJag Falcon 92-AL and 92-CU heatsinks:

Madshrimps (c)


+ Compact size
+ acceptable performance/noise balance

- Pricey for a mid-range HSF
- Installation quite time consuming
- 92-CU offers no tangible benefit over much lighter and cheaper 92-AL

  • prev
  • next

No comments available.

 

reply