click for results graph!
Default = Default (4500RPM, 18CFM) fan, LS = Low Speed YS-Tech (4500RPM, 26CFM) fan, HS = High Speed YS-Tech (6800RPM, 40CFM) fan.
Results:
The optimal ThermoEngine configuration obviously includes the loud High Speed YS-Tech fan. This configuration out performs the WBK38 by several degrees indicating that it would have easily won the original Monster SocketA Cooler Roundup. However, ThermoSonic only started shipping the better performing fan with their heatsink after the Roundup was completed.
The ThermoEngine's performance is heavily dependant on the type of fan used, and hence the amount of air that is forced through the cooler. The default fan produces fairly poor results (as indicated in the original roundup), however even when a Low Speed (and moderately quiet) YS-Tech fan is used, the temperatures can be expected to decrease by three to four degrees. And as would be expected, the very loud, High Speed YS-Tech fan results in a significant performance increase - of between eight to ten degrees when compared to the original ThermoEngine fan.
The colour - black or silver - and core type - hollow or solid - had virtually no impact on our results. Each of the different combinations performed within one degree Centigrade of each other. Even though the black model appears to be more popular with most consumers, we did not find it made any difference in cooling performance in our tests.
Interestingly the CPU core does not sit in the middle of the central core of the ThermoEngine, and this may have an impact on its overall performance. Due to the phase-change nature of the pre-applied Grey Goop, a fairly thick, solid layer is applied to the cooler before it is attached to the CPU. The pressure and heat from the CPU core combine to compress the phase change material and form a thin layer between the CPU core and the heatsink.
Comparing the pre-applied grey phase-change thermal material to Arctic Silver produced some interesting results. The Grey Goop consistently out performed Arctic Silver when the default low CFM fan was used on the ThermoEngine. However, when the High Speed fans were fitted the Arctic Silver performed as good or better than the Grey phase-change Goop. This performance difference may be due to an incomplete phase-change, a result of the slightly lower temperatures due to the higher CFM fans.
If you already have a ThermoEngine,
changing the stock fan - to a Low Speed YS-Tech model - if you
don't want something that sounds like a turbine cooling your PC,
or - to a High Speed fan - should result in a significant cooling
benefit. The colour or core type of ThermoEngine you choose however
seems to have little impact on its overall performance.
Thanks to:
Below-0
for supplying the ThermoEngine and High Speed YS-Tech fan.
EYO for supplying
the original two ThermoEngines.
ComputerAlliance
for supplying the WBK38.
Cool PC for the Senfu thermal probe and Arctic
Silver paste.
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