Review: Four Intel coolers go head-to-head. Xigmatek vs. Cooler Master vs. Akasa.

by Michael Harries on 15 September 2008, 09:48

Tags: Akasa, Cooler Master, Xigmatek

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Hyper-TX2 - initial inspection

 



Much like the Akasa AK-965, Cooler Master's Hyper TX2 features a copper base. Three heatpipes transport the heat to the aluminium fin array. A 92mm fan completely covers the main heat-sink body.




However, the Hyper TX2 differs from the Akasa AK-965 in that it features a plastic shroud focusing the airflow through the heatsink, and directing some of the exhausted air to cool the VRM area around the CPU.



Viewing the heatsink from the rear, you're afforded a clearer view of how the shroud directs roughly half of the exhausted airflow down towards the motherboard. The open top half maintains a more direct route towards the case exhaust fan for the remainder.




Viewing the heatsink from above highlights how the shroud encases the heatsink directing all airflow straight-through. There is a cut-away to make way for the emerging heat-pipes.



The copper base arrives pre-applied with thermal interface material, which is nice. The LGA775 retention mechanism is pre-applied, too. The shroud and fan do however obstruct access to the push-pins, making installation a little trickier than with the Akasa AK-965, as you have to contort your fingers into place.




Cooler Master also bundles a retention mechanism for AMD sockets, along with instructions for swapping the retention types.