Cebit 09: Fans of fans will like these Arctic fans. True story!
Arctic Cooling had the usual array of CPU and GPU coolers at CeBit, and three things in the 'other' category. Those are PSUs, notebook coolers, and a USB fan.
It seems like everyone is doing notebook coolers now, and the Arctic version is called the NC. It has a USB hub and a fan speed dial, not just a low/high switch.
A little newer to Arctic is the Fusion 550R PSU. It is a 550W 80+ certified PSU, the twist here is the external fan. It has been done before, but it still turns heads. Not the start of a revolution, but still fun.
Getting back to what Arctic does best, we have GPU coolers, notably the S1 Rev2, an update to the Accelero S1, and the S2. Both are passive coolers, with four and two heat pipes respectively, and will take the 'turbo module'. No, it won't make the fins resonate at 6MHz, it will just add two fans should you need them. Both S1 and S2 have really nice fit and finish, they look good.
For lower end cards, you will probably want the Accelero L2 Pro. It is a GPU heatsink and fan with a ton of mounting holes. Basically, it should fit the board you have, but as always, check specifics before you buy.
If your cooling needs are a bit more extreme, you might want to look at something like the Accelero Xtreme 4870X2. In case it is not blindingly obvious, this is an aftermarket cooler for 4870X2 GPUs. Three fans, eight heat pipes, and a clean look, not a bad package overall. It will be out in the near future.
Should you want something a little more out of the ordinary for your CPU, check out the Alpine 11 or the 11GT. They look disturbingly like a stock heatsink with a cool fan on them, but these two have the heatsink cut into an octagonal shape. It is different enough to register as 'neato' but not 'spiffy', for that it would need anodisation.
The last one scores high on the cuteness meter, the Arctic Breeze fan. Yeah, USB fans are an old trick, but this one is cute. Cute and has a long cord that coils up in the base. Make this in corporate colors, and they would make a dandy trade show giveaway.
Did I mention they are cute, get three for the girlfriend... or boyfriend.
theinquirer.net (c) 2010 Incisive Media
Issue: 133 | February, 2012