The most efficient shape for a weapon? ASUS seems to think so...
We're not entirely sure what the deal is with the recent 'Square' branding that ASUS is using for its newer heatsinks, but there are a few things we're sure about - including the packaging of this cooler. If you think you knew what opulence was, think again.
Packaged in a very large box with faux crocodile skin coating, you open it to discover the heatsink nestled inside extremely high quality material - the damn thing is the nerdy equivalent of getting a ring! Not only that, but the accessories are packed inside their own magnet-clasped box, encased in form-fitted foam. Since this is a limited edition cooler, there's even a little aluminium plate here with adhesive backing to show off the heatsink!
Sadly though, it's not really worth showing off. The base of the heatsink is nickel-plated copper, and is decidedly diminutive, barely covering most of the IHS. Five heatpipes begin here, three to one side and two to the other, before arching upwards into 58 aluminium fins. These fins are encased in a tacky plastic shroud that serves next to no purpose other than making the heatsink look cheap, and providing a mount for the fan. The fan is an ASUS-branded affair, with surprisingly orange LEDs used to give a rather unique look. It idles at an insanely quiet 45.5dBA, but load brings it up to 56.5dBA - not exactly quiet when you check out the temps. While running, we placed our hands underneath the fins and could barely feel any airflow - this fan seriously needs reworking. Higher static pressure would be a great start, as more air really needs to be forced through the fins.
It's a poor example of a heatsink compared to the other rousing successes that ASUS has had recently, and all that money could be better put towards other areas of your rig - unless you're a packing-ophile that is!
Issue: 133 | February, 2012