Even though the Big Typhoon VX does fit a large list of
processors the number of mounting brackets needed is only two, they
basically breakdown as one for AMD and the other for Intel. Since we will be
installing this device on a AMD board we will be using the mounting bracket on
the left. The first thing we did prior to attaching the heatsink was
to attach a temperature probe to the side of the processor as a means of
telling how warm the processor got during our tests.
Installing the Big Typhoon VX could not have been any
simpler, once we had the thermal paste applied we simply placed one end of the
mounting bracket over one of the attachment lugs on the heat sink retention
device then holding the heatsink
securely in position we attached the second attachment point and threw the
cam lever to lock it into place.
We had heard all the hype about how well the Big Typhoon
VX performs and we wanted to see for ourselves if it lived up to those
claims so we decided to subject it to two types of tests. The first
test we will run a copy of Prime and one instance of
SETI@Home with the processor set at its
default speed (2.0 GHz) and see how warm the processor gets with the fan
turned to minimum and then on high.
Our second test will be ran using the same programs but
we will raise the speed of the processor to 2.5 GHz. We will then
record the temperatures with the fan on it lowest setting and then again at
its highest setting.
|
Big Typhoon VX |
Low |
High |
|
2.0 GHz |
33 |
39 |
|
2.5 GHz |
34 |
46 |
|
Freezer 64 Pro |
Idle |
High |
|
2.0 GHz |
34 |
42 |
|
2.5 GHz |
35 |
52 |
|
Silverstone NT04 |
Idle |
High |
|
2.0 GHz |
35 |
45 |
|
2.5 GHz |
36 |
57 |
After seeing the results of our tests I would have to say
that I am now a believer that the Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX just maybe the
most powerful heatsink available on the market today.
First off I'll say what I didn't like about the Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX
so I can get that out of the way? I made mention earlier about the
fact that the speed controller is located in a place that just seems wrong,
if Thermaltake would address that issue I would be forced to give this
heatsink a near perfect score.
Let's start out by saying that I absolutely love this heatsink, I like the fact that
Thermaltake opted for the 120mm fan since it can operate at a low speed and
still move large amounts of air and still remain relatively quite even at
its fastest speed. With the variable speed controller you have the option to
tune the fan to the situation as it arises, albeit with a little work.
Whether you are mounting the Big Typhoon on a Intel or AMD motherboard it
makes no difference, the time it takes to install will be short and painless
thanks to the well designed mounting brackets.
In a nutshell, what's not to like about the Big Typhoon VX? It has the
power to cool an overclocked processor or do yeomen's work on stock
processors. It truly is a "Heat Slayer of a Heatsink"
A special thanks to
Thermaltake, who graciously
provided us this sample.
