Hardware CoolAge X120TF CPU Cooler review

We take a look at the X120TF, a weighty copper heatsink and no fan from Korean newcomers CoolAge. It uses an interesting new honeycomb design for its heatsink fins - but unfortunately, it doesn't seem set to displace our current favourite coolers.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2010/01/30/coolage-x120tf-cpu-cooler-review/1

 

Cogage isn't exactly a 'newcomer'.

It's Thermalright under a different name.

 

What else is new, then?

This sink would probably do fantastically with a Slipstream, Kaze Ultra, or Sanyo-Denki fan... I would just worry about the wind noise with that fin density. To be honest, you could probably make it work with the fan tested, too - just put it in a pull fashion on a shroud.

 

Correct, Cogage isn't a newcomer.

CoolAge however, who make this product, reviewed in this review *are*.

 

Errr.

 

Served!

 

My limited knowledge of fluid mechanics tells me that that what is actually needed here isn't necessarily a high CFM fan, but one with higher pressure to create the same airflow. Higher CFM will of course cool more effectively, but one needs higher CFM through the heatsink/rad, and actual CFM will not be the same as the fan's maximum (or rated) CFM. You can get two fans with the same rated CFM, and the one with the higher pressure will perform better. Likewise, you can get high speed fans with very low (static) pressures, and these will perform worse than a lower CFM fan with higher pressure. Hence the reason you see 'high static pressure' being bandied about by manufacturers. You are correct about the denser fins requiring more force, but force and CFM don't necessarily go hand in hand.

Just felt the need for a little clarification and for the most part I am probably being a little pedantic.

Cheers,
Muunsyr

 

Well, to be fair the best test would be to passively use all coolers, because it then won't be affected by the choice of fan used.

Your CPU might cook, though.

 

Most coolers aren't designed to radiate passively; they need forced air to get rid of the heat. It seems like the heat transfer to the fins is working well as they are getting hot. The fin design looks good - they are just too close together.

Cheers,
Mick.