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Product:
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Swiftech MCX159-R Chipset Cooler |
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Price:
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$51 (CAN) / $39 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Swiftech
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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October 18th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Gabe from Swiftech
for sending the Swiftech MCX159-R Chipset Cooler for review.
Introduction:
As the cooling market continues to grow with new competitors, the common tendency to stick to popular companies is often
still enough to easily sway a buyer’s decision. The name Swiftech is known by virtually any overclocker and cooling enthusiast.
The design behind well-known MCX line of heatsinks which allow Swiftech to rank as one of the top air cooling manufactures has
since been adapted into a new cooling product designed for extreme duty Northbridge cooling. Earlier this month MTB had the
opportunity to put the Micro Cool Northbridge cooling solution to the test, Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the
Swiftech MCX159-R Chipset cooler.
Specifications:
The Swiftech MCX159-R is an extreme performance cooler designed for high frequency front side bus operation. Compatibility
ranges from both the Intel and AMD platforms. The Swiftech MCX159-R features patent helicoid heat pins along with a massive
1/4" thick copper base for maximum performance. The unit sent for review is the R revision which includes the necessary
mounting hardware for both platforms. Here are some specifications taken directly from the Swiftech website:
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Swiftech MCX159-R Chipset Cooler - Key Specifications:
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| Swiftech MCX159-R Chipset Cooler: Manufactured by Swiftech |
| Base dimensions: 1.59" x 1.59" x 0.5" - 40.4mm x 40.4mm x 12.7mm |
| Heatsink overall dimensions without fan: 1.59" x 1.59" x 1.63" - 40.4mm x 40.4mm x 42 mm |
| Heatsink overall dimensions with fan: 1.59" x 1.59" x 2.47" - 40.4mm x 40.4mm x 62.8mm |
| Base material: Copper C110 |
| Base flatness better than .001" - 25µ |
| Base micro surface finish 8 or better |
| Heat dissipation medium: 96 Helicoid pins (patented) made of high conductivity aluminum alloy 1100 (218 W/m-K) |
| Weight with fan: 8.4 oz - 238 g |
| Fan summary specs: 40mm x 20mm fan 12V DC 2 wires (no RPM output) - 6 CFM 18dBA |
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The Swiftech MCX159-R ships in a simple box with a retail label across the front and side portions. A small list of product
specifications can be found along the sides along with the product name and Swiftech logo towards the front. Two pieces of
styrofoam securely keep the contents in place. Included in the package are all the necessary items needed for installation
which consist of the MCX159-R unit, AMD and Intel mounting hardware, an instruction manual along with a small tube of Arctic
Alumina thermal compound.
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A double sided instruction page and installation guide outlines the product specifications along with illustrated examples on
proper instillation procedures based on the platform selected. I found the included documentation to be extremely comprehensive
and detailed to provide an error free installation. The mounting hardware along with thermal compound comes bundled in a small
baggie. Ultimately, users can purchase the MCX159 according to their platform or can opt for the universal package which
comes bundled with mounting hardware for both platforms.
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my initial impressions of the Swiftech MCX159-R were extremely positive. Measuring 40.4mm x 40.4mm x 62.8mm
with a fan and weighing a hefty 238Grams, the MCX159-R is the largest chipset cooler currently available. As previously
mentioned, the MCX159-R is based upon the popular MCX line of heatsinks therefore the overall design takes on an almost near
scaled down design of an MCX heatsink with features silver helicoids pins and a 1/4" thick copper base. The base of the MCX159-R
is extremely reflective and smooth to the touch with obvious attention to detail. Swiftech states that the base of each MCX159
is lapped in-house, flat to 3/10th of 1/1000" and hand-polished to a near-mirror finish (Grade 8 Micro Surface finish).
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