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Product:
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Cooler Master CM Blue Ice |
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Price:
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$33 (CAN) / $26 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Cooler Master
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Author:
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Mars
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Date:
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July 26th, 2005
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Lucy from Cooler Master
for providing the Cooler Master CM Blue Ice for review.
Introduction:
The Northbridge chip is a vital part of a computers operation. It is responsible for managing the RAM, CPU,
AGP, and in some platforms, the on-board audio data transfer. In doing so it generates a fair amount of
heat, which as we all know is bad. Heat will shorten the life expectancy of any device and can cause system
instability even in the average users computer. Heat is even more of a problem for overclockers, and dissipating
it is an ongoing quest for the quietest most efficient products. Motherboard manufactures usually overlook this
facet of cooling, providing a solution that is cost effective at the sacrifice of better cooling. Today in the
MTB Labs, we will be evaluating Cooler Masters’ latest Northbridge chipset cooling solution called the CM Blue Ice
(RT-UCL-L4U1).
Specifications:
The CM Blue Ice is the first Northbridge active cooling product from Cooler Master and is designed to cool down the
temperature of Northbridge chipset and surrounding components. Having an efficient Northbridge cooler like CM Blue
Ice will make up a high percentage of overall system activity and stability. Here are some of the specifications
taken directly from the Cooler Master website:
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Cooler Master CM Blue Ice - Key Specifications:
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| CM Blue Ice: Manufactured by Cooler Master |
| Heatsink Dimension: 60mm x 47mm x 69mm |
| Heatsink Material: Aluminum fins with copper base |
| Fan Dimension: 40mm x 40mm x 10mm |
| Fan Speed: 4500 RPM |
| Fan Air Flow: 4.5 CFM |
| Fan Life Expectance: 20,000 hrs |
| Bearing Type: Sleeve |
| Noise Level: 22 ~26 dBA |
| Weight: 140g |
| Universal application for all platforms |
| User-friendly retention module (Patent pending) |
| High efficiency cooler with embedded 40mm super silent blue LED fan |
| Special connection design between fin and heat-pipe achieves excellent heat dissipation |
| Charming small and exquisite outline |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The CM Blue Ice is packaged in a plastic clamshell blister pack sporting the Cooler Master purple, blue and
white color scheme. The writing on the front highlights the key product details, and on the back are the
product specifications.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Opening up the package you will find the cooler itself, instruction manual, and the needed hardware.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my initial impression of the CM Blue Ice was somewhat negative since I had limited
installation options for this cooler. The Northbridge chip on my Asus A7N8X socket A (462 pin)
N-Force 2 board is placed near the CPU, and the Cooler Master CPU (or other large types of CPU
coolers) will not allow the installation of a taller Northbridge cooler. On the other hand, I was
able to install the CM Blue Ice with the stock AMD and Nexus branded CPU cooler. After looking at
a few motherboards manufacturer’s websites, it became apparent that the location of the Northbridge
chip may be problematic for this cooler, for both AMD and Intel platforms. This is not definitive
though, as I did not look at every motherboard on the market today, only some of the more popular
ones. Before purchasing this product check your motherboard for compatibility and any installation
restriction problems that may arise.
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