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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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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Find your type of Northbridge chip from the installation manual, (it is one of four styles). Using the
appropriate hardware, secure the CM Blue Ice cooler to the motherboard as per the installation diagram.
When screwing down the Northbridge cooler screws, pay close attention and ensure you alternately
tighten each one down a little at a time until the screws are just snug. As for the fan connection, you
can use either an available fan header, front panel fan control, or a 3-pin to 4-pin Molex adapter
(not supplied) connected directly to a PSU line.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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By using a utility called Smartguardian which is included with all DFI motherboards, I was able to
monitor the Northbridge fan speed and temperatures. I noticed a 5-6 degree temperature drop with the
CM Blue Ice over the stock DFI active cooler. During my evaluation, I noticed the fan RPM had decreased
from a stock speed of 6500 RPM to a quieter 3400 RPM. The motherboard was controlling the fan speed
based on the chipset temperatures. I hooked the CM Blue Ice up to a direct line off the PSU to bypass
the motherboards thermal fan control. The RPM jumped to 5000 RPM but yielded a 1 degree drop while
producing a bit more noise. The cooling achieved by upgrading the Northbridge cooler with the CM Blue
Ice is significant, while maintaining a quieter fan operation over the stock cooler.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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One unique feature that case modders will appreciate is that Cooler Master has added aesthetics to the
CM Blue Ice by including a Silent LED Fan. The Silent LED fan is positioned in the center location
of the CM Blue Ice design which illuminates once the unit is powered.
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Conclusion:
The CM Blue Ice is clearly aimed at the computer modding and enthusiast consumer. Most modders and
overclockers running an air cooled system will have upgraded their CPU coolers to a better performing
unit. A vast majority of these coolers are much larger than the stock ones and do not leave room for
this type of Northbridge cooler when the Northbridge is located near the CPU. Viewing a few different
motherboard layouts, I found obstacles in the way that limit the applications this cooler will work in
with the exception of SLI boards for the AMD platform. If you have an SLI capable board and you are not
running two video cards in an SLI configuration, you can install this cooler by moving the graphics card
to the second 16x P.C.I.-E slot. All that aside, if you are looking to upgrade your Northbridge chipset
cooler and this cooler will fit your motherboard; I highly recommend getting the Blue Ice since
provides quieter and more effective cooling versus stock, as well as a nice touch class to the inside
of your computer case. Cooler Master has produced an effective quiet N/B cooling solution that is
worth the money spent for the upgrade. Overall, I'm rating the CM Blue Ice a final score of
8 out of 10. If you have any questions
regarding this review be sure to visit the Cooler Master
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Quality built product
- All copper base
- Heatpipe technology
- Effective cooling
- Silent LED fan
- Adds greater overclocking possibilities
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Cons:
- Limited applications for some due to upgraded oversized CPU coolers and graphics cards on
some platforms
- Installation manual needs improvement
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