MODTHEBOX.COM - Canada's Premier Case Modding Source - Reviews - Thermaltake Silent Boost RX K8 CPU Cooler Review

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Each fin is formed with a minor fold on all of the tips to encourage proper spacing. This is a very effective design that is characteristic of a ThermalRight cooler. This HSF should do an excellent job in dissipating CPU heat, while requiring little in the way of airflow. The shine of the copper fins is also very attractive.

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With the fan removed, we note the model #TT-9038A. Observing the fan from the bottom, we are able to make sense of the "reverse fan" design. The Silent Boost fan places the motor on the top part of the fan, while a conventional DC fan has the motor on the bottom part of the fan.

Installation:

The test platform used for the installation/testing phase is as follows:

AMD 2600+ Sempron (754 pin) TDP 64W

Asus K8V-MX motherboard

512MB Kingston PC-2700 RAM

GeForce MX 400

Antec 380W PSU

Nexus Breeze Tower Case

Prime95 was used to simulate CPU load. Load temperatures were taken 15 minutes into the load test. Ambient temperatures were recorded 15 minutes after the PC was turned on. The Nexus Breeze’s side panels were installed when taking all measurements. Speed Fan was used to observe CPU core temperatures. Ambient temperature for all tests was solid at 21 degrees Celsius. Let’s begin.

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We will be comparing the Silent Boost with a stock AMD CPU cooler that came with the Sempron 2600+ 64 processor. A system of this caliber should be something you would expect to find in a value based HTPC. Raw CPU horse-power is not a must for this type of setting, and low wattage means silent solutions can be used confidently without noisy fans interfering with your home-theatre experience. Standard white thermal-paste was used for both the stock solution, and the Thermaltake solution.