|
Product:
|
Micro Cool NorthPole XE Whisper Cooler |
|
Price:
|
$43 (CDN) / $32 (U.S)
|
|
Supplied By:
|
Micro Cool
|
|
Author:
|
Mars
|
|
Date:
|
June 10th, 2006
|
|
Rating:
|
|
MODTHEBOX would like to thank Federico from Micro Cool
for sending the NorthPole XE Whisper Cooler for review.
Introduction:
When enthusiasts and overclockers are looking to upgrade their cooling solutions, priority is given to the CPU cooler
and quite often the Northbridge is overlooked. 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 the new Northpole XE Whisper Cooler from Micro Cool.
Specifications:
"NorthPole XE whisper, which evolved out of the NorthPole, is a cooler for chips of up to 35W. Thanks to the clip and
the interchangeable screws, the small Microcool cooler can be used for a number of different purposes, such as: cooling
chipsets or Intel® Pentium® M processors. The exclusively designed screws means that it can be easily installed on
motherboard Northbridge’s, in both the Intel® and AMD® processor, guaranteeing perfect contact and the right level of
pressure between the NorthPole base and the chip. The new clip means that the NorthPole XE whisper is also compatible
with socket 479 motherboards, making it possible to cool Pentium® M processors in desktop computers, dissipating heat
perfectly in all working conditions. The real strong point of the new NorthPole cooler is its low noise production.
The 40x40x15 mm fan, with double bearing and variable voltage on the basis of the copper cooler temperature provides
a suitable air flow at all times whilst reducing noise to the bare minimum. In fact, the heat sensor positioned between
the fan and the cooler fins makes it possible to vary the rotation speed in real time, within an interval comprised
between 1500 R.P.M. at 25°C and 5000 RPM at 50°C. NorthPole XE whisper is a new reference point for chips of up to 35W.
It is a winning solution for the development of SFF PC and HTPC." Here is a list of specifications taken from
Micro Cool website:
| Model |
Micro Cool NorthPole XE Whisper Cooler
|
| Dimensions |
42mm (L) x 42mm (W) x 40mm (H) |
| Cooler Dimensions |
40mm (L) x 40mm (W) x 19.5mm (H) |
| Heatsink Material |
Copper |
| Manufacturer Material |
Skiving
|
|
Number Of Fins |
28
|
|
Sheath material |
Anodized aluminum
|
|
Connecting System |
Modular with screw brackets
|
|
Fan Dimensions |
40mm (L) x 40mm (W) x 15mm (H)
|
|
Fan Voltage |
5~12VDC
|
|
Voltage Control |
Based on temperature
|
|
Fan Speed |
1500~5000 RPM
|
|
Air Capacity |
2.5~6.5 CFM
|
|
Fan Noise |
12~18 dB
|
|
Fan Mechanics |
Double ball bearing
|
|
Connector |
Three-pole
|
|
Weight |
180g
|
|
Warranty |
3 years
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
The NorthPole XE comes in a heavy corrugated box with a silver metallic sticker across the top of the box. The cooler
is well protected by way of a boxed type cardboard insert, with the mounting hardware kept in a separate box.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
The hardware box includes 3 pairs of clips, 3 pairs of attachment screws, washers, springs and attachment nuts, Allen
screws, stabilizing rubber feet, thermo-conductive paste, and assembly instructions.
|
|
Click image for larger view
|
Click image for larger view
|
|
My initial impression was a positive one. With its all copper base, aluminum shroud, thermally controlled fan, and small
size, the XE looks to be a promising upgrade. Let’s move on to the testing of this little cooler and see what it can or
cannot do
|
|
