Prime Cooler 1PC-VGAHP 1 VGA Cooler
Performance:
The testbed used in this review, contained the following components:
| Hardware Components | |
| Processor: | Intel Celeron D 320 (2.4GHz) @ 3.24GHz |
| Motherboard: | Abit IC7-MAX3 |
| Memory: | 512MB Corsair XMS PC4400 CAS2.5 |
| Graphics Card: | ECS ATI 9200 128MB |
| Hard Drives: | Western Digital 40GB 7200RPM |
| Optical Drives: | Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM |
| Cooling: | Thermaltake HardCano 13 |
| Case: | Chieftec Server Chassis |
| Power Supply: | Silentmaxx 580W IC-Tech |
| Software Components | |
| Operating System: | FedoraCore3 |
| Linux Kernel: | 2.6.11-1.27 |
Prior to installing the Prime Cooler PC-VGAHP 1, we were using the included stock heatsink fan for the ATI 9200. Unfortunately, this specific graphics card doesn't have any support for monitoring the VPU temperature. To monitor the performance of the stock and Prime Cooler VPU heatsinks, we inserted a small thermal probe from an Enermax UC-A5FATR2B fan controller. Therefore, so this thermal probe wouldn't interfere with the thermal transfer we were forced to place the probe right along the edge of the VPU core. Although these results weren't quite as accurate as we would have desired, it would have to make do. If the ATI 9200 card and Linux drivers supported temperature monitoring, then it would be much easier. We did record that the PC-VGAHP 1 was actually 1°C warmer than the stock heatsink, however, when we were stressing the VPU the thermal probe reported results that were 4°C lower than that of the stock heatsink. For the load, we ran a series of Unreal Tournament 2004 benchmarks. We didn't see any performance gains from using the Prime Cooler PC-VGAHP 1 but we were very pleased to see this entirely passive heatsink.
Conclusion:
Although we weren't able to see any definitive gains from the PC-VGAHP, partially due to the poor thermal probe, it was clear that the VGA heatsink offered a silent alternative to the noisy after-market setups. Without any fan, it would really be hard for any video card overclock to experience any thermal benefits, but for enthusiasts running stock speeds or looking for purely passive heatsinks for an HTPC system, this may be a very viable choice. Unfortunately, Prime Cooler still lacks any major US distributors to carry this Zalman ZM80C-HP replica.
Pros:
· No noise
· Utilizes a heatpipe with large heatsinks
· Easy installation
· Detailed instructions
· Optional fan attachment
Cons:
· Only utilizes a single heatpipe
· No RAM cooling
· No noticeable performance benefits
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