SilverStone Nitrogon NT06

Performance:

While the installation varies depending upon the CPU socket, the SilverStone documentation does a relatively nice job at describing the routine for each of the supported sockets. For our purposes, we had used AMD's Socket 939. For the Socket 939 installation it is simply a matter of removing the existing retention frame, installing the SilverStone back-plate on the rear of the motherboard, and then inserting the two bolts for the NT06 heatsink. After following those steps it is simply a matter of tightening the heatsink onto the CPU socket. We had installed the Nitrogon NT06 on the following system:

The NT01 heatsink is not compatible with SilverStone's award winning Sugo SG01 chassis, but luckily, the NT06 is the perfect size. However, installing the NT06 inside of the SG01 does necessitate the removal of the FM122 heatsink fan. As the SilverStone power supply used has a 120mm fan located on the bottom, this fan was able to provide adequate airflow for the CPU heatsink. Due to sensor problems with the system configuration used, we were unable to deliver temperature results from the NT06. However, from our overclocking and testing done with the NT06 with this system configuration and others, we can definitively say that this is one hell of a heatsink. During all of our testing, we had run into no issues with both Intel and AMD processors. While we were unable to run the fan when in the SilverStone Sugo chassis, the fan was relatively quiet at its lowest speed, while it had became loud when it was pushing 107 CFM.

Conclusion:

We have once again come to a time when we must pull together our thoughts on another innovative product. The Nitrogon NT06 has delivered a new heatsink design for SilverStone -- though it is similar to some of Thermalright's creations -- and with its powder heatpipes is certainly able to pack a performance punch. The heatsink does also boast over twice the surface area of the original NT01, yet it manages to fit in some SFF (Small Form Factor) PCs such as the Sugo SG01. We would also expect that the Nitrogon NT06 should have no problems fitting inside the upcoming SilverStone Sugo SG02. The shortcomings with this product consist of a noisy fan when at full speed, and its installation may be a hassle for some users. The NT06 also lacks compatibility with AMD's Socket AM2. At the time of publishing, the SilverStone Nitrogon NT06 can be found for approximately $60 USD.