X-bit labs

Gigabyte 3D Rocket II Cooler Review

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 04/26/2007 | 05:54 PM ]

We have already tested the first version of the “Taiwanese Rocket” before. Now it is high time we checked out the new and improved Rocket II from Gigabyte. Stylish looks, universality, relatively simple installation, what else brings us this new air-cooling solution? Let’s find out now!

Table of contents:

• Package and Accessories
  
• Design
  
• Installation Tips
  
• Airflow
  
• Noise Level
  
• Specification
  
• Testbed and Methods
  
• Thermal Performance
  
• Conclusion
  

We have recently tested a new CPU cooler from Thermaltake aka MaxOrb. Before this cooler came into the world, Thermaltake was quiet for almost three years having released nothing very exciting in this product family. Gigabyte Company seems to have done practically the same thing, when back in 2004 they introduced a not very successful 3D Rocket cooler and then stopped working on this product family for almost three years also (for details on the first 3D Rocket cooler from Gigabyte see our article called High-End CPU Coolers Roundup: The Battle for Silence and Efficiency). In 2005 the company announced a very efficient, but pretty loud G-Power Pro cooling solution, though it is based on a completely different concept from what 3D Rocket series is employing.

And now, in the end of 2006, Gigabyte proudly announced improved Rocket – Gigabyte 3D Rocket II (GH-PCU23-VE) model that has borrowed only the heatsink shape from the predecessor. Everything else has been modified and improved dramatically. So, let’s find out what has been changed and how it affects the efficiency of the new cooling solution today.

Let’s get started now.

Package and Accessories

The cooler package is made from transparent plastic:

The stickers at the upper side of the front of the box read that this cooler is capable of handling CPUs with up to 160W heat dissipation and that it produces only 16dBA of noise during operation. In addition there is also a sticker with the list of all supported processors and with information on Socket AM2 support. If you look at the other sides of this box you will get acquainted with the detailed technical specifications of the device and its key features.

In the bottom part of the package there is a small section containing a plastic bag with accessories:

• Plastic bracket for cooler fastening onto Socket 478 and LGA 775;
• Fastening screws for the bracket and for the rear case panel;
• Retention clip for Socket AM2 and Socket 754/939/940;
• Three replaceable fluorescent rings;
• Cooler power supply cable;
• Two retention clips for Socket 478 and LGA 775;
• A tube of Gigabyte thermal grease;
• Cooler fan rotation speed regulator panel for the 3.5” bay;
• Rear panel bracket for the fan rotation speed regulator;
• Cooler installation guide and user manual.

You can see that the package contains everything necessary, even multicolor rubber rings (blue, green, white, orange) that will definitely please modding-fans.