X-bit labs

OCZ Vindicator CPU Cooler Review: When the Copy is As Good As the Original (page 3)

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 05/08/2007 | 04:36 PM ]

Design

Let’s take a look at the heatsink:

No doubt: this is just like Scythe Ninja. The heatsink dimensions (110mm x 110mm x 150mm) and weight (640g) are exactly the same as by the cooler from Scythe. The cooler sits on copper base with six copper heatpipes 6mm in diameter going through it. The heatpipes are positioned in two levels. Right above them there is a small aluminum heatsink (of slightly different shape than the one by Scythe Ninja).

The heatpipes carry 23 aluminum plates. They contact the heatpipes through aluminum necks (for the sake of higher heat dissipating surface). The ends of the heatpipes are soldered dead and covered with 12 decorative caps:

The profile of the ribbing and the finish quality differ from those we see on Scythe Ninja. There is a Z-shaped notch in the center of the heatsink going all the way through the heatsink plates:

Besides, there are holes that spread away from the notch towards the heatsink corners, like rays, each next hole featuring smaller diameter than the previous one. But the most essential difference is the finish quality of the heatsink ribs. Ninja cooler doesn’t have anything like that, and I have to admit that the heatsink ribs polished to mirror-shine should ensure much more efficient airflow thus increasing the cooling efficiency of the OCZ Vindicator solution overall.

The cooler base is covered with protective plastic film containing a warning that it needs to be removed before installation:

The evenness of the base surface is excellent, however when it comes to finish quality, the manufacturer could have done a better job, I believe:

However, despite the noticeable machine traces, you cannot feel any unevenness to the touch in case of OCZ cooler. Although such unevenness by some other manufacturers may often be a drawback harming the efficiency of the contact between the cooler base and the CPU.

The 120mm fan that comes with the cooler turned out to be of unknown origin:

The “OCZ Technology” sticker on the motor doesn’t reveal anything important and there is no other sticker beneath it. According to the technical specifications, the fan rotation speed is 1,000rpm with 18.5dBA level of noise and 40CFM airflow. The fan operates extremely quietly.