It is easy to install the cooler on the mainboard – I just had to fasten two brackets on the PCB (the back-plate would have to be replaced on a Socket 939/940 mainboard):

And then I put down the cooler proper:

It is secured with special spring-loaded screws for uniform hold-down pressure.

And that’s all, actually. One thing left to do is to check the new Orb in action.

Here are its results in the tests:

No miracles happened: the cooler is good, but can’t match the performance of coolers on heat pipes. Moreover, it works at a higher speed than the Big Typhoon, for example. On the other hand, the Blue Orb II is far cheaper than the Big Typhoon and will make a nice cooler for a midrange computer.

Highs: Simple installation; pretty appearance

Lows: Big dimensions and weight; Not suitable for top-end computers

Conclusion: This is an average-efficiency air cooler that is going to meet tough competition from heat-pipes-based coolers in its price category.

Average price: $30