Computer Reviews

With the advancement in processors, there has been a decrease in the power requirements for computer processors. Processors had started to get a little out of hand, with some of the Intel processors hitting majorly high heat levels due to high power consumption.

New dual-core processors have again pushed up the power requirements for processors as there are now two cores put inside a single chip.

Tomshardware have taken to task and explore some processors that are suitable for the new breed of AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core processors, in this case, the 4800+ version.

The standard cooler that comes with the retail box that AMD chips comes in is really the reference point to start from as there are many people who really don’t want to go to the trouble of changing or upgrading their cooler, at least for a while.

The alternatives presented are pretty tame in comparisson to many of the more intense coolers on the market that can weight a ton and keep things so cold that they can cool nearly anything they throw your way. The downside of these coolers is their large size and weight, as well as noise which play against them in a working environment where lower noise volumes are condusive to higher levels of concentration.

Of the six coolers that are pitted against the boxed cooler, most of them only offere the same or similar performance to it. At the end of the test, the Zalman Quiet Cooler comes out as the best of the test. Managing the coolest temperatures in the test, as well as the second quietest performance in the test, there is very little else to be said about it.

It is more expensive than the other models in the test, but if you are looking for the best, this is it. And besides, it should last a really long time, which helps to even out the initial outlay.

LINK

The Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro CPU Cooler was pitted against a Thermaltake K450 at bjorn3d recently. Cooling is a major consideration for people nowadays. With the heat of some processors rising to newer higher levels and game enthusiasts pushing the envelope, overclocking their processors, the need is certainly there.

This cooler has a massive size and was much bigger than the authors original Thermaltake. The problem can occur is you use very high memory. In testing the RAM had to be moved to the B slots to accomodate the massive cooler. For those with usual RAM that has perhaps just a heat spreader, things should be fine, just not with Corsair RAM with the LEDs on top.

Performance for the fan was excellent and was actually able to keep the CPU cool without its fan turned on for over 2 hours and that was under load. Bearing in mind that his computer had great fans providing airflow they certainly made a difference. However, by itself it will keep almost any configuration you have in mind cool.

LINK

Home theater computers have certain needs that normal PCs don’t really need, or at least don’t need as badly. Super low noise levels are required, although a quiet everyday computer is great the buzz of the office has become quite normal, but a noisy living room is not as great. They also need good looks if they are going to take a part of a system that is out there for everyone to see, unlike the computer tucked away in the corner or under a table.

The Thermaltake Rhythm makes a good counterpart to the Mozart home theater PC case. The cooling solution not only looks good, but performs it’s function well. In their review at bigbruin they managed to get a drop of 14 degrees with the cooling system situated inside the cabinet with the home theater computer.

It’s looks are well suited to a home theater and its two 120mm fans and large radiator inside do a good job of keeping things cool.

A capable and good looking thermal solution for your home theater computer.

LINK