Product: Copper ThermoEngine

Manufacturer: Arkua

Homepage : www.Arkua.com.tw

Here we go. This should be considered therapy for us as the last little "party" we had ended with well let's say that swapping some-one's stash for Peyote is not funny. Three of the team are still forced to wear nappies and two others have to be periodically "cleaned". Don't think you are going to get away with it OC Prices! Anyway, let's begin.

We understand from the deluge of fan/hate mail that we have received that:

1. You want more cooler reviews (1 )

2. You hate us (15,989)

3. A lot of you have severe psychological problems (15,990)

4. A lot of you apparently like donkeys (15,991)

Hmm, where did that extra vote come from???

We, again, have been chosen as the cup from which the world will drink. Or the torch that lights the way. Or the soothsayers that divine the auspices. Or........well you get the idea. No? OK, we have another world exclusive. This time, we have got our claw like hands upon the latest ThermoEngine which is the copper version of the old faithful but only much larger.

The unit came in a plain white box but that will turn into a well designed package once they are in full production. First impression of the piece was that it is identical to the old ThermoEngine in look but the size is increased - measuring 70mm square at the base. 

Yup, looks a lot like a ThermoEngine. Check the rump on this baby. It has the familiar fins that allow air to circulate over a large surface area and also around the CPU, which many do not allow.

Comparative shot.

A lot larger than the trusty CoolerMaster and it's doing a good job of making the little guy look a bit Mickey Mouse.

Test Rig

The PC is the same one used for all the cooler reviews.

Our highly scientific approach has been compromised by a small number of factors. Chiefly, that we don't have a scientific approach. This means that our aim is to provide a real world test, i.e. to simulate the experience that you would have if you had bought this heatsink. Therefore, we will take measurements from the onboard temp gauge under the CPU and decibel readings but not under lab conditions.

The ambient room temperature was kept at 22C +/- 1C, if this changed we stopped testing until it had returned to this base level. As was pointed out to me by BlitZ our readings for the Swiftech were off in the first test as it is impossible to go lower than the ambient room temperature. Cheers BlitZ for pointing this out and accordingly we now say that all readings are +/- 1C.

Installation

Unlike it's  smaller brethren, this version comes without the irritation of the TIM. So, slap on the silver and when you look suitably like a pimp, apply the Arctic Silver II. The rear clip needed to be pushed down with a finger and then it is time to insert the screwdriver into the front. It is a remarkably simple job to put the front clip onto the lugs as the whole thing is quite springy and the screwdriver is inserted at an angle thus allowing you to easily move it on and off the lug. Er... if you know what I mean.

Noise

With trepidation we fire up the PC and prepare for a pair of burst eardrums.

The fan whirs along at a happy 5,000 rpm and amazingly, nearly matches the small ThermoEngine (50, 62). Let's hope the performance is not the same or else it will look a bit like the day Mr. DTs began work in the nitro-glycerin factory.

Frosty

We have decided that any copper sink that swaggers into the Chillblast test area will always be put into the overclocking category. This means that today's opponent will be the Global Win CAK 38.

1.6v at 7*100 mhz gets us to the default speed of our Duron. The readings are taken 30 mins after boot for idle and 30 mins of 100% cpu usage under Seti@home for full load. The flare lights the sky so let the assault begin.

The initial encounter goes to the CAK which doesn't surprise us at all.

The 900 mhz test is 9*100 @1.775v which is beginning to produce a reasonable amount of wattage. Sarge calls formation and were back into it.

The second assault begins to pay dividends for our newcomer. Only a degree under full load but that is enough. No time to gloat (yet), check those clips cause it os time to lock and load.

Increase the voltage to 1.85v and clock the CPU to the top 945 mhz (9 * 105). It is purely for comparison purposes that we always test on the same CPU so stop mailing us that we should use a 1.4!!

Woohoo, a 2*C lead seals the CAK fate to be a second tier cooler. The ThermoEngine is supreme under load if a little warm at idle. Not sure why, but who cares. =)

Conclusion

This is the a great improvement over it's ageing cousin (small ThermoEngine). The increased size, airflow and the copper insert have resulted in some excellent figures. You will be easily able to cope with pretty much any speed CPU at the moment. The results are so good, in fact, that I am a bit wary of their verity. We would expect a copper heatsink with a Delta to outperform a copper and aluminium unit but our results point to the opposite.

The noise levels are not particularly intrusive which is a trait valued more and more these days and the simple clip design add to it's appeal. I would have liked to see a three lug clip, as with all coolers but that is a small gripe.

Overall, a brilliant quality product for those looking at mid to high end cooling and if it is priced well, it won't even get to the shelves!!

Final word: Superb

The final ChillBlast rating is *********

Arkua's homepage can be found at www.Arkua.com.tw

Muchos gracias amigos Lapiconos especially-os Adrian-os.

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