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Product: P/N # KA02
Manufacturer: Neng Tyi
Homepage: www.Nengtyi.com.tw
After feeling the pain of cooler review review cold turkey, I decided to jack myself up again with the next offering left upon the altar. I must confess to knowing very little about the manufacturer of this hsf. Neng Tyi are a Taiwanese company with a wide range of cpu and assorted hsf including some really sweet PIII coolers.
The doctors are coming so let's get on with it. First choice is the P/N # KA02 which is an aluminium/copper unit with a standard design. My true calling is photography so behold my ability..
Not really much to say, so here it is against the supermodel looks of the ThermoEngine.
Unfortunately for the Neng, there is no competition in the aesthetics department. The ThermoEngine's black anodised look is just too good. We get a slight clue as to performance with depth of the fan, as we have seen the, top performers are sporting this year's must have fashion accessory - a big ass Delta fan.
Test Rig
Duron 700
Abit KT7A-RAID
2*128 mb PC133 CL2
Voodoo 3 3000 PCI
Maxtor 6 Gig HD
Enermax EG 365P-VE
The PC is the same one used for all the cooler reviews except for the psu which we upgraded to the latest version of Enermax's 365 series. This one produces 350w which will be more than enough for us at the moment.
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, if this changed we stopped testing until
it had returned to this base level.
Installation
I've got the implements of removal ready to tackle the demonic thermal pad but to my surprise the boys at Neng had decided to spare me this labour (Hercules's third I believe). Oh well, erm...so I prepared the core and attached the unit. Yes it was as easy as that, the back locked into place simply and the thumb pad on the front clip allowed me to put the required pressure on without needing the mobo destroyer (screwdriver).
Noise
I'm slightly disorientated since I am a creature of habit (grow up!) and the quick installation has left me unbalanced. A quick hit from Mr. Pipe and we're on the road again. Give it your best shot KA2. And so it did..
I must apologise for the symmetry involved in the above chart. Time has forced me to ditch the "freehand" stylee for the more orthodox Excel approach. I'm getting more used to the title "sell-out".
The Neng puts in a decent set of figures after the first test. It is mid-range rated for the perception test by sounding a bit louder than a ThermoEngine.
Thermal Solution?
As usual, we will fabricate (I'm sure it's the right word ;-))the figures using three levels of testing. The initial test is with the cpu running at default speed with default voltage. Just for you new people sitting at the back - we take the idle 30 mins after boot and no activity, full load after 30 mins of Seti@home.
There is a shaking under foot as the CAK 38 enters the arena.
DOH! Well, we have to keep the format the same by putting each contender up against the current champion. It is unfortunate for the Neng that it has come at a time when the roost is ruled by the all conquering CAK (still amuses me!). A whopping 8 degrees under full load and 6 at idle spell disaster in the first round. The secondary tests of 3D Mark run simultaneously with Seti have been consigned to the bin along with facts and spellung.
The 900 mhz door opens and our contestants step through...
The gap is still roughly the same. The cpu is emitting a lot more heat at this speed with the core voltage at 1.775v so this at least means that the Neng performs at the same level with an increase in temperature. Some lesser hsf will not be able to dissipate high levels and will cause the temp to rocket.
Luckily the end is in sight for the Neng as it can't stand much more of this.
The bell goes and there is blood on the canvas. The Neng managed to keep the gap equal through out that which compassionate ones among you may deem a contest. The temperatures are such that if we had reviewed this cooler earlier, we would have been extremely impressed as it would deal out the punishment it has taken to the Coolermasters. Today the world is very different and is ruled by heavyweights.
Conclusion
The Neng comes across as a solid performer but that is it. The Neng is around the range that I would expect from a non specialised cooler which is aimed at the OEM or high street market. The unit itself is well made and relatively quiet but these count for naught if it's performance is not there. If you are looking for a stock cooler then this is your choice, but for those of us looking to keep the ever increasing temperatures under control the CAK is your boy.
The final ChillBlast rating is *******
Neng Tyi's site can be found at www.Nengtyi.com.tw
Thanks goes out to the guys at Neng for the supply of 7 of their range. Cheers boys.