A Roundup of cheap coolers for powerful processors (SocketA): Q1-2`2003
Igloo 2320Pro
This cooler came to our test lab due to the only reason: it was quite curious to see how a cooler with the full aluminum radiator copes with the job of cooling a Barton processor.
Outwardly, there is nothing special about the cooler: it has a radiator, a fastening plate on which there is a fan. In fact, the exterior produced a good impression: distinct colors and the silvery cover of the radiator.
On the radiator base there is a thermal interface layer applied. Whereas in the previous Glacialtech models that was thermal paste with additions of silver (as per the manufacturer's), this cooler uses ordinary thermal paste which we removed.
The processing quality of the base is frustratingly poor.
To safeguard the thermal interface layer from damage during transportation, the base is covered with a special protective lid made of transparent plastic.
Then, there are over 30 quite high fins on the radiator. On top of the radiator, there is a special lid (shown in blue on the photo) on which a fan is fastened.
By the way, the fan is fastened off the center but is slightly displaced. This is made so that to reduce the so-called "dead spot", i.e. an area where the air circulation is very weak.
The radiator has the following overall dimensions: 70x64x57mm, with 244 grammes in mass. More details about the fan: It has 60x60x20 mm of overall dimensions and 4800 rpm rotation speed. The air flow equals 22.8CFM, with the 35 dBA noise level (as per the manufacturer's data).
Personally, I think the noise is too high and unpleasant.
The fastening of the cooler left a dubious impression: on the fastening clip there is a wide finger stop which allows installing the cooler without a screwdriver. But you will definitely need a screwdriver when removing the cooler - you'd have to hook the clip with a blade.
Besides, the fastening clip bends poorly, which adds issues during the removal/installation.
It's still hard to make a preliminary conclusion - you've got to see the results of tests.
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