Cooler Gigabyte GH-PCU21-VG (3D Cooler)
Performance
Since the cooler is compatible to all the popular platforms, we are bringing in two series of tests: one for the SocketA system and one for the Pentium4 system. Of course, the cooler will take part in future tests on the Athlon64 processor platform.
So, to estimate the cooling efficiency, the following test system was assembled:
| Test configuration |
| Processor |
Athlon XP (Barton core) overclocked to 2 GHz (10x200); (Vcore) = 1.7V
Intel Pentium4 2.4 of stepping D1 which was running at 3.0 GHz without raising the voltage |
| Motherboard |
Soltek SL75FRN2-L (nForce II Ultra 400)
Abit IC7-G (i875P) |
We took the following coolers as the rivals for the SocketA system: CoolerMaster Aero 7 and Titan Cu5TB. Both these coolers provide for excellent cooling level and offer a completely copper radiator. Besides, Aero 7 is equipped with a speed regulator, which allows it to compete on par with Gigabyte 3D Cooler at acoustics.
But for the Pentium4 system I took only two coolers: Zalman 7000A-Cu and -AlCu. In fact, these brother coolers have monopolized the market of high-end coolers of Russia (remember, they are inferior to Thermalright SP-94 at efficiency).
The processor temperature and the rotational speed of the fan were measured with Motherboard Monitor v5.3.3.0. To generate a 100% load on the processor, BurnP6(for Intel) and BurnK7 (for AMX XP) were used, with domestically produced thermal paste KPT-8 used as the thermal interface.
Therefore, here are the results for the Pentium4 system:
As we see, after the first try Gigabyte was unable to bring the honored grandees of the cooling industry on their knees. The thing is that at the maximum speed the noise coming from Zalman coolers is lost among other noised (PSU, video, HDD), and the noise from GH-PCU21-VG exceeds all the other noises. As regards the minimum speed, the noise from Gigabyte cooler becomes unacceptable, but the efficiency drops sharply.
Now let's look at the cooling efficiency of SocketA processors.
In the sector of hi-end coolers, Gigabyte 3D Cooler has given in to Aero7 at performance, but won a little at the noise level (at the maximum speed). At the maximum speed, the noise from both coolers is approximately the same.
In the sector of low-end solutions at the maximum speed, 3D Cooler and Titan CU5TB showed equal performance, but the noise from Gigabyte 3D proved to be a bit lower.
Final Words
So, wrapping it all up: the most essential - Gigabyte has emerged on the market of cooling devices for the CPU. Hardly could one ever expect such an unexpected move from the traditional manufacturer of motherboards and video cards. In the recent years, Gigabyte has finally diversified its activities - recall their magneto optics, barebone systems and the serious line of network devices. This time, it's coolers. Considering the increased attention from users and media to this topic, the move is quite well-taken.
The main advantages of Gigabyte 3D Cooler are its universality, small weight, excellent look and rich package bundle. The main complaint about it is the high noise level and low efficiency at the minimum speed.
What remains still unsettled is the situation with the price. In any case, the cooler will enjoy keen interest among modders and fanciers of nice-looking hardware.
Unfortunately, we still know nothing about the further plans of Gigabyte regarding the manufacture of cooling devices. Considering their scientific technical and financial potentials, it's quite likely that by the coming June's Computex there will be produced a new, fully copper version of a cooler offering wider range of speed regulation. Since the cooler design is basically efficient, it will have every chance to take a place of dignity among high-end coolers.
Conclusion
Pros:
- Fantastic exterior (+ highlight bar);
- There is a speed regulator and two caps;
- Designed for Intel Pentium4, AMD SocketA and AMD Athlon 64;
- Convenient installation;
- Good processing quality of the base;
- Detailed user's manual and a rich package bundle;
- Small mass and acceptable dimensions.
Cons:
- Middling efficiency (low - at the minimum speed);
- High noise level (the noise is essential at the minimum speed);
- Probably a too high price (the exact price is still unknown).
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