Big Cooler with even bigger cooling ability (Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX CL-P0310)

Member Name: bikerchris

Product:	Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX CL-P0310
Date:	06/03/08 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cools very well, cheap (but does act or look like it), Easy install

Disadvantages: Check your tower size first

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Quality build, manual fan speed adjuster in the event your Mobo (motherboard) can't control it. Copper piping is well manufactured for a low price item. Feels solid.

INSTALLATION

Tower installed in: ThermalTake Armour Case Black With 25cm Fan Side Panel
External Dimensions: 530 x 220 x 560 mm (H*W*D)
Motherboard: AM2 Mobo (Asus M2N-E SLI)

Installation can be slightly fiddly and in my situation I had to use a thin metal bracket with a securing arm (came in box). There is also another adaptor included for other board types. On my motherboard the only downside was that the arm it self brushes the cooling fins of the Big Typhoon and care has to be taken to fix it down. Otherwise installation is relatively straight forward, thermal paste is supplied although the applicator isn't accurate it is acceptable for it's one-off use.

IN USE:

Once installed and connected to the relevant onboard power sources, the fan works as specified. It is very quiet in my opinion and due to it's more efficient design, does not have to run at high RPM in doing so further reducing noise. It is quite audible when running at full RPM (around 2,000) but I suspect if users are running it at that speed, they'll be too involved in a game to notice or be bothered.

You will probably have concern over the weight as it's nearly 1KG, but when a Mobo is placed vertically it seems to hold well and doesn't move at all. Of course I wouldn't intentionally bash it, but that clip really looks undersized for it's function. Clearance inside my large case/tower is about an inch (25.4mm) or thereabouts. Ideally the tower would have a side that could be cut to suit, so that the CPU fan is flush with the external face of the tower - rather than disturbing air movement within the tower. As my 250mm side fan is redundant I may well do this - just need a steel cutter :o)

CONCLUSION:

If you need quality CPU air cooling this is your answer, don't be fooled by it's low price, it has been recommended and been the winner of many comparison tests - often exceeding higher priced competition. It also wins for NOT having yet more blue lights!

Summary: One of the best coolers on the market, regardless of cost, excellent performance