Now that we have the Tt V1AX installed and operating, let's go ahead and start the testing phase; here are the specifications of the system we will be using to test out the V1AX:

MSI x58 Platinum Motherboard, Intel i7 920 CPU, 6GB Super Talent PC3-12800, MSI NX8600 Graphics Card, Seagate 320GB SATA II hard drive and Cooler Master rp-500 500w psu.

Let's start out by testing the system at stock speeds with the lowest and highest settings on the fan with a full CPU load (Intel Speed Step Technology is disabled during these tests). As you can see, at idle there is little difference in temperature, now let's start to work the i7...

With a load on the i7 is where things start to get interesting, and as expected there is a significant difference here. A note here is that at the lowest settings, the Tt V1AX is dead silent, I could hear the hum of the MSI NX8600, but nothing from the V1AX.  We obviously could run the system just fine on low settings, if, in fact, all we wanted to do was silence the CPU cooler at stock settings, but thats only if we wanted to stay stock...

Moving on to how far we can push the MSI x58 with the i7 920 and cooling supplied by the Tt V1AX, let's take a look at maximum OC.

We reach a very nice 4GHz stable (I was able to post at 4.2GHz but could not get past clicking the start button of a test), as you can see at idle, the temps are very tolerable, in fact, more then one would think at this speed. Previously, with the Intel stock cooling, my maximum POST and test was that of 3.85GHz, so there is already a net gain.

Once again, putting a load on the i7, ouch, she reaches 80C of a supposed black out temp of 84C. It would not be my recommendation to run fulltime at 4GHz.

FinalWords

Thermaltake has been known for making quality coolers for some time, the is no exception to this rule as the product is made well and designed to be pleasing to the eye. With the heat output of Intel's Core i7's under load, we are seeing the limits of what the can cool. The unit is easy to use, instructions are clear and it performs well enough to be a top choice for stock cooling replacement. If you are going all out for OC champion, you might want to look elsewhere.

As to improvements or updates, I would like to see a little more slack on the Fan control cable, so I could maybe even lead it out the front of my case or at minimum, the rear. I would also like to see a retention mechanism that isn't of the snap in variety; from my travels, you tend to get a better seal, hence performance, when you are able to solidly hold the cooler in place with screws and a retention plate underneath.

From a price perspective, our friends at have the at time of writing, so it's not bad value for money considering the performance.

Comments? Questions? Talk to us in the Forums.

HOME