|
Testing
The usual test methods were employed here. The supplied Stars thermal compound was traded in for Artic Silver 2, since I believe that most will swap the included compound for a higher rated one. The test system is as follows:-
AthlonXP 1900+ (supplied by ) @ XP2000 1.75v 166FSB
Abit AT7 Max
Skyhawk Midtower with 2x Intake, 1x Exhaust, with all fans including the PSU fans set to low.
Windows XP (SP1)
As comparison coolers I've used the CoolerMaster Aero7 and the Swiftech MCX462 with an 80mm 3000rpm CoolerMaster fan. For idle settings, Windows was booted up and left for 15 minutes and a reading taken. For load settings Folding@Home was left running for at least an hour and readings taken. This was done 3 times and the average temperature taken for each. Room temperature was maintained at 26C and the case side was left off.
Well no surprises here as far as the Aero 7 is concerned. At highest speeds it performs better than the other 2 sinks. The Swiftech performs as per its usual, but it is starting to show its age a little. Now the doesn't lead the pack here, and it isn't supposed to.
For a budget cooler the X-Factor really does perform well, with loads never exceeding 49C on an overclocked chip. I really did expect to see a lot higher temperatures considering the price and the size, but it actually performs really well. The difference between idle and load temperatures is also good, with no big jumps, keeping up with the likes of the Aero 7 in that department, and is something that I've personally seen on a lot of cheap coolers making for a very misleading first impression. Not so here. Considering the competition I've put the X-Factor up against I think it's done rather well.
Final Words
Budget coolers are usually as the name suggests a really big let down to most of the enthusiast crowd, and whilst the X-Factor is no monster cooler it does perform surprisingly well. You usually get what you pay for and in this case you get quite a lot for a little. Although it couldn't quite keep up with the more performance coolers I tested it against, it did actually acquit itself admirably, with a maximum load temperature on an overclocked 1900+ reaching only 49C.
Aesthetically the X-Factor is gorgeous both in the sink design and the overall aluminium appearance, which extends to the frame for the fan as well. Now whilst Aerocool tout this as a silent cooler I would have to disagree. At 30dB it isn't loud, but it certainly isn't silent. Being able to dismantle the fan makes for a perfect cleaning solution, and the use of the rubber grommets to lift the fan away from the 'sink is both attractive and useful, reducing the deadzone and helping to keep noise produced by air pressure to a minimum.
The X-Factor relies on extrusion manufacturing and with the copper insert and almost mirror finish base, coupled with its good looks and surprisingly decent performance, make for a great overall budget cooler. I have no hesitation in giving this cooler our Recommended Award, but I must make a note here of why I'm recommending it. This is the kind of cooler you would by for your second machine, or if you're a non to mild overclocker. It's a perfect replacement cooler for the OEM cooler supplied with AMD CPU's.
If you have a cramped case and need a cheap but great looking cooler this is the one for you. Whilst I don't have a specific purpose for this cooler personally, I shall be very sorry to see it go back; I'm sure I could find some duty for this cooler to perform. You can buy this great cooler at .
Pros
Drop dead gorgeous
Aluminium fan
Great looking X design enhanced with extrusion manufacture
Small in height and overall size; great for cramped cases
Surprisingly good performance
Great price!
Almost perfect bottom finish
Rubber grommets to lift the fan from the 'sink
Impeller and motor housing of fan removable for easy cleaning
Cons
Silent Tornado on the packaging is slightly misleading
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a monster cooler, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a decent performing HSF with great looks that's easy on the wallet, then get this one. It's drop dead gorgeous, easy to clean and small enough to fit in cramped cases. It might not be an overclocker's dream come true but it is certainly a winner.
Previous Page - A Closer Look
Questions? Comments? - Discuss it in our Forums
Home
|
Aerocool X-Factor: Although monster cooling performance isn't something we'll expect from the X-Factor, it is built with silence in mind. It also helps that it is reasonable on the wallet as well.
