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Test Setup
Epox 8RDA+ nForce2: Athlon XP 2400+ provided by (15x133: 2.0GHz, 12.5x189: 2.363GHz, 15x165: 2.487GHz), 2 x 256MB Crucial PC2700 Ram, Asus GF4 Ti4400, 120GB Western Digital SE 8MB Cache, Windows XP SP1, nForce 2 Unified Driver Package 2.0, Detonator 41.09.
We're not going to bother with any 60mm fans, nor will we bother with 70mm fans on the SLK-800. We're going with an 80mm Tt Smart Fan 2, running at full speed. I chose to omit the smaller fans since we're more concerned with maximizing the SLK-800's performance. The comparison heatsink will be the Swiftech MCX462+, which has also been paired up with the same 80mm fan. Nanotherm Ice II is the thermal compound used for testing. To load up the system, we run Prime95 run for 20 minutes, with Folding @ Home running in the background. Ambient room temperature is maintained at ~23C/74F.
Although I'm sure a few people would like to see the 70mm fan performance, we will be following this up with a future heatsink roundup.
Overclocking
In terms of overclocking, I attempted to get by a couple of hurdles we've had with in our Athlon XP 2400+ review. One overclock that has always eluded us was the 15x166 OC. The other OC that has failed was 12.5x199. Unfortunently, like in our SLK-700 reivew, we didn't have any more success. I should add that we did match the overclocks that the Swiftech MCX462+ managed.
Temperature in °C (Full Load)
Both heatsinks perform comparably, with the Swiftech MCX462+ holding a very slight lead at 2.487GHz. Other than that, neither heatsink has any advantage over the other in terms of performance. The fact that no air cooler we've tested up until now was able to match the MCX462+, this is quite an accomplishment by the SLK-800.
Temperature in °F (Full Load)
A quick graph for our American readers...
Final Words
For the most part, air cooling performance between the SLK-800 and the MCX462+ is a draw. One advantage the SLK-800 has is that it's probably more compatible than the MCX462+, since many of the newer AMD motherboards don't have the four mounting holes. It's flexible, accomadating three sizes of fans, though I'd imagine most of you will stick with the 80mm ones, and possibly the 70mm ones.
As with the SLK-700, the only complaint I do have is the clip is very stiff. Although there's a notch for a flat head screwdriver to help with installation, it doesn't secure it very well. If you're not too careful, you can easily slip and gauge your motherboard.
The SLK-800 is tied with the MCX462+ as the best performing heatsinks we've tested thus far. When it comes to air cooling, this is one of the best, and it doesn't get any better unless you resort to water or phase change cooling. It is a bit expensive, but you're not paying for a cheapo aluminum cooler here.
Pros: Great performance, matching Swiftech's best. Should be compatible with most AMD motherboards.
Cons: Clip could be more screwdriver friendly.
Bottom Line: Running at 37$, , without a fan, that is a fair amount of coin to drop on a heatsink. Then again, if you plan on sticking with air cooling, it doesn't really get much better than this. Would I pick this over a Swiftech? Tough call, as both have their own pros and cons, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate giving this an Editor's Choice.
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Thermalright SLK-800 Socket-A: We take a look at Thermalright's former flagship cooler, and see if it still has what it takes to stand up against our current champ, the MCX462+.
