Testing preparation:
The system that I used to test the AeroFlow 2 and the AX-7 is not my own (I
still am stuck with my KT133A). All testing was done with identical ambient
temperatures (22C) and similar times in the day. Other variables such as opened
/ closed doors, house heating / cooling, and traffic in the area of the computer
was monitored and controlled. A thin layer of Arctic Silver Ceramique was
applied to the CPU core, and allowed to burn-in for 72 hours. The bases of both
heatsinks were cleaned with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol prior to
mounting. Here are the important specifications of the test system:
Epox 8RDA nForce2
AMD XP 1700+ JIUHB
512MB DDR400 Geil RAM
For the idle temperatures, the computer was loaded to the
login screen of Windows XP Home, and left on that screen for three hours. The
temperature was then recorded with Motherboard Monitor. The UD Cancer Project
was then loaded, which puts the CPU at 100% load for a few hours. After two
hours at full load, the processor temperature was recorded. I repeated this
process for the 'overclocked' readings, while having the voltage for the
processor increased to 1.7, and the multiplier / FSB at 11.5x200 (2300mhz).
Without further ado, here are the results.
The AeroFlow 2 consistently beat out my lapped Thermalright
AX-7 by as much as three degrees at times. One thing to note; the fan, while a
few decibels quieter than the previous fan on paper, seems to be right around
the same noise level. Not incredibly loud, but not bordering on quiet either.
The 4400 RPM most likely did not help the AeroFlow 2 in terms of noise, but it
made up for it with performance. 13C temperature delta from ambient at idle
stock temperatures is pretty good.
Conclusion:
The AeroFlow 2's predecessor had a lot of great, innovative
features, but also left something to be desired in a few areas. While I did not
care for the plastic fan grill, the rest of the assembly looked sharp, both out
of the computer and when mounted. The fan noise level was acceptable; not
'quiet' as PR would like to describe it, but not a screamingly loud fan by any
means either. The department that the AeroFlow 2 excelled in, however, was its
ability to lower temperatures. My pride and joy, hand-lapped AX-7 did not come
closer than 2C in any phase of the testing, and the difference between the two
heatsinks would be greater if it was not lapped. The AeroFlow 2 falls into the
budget category at only $24.99 for the entire assembly, fan included, and it
performs admirably.
Pros:
Cons:
I'd like to thank Clare at Vantec for providing us with the
AeroFlow 2 for review, as well as answering my questions on the unit. Please
feel free to send me any feedback
on this review or any past review.
