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Review: Four Intel coolers go head-to-head. Xigmatek vs. Cooler Master vs. Akasa.

by Michael Harries on 15 September 2008, 09:48

Tags: Akasa, Cooler Master, Xigmatek

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qapa3

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Red Scorpion S1283 - installation and performance

Installation

The Red Scorpion S1283 follows the same installation procedure as the Achilles 1284, requiring you to attach the retention mechanism and fan, as well as apply the thermal interface material yourself.

The same criticisms that were levied against the installation of the Achilles can be directed towards the Red Scorpion - namely awkward to access retention push-pins, and less-than-ideal contact with the heatspreader due to the H.D.T. design.

At least all three heatpipes now make decent contact with the CPU's IHS, although the aluminium channels take up almost a quarter of the available surface area.

A look at the pattern the thermal paste leaves on the CPU again reveals the extent to which there are gaps between the heatpipes and the aluminium channels.

Performance

Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 Tower Configuration
  Idle Load
Ambient room temp 23.8°C 23.8°C
Case Temp 27.6°C 27.6°C
CPU Temp 40°C 64°C
System (NB) temp 43°C 43°C
GPU temp 71°C 70°C
CPU/Room Delta T 16.2°C 40.2°C
CPUCase Delta T 12.4°C 36.4°C


Xigmatek Red Scorpion S1283 Desktop Configuration
  Idle Load
Ambient room temp 23.7°C 23.7°C
Case Temp 26.1°C 26.1°C
CPU Temp 40°C 65°C
System (NB) temp 43°C 43°C
GPU temp 71°C 70°C
CPU/Room Delta T 16.3°C 41.3°C
CPU/Case Delta T 13.9°C 38.9°C

Summary

Xigmatek's Red Scorpion S1283 performs almost the same as its bigger brother, the Achilles S1284, yet costs a good deal less. However, it still suffers from most of the flaws of the its big brother, with an awkward installation procedure and compromised contact with the CPU's IHS due to, you guessed it, the H.D.T. design.

Again, there seems little reason to recommend the heatsink when cheaper and easier-to-install alternatives perform better.