Thermaltake ISGC-100 CPU Cooler Review

Testing

The following system was used in testing:

Case: NZXT Tempest
Motherboard: XFX 680i LT SLI
CPU: Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz
Memory: 2x2GB OCZ SLI Ready DDR2 800 MHz
CPU cooling:
– Masscool 8W553


SilenX iXtrema IXC-120HA2
Thermaltake DuOrb
Titan Cool Idol
Cooler Master GeminII S
Cooler Master Sphere
Cooler Master Hyper 212
Zalman CNPS9300 AT
Vantec AeroFlow FX 92
Vantec AeroFlow FX 120
Xilence Xilent Blade Pro
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX
Thermaltake Spinq
Noctua NH-C12P
Thermaltake BigType 14 Pro
Cooler Master V8
Titan Fenrir TTC-NK85TZ
Thermaltake TMG IA1
Cooler Master V10
– Thermaltake ISGC-100
Video Card: XFX 9800 GTX Black Edition

Tests were conducted under idle and load states. The computer was left to sit after 30 minutes after being turned on to check the idle temperature. The load temperature was found by running the latest version of Prime95 which supports multi-core CPUs by default. Temperatures were obtained through SpeedFan.

graph

The ISGC-100 didn’t perform too well with a minimum of 50C in idle and 65C under load conditions. It was the worst idle temperatures that we’ve recorded, but yet it was still better than some of the other CPU coolers under load conditions such as the Thermaltake DuOrb and SilenX iXtrema.

Conclusion

The Thermaltake ISGC-100 is a decent CPU cooler. This is probably not something an enthusiast may consider, but maybe the average gamer or someone with a microATX case. Its small compact size should fit in almost any small case which could be perfect for the on the go gamer. The downside to its small size is the poor cooling performance. While it’s not the worst we’ve tested it really isn’t close to the best we’ve tested. Hopefully the other three ISGC coolers will perform better.

Thermaltake gives the ISGC-100 an MSRP of $49.99, but you can find it for around $35-40 by doing a simple search. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Thermaltake ISGC-100 a 7 out of 10 score.

rating7 10 small

Pros:

– Small compact design
– Good for small cases
– Unique fan design
– Secure installation

Cons:

– Poor cooling temperatures

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