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
– Thermaltake ISGC-200
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.
The ISGC-200 performed about midrange in both terms of idle and load conditions. An idle speed of 42C was obtained while there was a load temperature of 57C. Not the greatest, but yet not the worst of our CPU cooler tests. So far the ISGC-200 is the best out of the ISGC series in terms of cooling.
Conclusion
The Thermaltake ISGC-200, being the second of two reviews in the ISGC series, proved to be better than the ISGC-100 cooler. While the ISGC-100 Cooler is best for compact cases, the ISGC-200 is better for mid-size cases as it leaves plenty of room for cable management and airflow and is yet not too tall to hit the side panel of the case.
The ISGC-200 MSRP is $54.99, but can easily be found online for around $40-$45, which places it nicely with its performance. Overall ThinkComputers awards the Thermaltake ISGC-200 CPU Cooler an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Mid-range cooling
– Easy to install
– Compact
Cons:
– Pushpin design
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