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
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.
CPU Cooler
|
Idle
|
Load
|
Masscool 8W553 |
46C
|
70C
|
SilenX iXtrema – Low |
45C
|
69C
|
SilenX iXtrema – High |
44C
|
66C
|
SilenX iXtrema – 2x Fans |
44C
|
64C
|
Thermaltake DuOrb |
47C
|
67C
|
Titan Cool Idol – Low |
45C
|
62C
|
Titan Cool Idol – High |
44C
|
59C
|
Cooler Master Sphere |
46C
|
61C
|
Cooler Master Hyper 212 |
44C
|
54C
|
Zalman CNPS9300 AT |
41C
|
55C
|
Vantec AeroFlow FX 92 |
46C
|
60C
|
Vantec AeroFlow FX 120 |
43C
|
58C
|
Xilence Xilent Blade Pro |
47C
|
61C
|
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX – Low |
45C
|
55C
|
Thermaltake MaxOrb EX – High |
43C
|
53C
|
Thermaltake Spinq – Low |
45C
|
58C
|
Thermaltake Spinq – High |
43C
|
57C
|
With temperatures of 45C on low and 43C on high for idle states it seemed a little better for average performance, but when it came to the load states of 58C on low and 57C on high I was surprised. Compared to the MaxOrbEX that we just reviewed the performance was lacking. While it was still performing pretty well I just expected a little more for the price.
Conclusion
The Thermaltake SpinQ CPU cooler is certainly a different take onto CPU cooler design, which is why it has already won many awards for its design. While it looks pretty cool when it comes to design and aesthesis I just think it could do slightly better in the cooling area, at least for the price on Thermaltake’s website of $79.99. Doing a quick look online I was able to find it for $20-25 cheaper than that.
While I like the easy of install and custom fan adjustments, they just aren’t my biggest fans. If you’re looking for a sweet looking CPU cooler to show off and still have some decent performance then I think the SpinQ would be a good choice, but if you’re looking for extreme cooling for overclocking, this probably isn’t your best choice. Overall ThinkComputers awards the Thermaltake SpinQ an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Innovative design
– Full chrome color w/ blue LED
– Easy to install
– Great CPU cooler to show off
– Turbine fan design
Cons:
– No PWM fan
– Uses push-pin design, not as secure as back plate design
– Pricey MSRP for performance