test system-

• Epox 8KTA3
• TBird 1.4
• 768mb crucial pc133 c2
• Maxtor ata100 7200rpm hd
• ecs thundersound
• Stonex case

The Stonex case isn't an overclockers case at all. Idle temps were taken after booting and letting sit for 15 minutes, running small photo apps and surfing the net. Never changed much, maybe a degree or 2. Full load was done by running Return To Castle Wolfenstein at 1600x1200x32 with all the toys on for 45 minutes or more. Side panel is off. Ambient temp is at 69 degrees and Arctic Alumina was applied between the heatink and cpu.

As you can see the CoolerMaster HCC-002 is one darn fine cpu cooler! After reviewing very easy to install cpu coolers such as the Senfu and Dr Thermal I didn't imagine another could actually be even easier to install and then consider having this super performance, we have a winner here. That clip is about as perfect as any clip can be. Only bad thing with it is it doesn't have a 3 prong clip. But frankly it isn't a problem unless you move the system, then I'd remove it and not take a chance of it falling off. And of course if your middle mobo catch is broken off. Aside from the clip the other bad thing with it is still the loudness of the fan. However it isn't that bad. While having similar specs as the popular Delta fans it isn't nearly as loud, mainly because it has no annoying high-pitched sound as the Deltas do. And that is the one HUGE difference. But you will hear it with your case closed or not.

• it's a cpu cooler and it cools without many peers(if any currently)
• the clip, it's a winner baby
• so easy to install and remove
• excellent design
• larger copper fins
• all solid copper except for the aluminum sheath
• excellent cfm-output fan

• the fan is still loud
• no 3 prong clip

Only things keeping me from giving it a 9.8 were the loud fan, the lack of a 3 prong clip, even though it's needed or not and the price. All clips should be 3 prong for better support and if the middle mobo catch is broken off. And the price is still in line with a comparable heatsink like the sk6. Many thanks to the great guyz and galz at CrazyPC for sending us this most excellent cpu cooler for review. Direct link to the $28.95 CoolerMaster HCC-002.

Please note: Your temp readings may vary depending on your system setup, the ambient temp, how you apply heatsink compound and even how cold your floor is. If you keep it on the floor as I do. Also I just switched to a Shuttle AK-31 and temps ran a bit higher on it from my Epox 8kta3.