As you can see above, the fan is a simple design. Simple yes, but effective. Once thing I discovered when reviewing the original Aero 7 is the the air being released close to the fan isn't exactly centered. But as you got an inch or so from it, the strongest air was more centered. Which is another reason why to have the sheath.

Testing 1, 2 3..

In seeing how the Aero 7+ performs I'll compare it against an SK-7 using a stealth (quiet fan) and a loud but better performing fan that puts out a rated 45cfm. Idle temps are after a fresh boot and waiting about 15 minutes. To get load temps I ran prime95 for one hour. Room temp was maintained at 75f.

• antec lanboy case
• shuttle ak-31
• xp 2000+ @ 2200+
• maxtor 7200
• 512mb crucial pc2100
• Arctic Silver Ceramique thermal compound applied

As you can see, the Aero 7+ does hold its own against one of the better heatsinks on the market. I did a lot of testing back and forth and those temps were the average. The first graph I tested the Aero 7+ at 2500 rpm because that was the fastest I could have the fan and not hear it. Even on its top speed, the Aero 7+ fan was not nearly as loud as the delta fan. And remember, that loud delta fan puts out 45cfm, while the Aero 7+ fan puts out a rated 20cfm. That is less than half the airflow! You might say this new design works! Yes the sk7 beats it, but...That is something to consider.

Also keep in mind, I did not use motherboard monitor for checking temps. I used a temp sensor attached to the bottom of the cpu. This way is far more accurate than relying on the onboard temp sensors, so these temps might be a bit higher than what some expected.

While not being the best cooling heatsink/fan on the market, it is the most unique. The design of that fan is a MAJOR step in the right direction. What could be better? Make the darn clips not in the center and more on the side. Aside from that, the Aero 7+ does well and does so without a way-too-loud fan, even at top speed. It can be loud, but it does not have that very annoying "whine" that the delta fans are known for.

And hey, it is different! A conversation piece, a what the.. when another looks inside your system. Coolermaster is on to something here and I hope they continue trying to improve the fan and especially the design of the heatsink.

• Looks cool
• cools suffeciently well
• fan controls, you get 2 choices and they work great for peace and quiet
• all copper (except for the aluminum sheath)
• unique design makes the fan more effective
• can be very quiet and still cool well enough for most people
• bottom is shiny smooth

• the new thumb clip is shorter than previous coolermaster heatsinks. The other longer one was da best ever. *But it is shorter because the longer clip did hit the ram on some mobos
• No fan monitoring connection
• must remove fan to install on most mobos (but that's easy)

Many thanks goes out to the very nice people over at CrazyPC. psst, they really ain't crazy. ;)

Direct link to the Aero 7+.

And Nick, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to you and your wife on the new baby!