Notice the picture above, EVERY heatsink should have a pivoting and easy to grasp clip like that. Not only does it help make a heatsink the easiest to install, but you do not have to worry about a screwdriver slipping and damaging your motherboard. Then also consider the 3-prong connection, this is the BEST clip, bar none!

Once you have applied thermal paste and the cpu on the mobo, you attach the rear clip on the motherboard, keeping your finger on the clip to prevent it coming loose, lower the heatink EVENLY on the cpu. NOT an an angle. (If you lower the heatsink at an angle then you risk cracking the core.) Then simply guide the front clip on the motherboard catches. The front pivoting clip makes this a total breeze! Directions are included or you can see the installation guide from Coolermaster.

As with any testing, results may vary depending on your system specs, room temp, etc.. Room temp was kept at a 72 F and to get max load temp the Prime95 cpu torture test was ran for at least 45 minutes.

• Shuttle AK-31
• XP 1700+
• Samsung pc2700 DDR
• Maxtor 7200rpm hard drive
• small case, 1 intake and 1 exhaust fan

Testing will be against an SK-7. First graph is with the SK-7 using a quiet stealth fan and the Aero 7 on the lowest fan speed that I cannot hear it, 2600 rpm's. The XP 1700+ is at default speed:

In the below graph, the XP 1700+ is overclocked to 1900+ speed. Both the SK-7 and the Aero 7 fans are as they were above, quiet:

Below is with the Aero 7 on top speed and the SK-7 using a 80mm 4000 rpm Delta fan.

As you can see, the Aero 7 more than holds it's own, even against one of the best heatsinks available. On top speed the fan on the Aero 7 does get annoying. Not as bad as the high-pitched sounding delta fans, though you do have a slight "buzzing" sound coming from the fan past 3k rpm's. And it does sound like a hair dryer on low. But then, this is why Coolermaster included the fan controller. When you do need the extra cooling, usually one is playing a game so you'll not notice the fan as much. Around 3000 rpm's it is a little noisy, 2600 or less I could not hear it. This is with the side panel on and the other case fans on low, so they were quiet also. With the side panel off, then the fan was quiet at around 2400 rpm's.

Coolermaster is on to something here. Even though the fan does not perfectly center the air, judging by my testing it does so enough to still make it more effective than standard fans. The skived heatsink is all one piece, adding to the performance. When you solder fins to a heatsink's bottom, generally you'll lose some performance. But the fan, oh yes the Aero 7's fan. It is a major step in the right direction! It is the difference maker here.

• The Unique Fan, better centers the airflow
• Skived Heatsink
• Fan Controller is included
• PCI slot cover & 3.5" cover included for fan controller placement
• Should fit most motherboards, no clips to get in the way
• 3-prong clip
• No tools needed with the pivoting easy-to-handle clip
• Unlike many heatsinks, the fan is included
• Easiest heatsink to install

• Heatsink is not a new design

The Aero 7 is a sign of things to come, fan wise. The fan design is a major yet simple step in the right direction in utilizing the airflow for maximum performance. It isn't perfect, yet. Only because the airflow is not strongest in the center, but it is still better than comparable regular fans.

Considering the superior performance thanks to the skived heatsink and the new unique fan along with the included fan controller and how easy it is to install, the Aero 7 is PCA Recommended. Direct Link to the Aero 7. And did I mention, I like the fan! Plans are in the works for an 80mm version.