Testing~

Now the fun begins! In testing these heatsinks I did so with changing each heatsink at least 3 times each and took the averge temps. And I did something that I do not recall seeing in any heatsink roundup. I used the exact same fan on EACH heatsink! Yes, the same silent 80mm 3000rpm fan on both the SLK600 and the SLK800, and AND for fun and comparison I'll also include testing results with an AX-7 using that same fan and testing conditions.

Test System~

Idle temps were taken after a new boot and letting sit for at least 15 minutes. Load temps were taken by using the Prime95 cpu torture test. First test is with the XP 1700+ cpu at default speed of 1470. Second test is with the XP 1700+ overclocked to XP 1900+ speed, 1.6gb. (11x145fsb). Room temperature was 80-81 degrees so these were abused very well, and keep that in mind when viewing the results.

XP 1700+ at Default speed-

XP 1700+ Overclocked to 1900+ speed-

One thing's for sure, each of these heatsinks will take care of your cooling needs very well. I'm not surprised the SLK800 was better than the AX-7 but I am a bit surprised the SLK600 is a little better than the AX-7. Obviously there is something to be said about all copper. More is abviously better in this case. When Thermalright made these new additions to their fine heatsink line they clearly knew what they were doing. I am in awe!

Conclusion~

Of all the many many heatsinks I have tested in the past, these two new additions from Thermalright are the best, hands down! No contest hit the road Jack. First thing about them that I noticed I liked was the 3 prong clip. That has always annoyed me when some of those heavy heatsinks have just a 1 prong clip. Especially the all copper heatsinks, they are heavy. And being so heavy it is easy to scrape off that center lug. Then what do you do. Not even mentioning the fact how much more secure the heatsink is with a 3 prong clip, like when you move your system around to lan parties.

With the narrow heatink and narrow heatplate at first glance you wonder if these will be any good. That design along with that thick copper "U" in the middle is what makes these babies the best. The air from the fan is allowed to flow through the fins where the air is circulated around the actual cpu, helping to keep it cool. And as an added bonus, since any fan you use (except a 60mm one) overhangs the heatsinks that helps to cool any components close by, like your ram, chipset, capasitors, etc..

Pro's~Con's~

OUTSTANDING! Is what I think of when trying to think of a good word to describe theese heatsinks. EXCELLENCE is another. At the time of this review, the SLK is usually priced less than $50 while the SLK600 is usually under $30. You'll have to consider that when deciding which one you chose. Both of these will not let you down and they WILL be your best new buddy. No fan is included with either so you can choose the one you want depending on your noise tolerance. But a noisy fan is NOT needed. The tests above are all done with a silent 80mm fan! Yep, no hairdryer-loud fan needed here. All things considered and with their superior performance I have to give each of these heatsinks our most esteemed:

Many, many and I do mean MANY thanks goes out to Thermalright and KDC for making this review possible. Job very well done Thermalright!

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Notes:

No instructions come with either heatsink so you are left to your common sense. Do use the included spacers, just carefully peel off the backing and stick them on in each of the corners. Extra ones are included just in case you need them. And once again, be sure the heatsink is moved mostly towards the rear before attaching. If they are too far towards the front that would not only lesson performance if the heatsink overhangs the front, but could even damage your cpu.

As always with any heatsink testing your results may vary. A lot depends on room temp, your system components, how you apply compound and your case cooling. -peace

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