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Thermalright SLK-947U Review



Test Setup

The only heatsink I had for a comparison here was my older SLK-900U. Both heatsinks will use the same Blue Enermax 92mm Adjustable Fan - the adjuster on the fan itself will be on high for the entire test.

Here are all the specs for the test setup, that could possibly have an influence on temperatures:

However, I'd like to point out how I checked my temperatures. Seen below, I put a thermal probe as close as possible to the core of the processor. (Yeah, when the picture was taken, it hadn't been cleaned ).

I decided to check the accuracy of the motherboard temp readings by looking at what temperature the probe displayed and comparing it to the computer's reading. Both readouts were nearly identical. This meant that the readings from the motherboard were fairly accurate, which is why I decided to use Motherboard Monitor for averages.

Load was determined by running Folding at Home for 45 minutes - Average taken from Motherboard Monitor 5.3.4.0.
Idle was found by running the computer with no programs running and just basic background applications for 45 minutes - Average taken from Motherboard Monitor 5.3.4.0.

Room temperature was kept between 76-77 ºF for the endurance of the test.

Default Speed - 1.73 GHz @ 1.6v in MBM (1.65v in BIOS)
Overclocked - 2.2 GHz @ 1.8v in MBM (1.85v in BIOS)

CPU Fan at High - CPU fan @ 2600 RPM (12v)
CPU Fan at Low - CPU Fan @ 2150 RPM (9.2v)


Results









The graphs show the SLK-900U beating the newly redesigned SLK-947U in every test. My only guess is that this is basic difference. Frankly, I think both heatsinks perform exactly the same. There may be a little less surface area on the 947U, but maybe the extra surface area on the base of the heatsink makes up for this? Either way, I must say that the above tests were right within the margin of error - and should really have no effect on what heatsink you buy. Put it this way - if you want to use this kickass heatsink on an A7N8X or any other motherboard the normal 900U doesn't fit on, buy the 947U, otherwise, get the original - the SLK-900U.


Conclusion

This heatsink is just another one of Thermalright's winners. It performs exactly like the original SLK-900U and fits more motherboards as well. I'm going to say the same thing I said in my last Thermalright heatsink review, "Thermalright has never let me down." Every single heatsink I have used since I started building computers a few years ago has been a Thermalright heatsink - starting with the SK6.

The package itself has been completely thought over - they even included thermal paste! All mounting hardware has been included, down to the foam feet protecting the processor from heatsink crushing. The heatsink, made entirely of copper, has been constructed very well - this thing will last forever! With the included clips, there is also a very broad choice of fans to use - you can use 70mm, 80mm, and 92mm fans - whether they are low profile or huge 38mm thick Tornados.

When it comes to finding the best heatsink for cooling your heavily overclocked Athlon or Pentium 4 processor - you can not go wrong with an SLK-947U, or SLK-900U for that matter. The two heatsinks are nearly identical and also perform exactly the same. If you don't have enough space for the older 900U, buy the updated 947U - revised to be a better fit on many motherboards.


Pros

Cons

 

I'm proud to give, yet another, Thermalright heatsink PC Abusers' highest honor:


OVERALL RATING: 9.5 / 10




We would like to send a special thanks out to our friends at Thermalright for allowing us to review their SLK-947U!

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Copyright © 2003 by Sean Hayes