'Tis the season...for CPU heatsinks, that is.  Having just hit the latest from GlacialTech last week, I am now tackling the latest heatsink from AeroCool, the SilverWind.  The SilverWind promises to add a splash of style, let us hope it doesn't disappoint where it counts!

First Impressions:

     The retail packaging for the SilverWind is a fairly basic box, with a picture of the cooler on the front.  Right off the bat, we can see that the cooler is using a very unconventional design. 

     The heatsink comes ready for a socket 775 installation, however a clip is provided for AMD applications.  AeroCool also includes a package of grease as well.  Attached to the heatsink is a fan controller, and after that is the motherboard and Molex power connectors. 

     Now, for the heatsink itself.  This particular design uses a fan that sits parallel with the CPU, blowing directly down, while being surrounded by fins.  The fins themselves form a design that is reminiscent of the sun.  The fins are held in place by two heatpipes, one on each side.  The design is an interesting break from all the tower coolers that are floating around these days. 

     From the side, we can see the vertical fins that sit below the fan.  The gap in the middle is for the AMD retention clip.  We can also plainly see the Intel style pushpins, which is identical to the stock heatsink.

     From this picture, we can see that the base is very smooth.  It has been polished in a circular pattern, and apart from being a little dirty, looks pretty good.

Here is a closer look at the Intel-style retention mechanism, as well as the two heatpipes as they run to the base. 

Specifications:

Features:

• High thermal conductivity

• Heatpipes with aluminum fin and heatsink

• Stylish design in fin and extrusion heatsink

• Quad white LED fan with speed control

•  Easy to install compatible to K8/AM2/LGA775