Overview:

CPU OC Compare

PWM OC Compare

Chipset OC Compare

CPU Stock Compare

PWM Stock Compare

Chipset Stock Compare

Comparison chart detailed:

	KA-9225	KA-9226ACU	KA-9227	KA-9228
DC Fan size:	90 x 90 x 25 mm	90 x 90 x 25 mm	90 x 90 x 25 mm	90 x 90 x 25 mm
Fan speed:	2500 RPM	2500 RPM	2500 RPM	2500 RPM
Bearing type:	1 Ball	1 Ball	1 Ball	1 Ball
Noise level:	31.80 dBA	31.80 dBA	31.80 dBA	31.80 dBA
Max air flow:	43.45 CFM	43.45 CFM	43.45 CFM	43.45 CFM
Heatsink dimension:	70(L) x 93(H) x 98(W) mm	100 (L) x 98 (H) x 94(W) mm	93(L) x 30(H) x 125(W) mm	98 (L) x 60 (H) x 98 (W) mm
Heatsink material:	Aluminum w/ copper base	Copper w/ copper base	Aluminum w/ copper base	Aluminum w/ copper base
Weight:	245 g	381 g	218 g	236 g
Rated voltage:	12 VDC	12 VDC	12 VDC	12 VDC
Operation voltage:	9 - 13.5 VDC	9 - 13.5 VDC	9 - 13.5 VDC	9 - 13.5 VDC
Thermal resistance:	0.25 C/W	0.23 C/W	0.25 C/W	0.23 C/W
Power consumption:	3.6 W	3.6 W	3.6 W	3.6 W
Rated current:	0.30 A	0.30 A	0.30 A	0.30 A

Conclusions:

     There is a lot to like about the new Kingwin heatsinks.  There is a style to fit most tastes and all of them come in with prices that place them in the middle of the pack.  As with any full line of products, we found some we really liked and some that we would pass on to others but you can't go wrong with any of these products if you plan your build correctly.

     Using the DFI motherboard may have added an additional layer of challenges for the Kingwin heatsinks to overcome.  The CPU socket sits at a 90 degree orientation compared to today's most common designs and so the memory sits across the top as opposed to the front edge.  Still this does bring to light the importance of carefully checking the motherboard clearance before placing your order.  We were able to get each design to install even with the DFI quirks with some minimal rearranging.  The install method does make me wonder what the Kingwin definition of "Ease of Install" means!  All of the Kingwin heatsinks required a motherboard removal to install.  Because the AMD socket install used the factory mounting holes, it would have been much easier to design the brackets to use the factory backplate and make the installation a quick swap.  This design decision may have been required to accommodate the universal support but the weight of each heatsink could have been supported by a factory bracket but, no one likes pulling a motherboard.

     Taking the line as a whole I found the KA-9227 to be the favorite with a fun look and performance to back it up! The KA-9225 and KA-9226 are both great looking products that will find good homes in builds with a less needy CPU or a case with solid airflow.  (AMD and Intel both have improved on heat issues substantially since the Opteron processors arrived on the scene).  The KA-9228 is a solid performer with a more traditional style that would be a fantastic choice for a less showy build thanks to its versatility and fan upgradeability.  All of these units will become even better deals as the prices come down in the after market as well.

I would like to thank Kingwin for the opportunity to take a look at all their new offerings!