Cooler Master Vortex TX Review

     Pentium Processors keep getting faster, and with that increase in speed comes an increase in heat generation.  Intel has responded with bigger and more efficient heat sinks.  Not surprisingly, the aftermarket cooling experts have trumped the boring OEM coolers with more exciting and efficient coolers for the performance aficionado.  The Vortex TX is the latest high performance cooling solution from Cooler Master.  Lets see it in action!

     With the new P4 LGA775 processor it has been hard to find a cooling solution I can trust.  Cooler Master has answered this need with the Vortex TX.  The new Vortex TX combines the strengths of two previous products, the Vortex Dream and the Ultra Vortex Series, with a universal mounting system that works with Pentium 4, Celeron, Celeron D, AMD K8, Sempron, and K7 processors.

Out with the old..

     Installation of the Vortex TX requires the removal of my Gigabyte Motherboard to allow a Universal Retention Plate to be attached to the back side.  Its never fun to remove a motherboard from your system after its built and my Gigabyte is no exception.  Fortunately, the folks at Cooler Master have included a tool to assist in mounting the nuts to the back plate.

     After mounting the correct adapter to the attractive copper base and using some of the provided heat grease, I turned my board over and encountered my first problem.  The Gigabyte GA-8ANXP-D has a couple extending solder points that block the installation of the Universal Retention Plate.  Using two extra rubber washers included in the kit, I was able to get a solid mounting without the retention plate.

Notice the 4 protruding points!

     Despite the last minute installation change, the cooler mounted solid against the processor.  Cooler Master provides anti-vibration mounts for the front giving the adapter a firm foundation.

In with the new!

     I was a bit nervous about the increase in size, but even with the Gigabyte U-Plus D.P.S. module installed the 92mm fan just fits.  What a difference in looks from Intel's plain Jane heat sink.  

     How about the cooling? I tested the Vortex TX both idle after running for 24 hours and at load after running Futuremark 3dMark 05 for about 20 minutes. With 5 fans running in my case the Prescott runs pretty cool already, but the addition of the Vortex TX makes a visible difference both at load and idle. Idle The Vortex runs ~3 Degrees lower but at load the difference blossoms to almost 10.  Its also noticeably quieter than the Intel OEM unit running almost inaudibly even at load.

Specifications:

Features:

• Universal Retention Module for Intel P4(Socket 478/ LGA775), Celeron & D (Socket 370/478), AMD K8+Sempron(Socket 754/939/940), and K7 (Socket A).

• 100% solid copper core with 184 fins provides high thermal power to cool your system.

• Omni-directional fins heat sink design provides maximum heat dissipation area and concentrated cooling.

• 92x92x25mm transparent circular fan with PWM function, adjustable speed to control the CPU temperature automatically (By motherboard), provides the silent cooling system.

• PWM 4-pins connector with foolproof design for both general 3-pin and PWM 4-pin motherboards.

Conclusion:

     While the Intel OEM cooler may be enough for the average consumer, the performance boost from the Cooler Master Vortex TX makes it the clear choice for Performance Enthusiasts and the attractive design is a must for Case Modders.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Vortex TX for any supported processor.  Once again Cooler Master has shown how a small investment can significantly improve looks and performance.

MSRP on the Cooler Master Vortex TX: $35.99