(click to enlarge) |
The AeroFlow 2 is packaged in this attractive, yet hard-to-open plastic packaging. The heatsink is clearly visible through the packaging, not to mention the questionably restrictive grill that is used. (We'll be experimenting with grill removal later on in the article)
(click to enlarge) |
Here is an overall shot of the heatsink. It includes thermal paste (generic white stuff), as well as a short instruction manual. We'll be using Arctic Silver 5 for our testing, for the sake of comparison, and also to show off the performance of each heatsink without either being hindered by crappy paste. The heatsink weighs in at 468g, lightweight compared to some.
(click to enlarge) |
Here is a side angle shot of the heatsink. As you can see, it uses an aluminum body, but it has a copper core insert. The fan is 70x70x20mm and is rated at 34cfm/35dba. An important note about the fan is that it is NOT a TMD fan, so it has a dead spot like every other fan on the market. I'm not sure why Vantec opted to do away with the original design, but we'll see how our testing does.
(click to enlarge) |
Check out the tool-less clip on this heatsink! This is similar to the Aero 7+ and Jet 7 heatsinks we also tested. This makes it much easier to install and remove the heatsink unit, without use of a screwdriver (which might slip and kill your motherboard...). Great for first-timers!
(click to enlarge) |
The fan uses hexagonal screws, which I didn't have a screwdriver on hand for. I managed to get them off with a flat-head, but you would have thought Vantec could use a standard Philips-head compatible screw like everyone else.
(click to enlarge) |
Upon removing the fan (finally), we see the design of the AeroFlow. Air is channeled into the copper core, which cools it off. However, since this heatsink abandons the TMD design of the original, I'm not sure how this would work, if there is a dead spot in the fan. I guess our testing will tell us that, though...
(click to enlarge) |
This is the heatsink with the shroud removed...
(click to enlarge) |
Flipping over that heatsink, we see the copper core insert that is part of the AeroFlow design.
(click to enlarge) |
Here's the best close-up I could get on that core...still haven't figured out why I can't get the entire thing in focus. Any photography experts out there, email me if you know! I'm still relatively new to operating this Coolpix 5700 
(click to enlarge) |
As you can see, it's still a tight fit with our Lanparty B test board. Not too bad, though.
|
Back