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Spire TherMax II Heatsink Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Conclusion
The Spire TherMax II is a very basic heatsink, when it comes to looks. The aluminum fins have a raw finish with unbound edges. 4 monster heatpipes provide the cooling but rely on heat transfer since they don't stagger to take advantage of passing air. The unique shape of the radiator helps to make it stand out but does also create a very distinct void for air to escape before it passes over the fins.
We have seen many times how limited a core contact heatsink can be when it comes to heat capacity. While the cooler does an excellent job at default speeds but when the power is cranked up, it is often the core contact designs that become saturated first. 200w is a lot of heat to dissipate and while the Spire TherMax II appears to be able to handle the power it is not recommended.
Installation went incredibly smooth and is really the best thing the TherMax II has going for it. The one piece mounting cage provides a strong base for the heatsink and is either secured in place with plastic clips or screwed directly into a reinforced back plate. Attaching the heatsink is done with 2 large finger operated clips and becomes a permanent fixture, until it needs to be removed.
Now for our list of good things and bad things
We have seen many times how limited a core contact heatsink can be when it comes to heat capacity. While the cooler does an excellent job at default speeds but when the power is cranked up, it is often the core contact designs that become saturated first. 200w is a lot of heat to dissipate and while the Spire TherMax II appears to be able to handle the power it is not recommended.
Installation went incredibly smooth and is really the best thing the TherMax II has going for it. The one piece mounting cage provides a strong base for the heatsink and is either secured in place with plastic clips or screwed directly into a reinforced back plate. Attaching the heatsink is done with 2 large finger operated clips and becomes a permanent fixture, until it needs to be removed.
Now for our list of good things and bad things
Good Things
Easy installation
Quiet Fan
Core Contact Cooler
Quiet Fan
Core Contact Cooler
Bad Things
Limited Heat Capacity
Basic Heatsink design
Basic Heatsink design
