The Basics:
The Vendetta 2 requires some assembly. In addition to having to install the appropriate mounting hardware for AMD or Intel processors, the fan also needs to be attached. What you receive is the naked cooler as shown below.
The design is identical to the smaller, original Vendetta including details such as the fin shape, dimples to create turbulence, and the positioning of the three heatpipes. The image below shows the face of the cooler where the V shaped channel for increasing surface area can be seen more easily. With greater fin surface area, longer heatpipes, and a larger fan, I have high hopes for the performance of the Vendetta 2.
For those unfamiliar with "direct touch" technology, the next set of images should explain it fairly well. Traditional heatpipe coolers have implemented a solid metal plate to come in contact with the CPU, with the heatpipes just behind it. This extra metal is eliminated in this design, and the transfer of heat should be more efficient.
The base of the cooler is shown in the images below. Just like the original Vendetta, this version features an aluminum block that holds the three copper heatpipes in place. The circular cross-section of each heatpipe is flattened to fit into its channel, and the bottom surface is fairly flat.
Although purely aesthetic, I don't know why the aluminum base has to have such a poor finish. So far each direct touch heatpipe CPU cooler I have reviewed has had a base that looks like it may have been exposed to the elements. Other than that, the only other thing worth noting on the base is a pair of threaded holes used for attaching the appropriate hardware.
