Serious computer enthusiasts know of Thermalright as a manufacturer of high end cooling products. They got their start by offering a cooler for AMD's first generation Thunderbird processor, and have continued to evolve to be able to provide solutions for every modern processor as they become available.

This review is going to take a look at a CPU cooler designed for use in an HTPC (home theater personal computer) that is compatible with Intel's socket 775/1156/1366 processors, as well as AMD's AM2/AM3 processors. As shown in the promotional image below, the Thermalright AXP-140 is a low profile cooler that sports six heatpipes, and the large horizontal surface of aluminum fins is able to support fans up to 140mm in size. You could definitely install this cooler in a system other than an HTPC, but the low profile design should allow it to fit in tighter places (like an HTPC) that a typical heatpipe cooler just wouldn't work.



Before taking a closer look at the sample provided for review, lets take a look at some of the published information available on the AXP-140 as provided by the official product page on the Thermalright website.

Features:

» Low profile CPU cooler with down draft style of air cooling makes it perfect for HTPC; heasink total height is 70.2 mm.
» Support Intel Socket 775 / 1366 and 1156 (optional) AMD Socket AM2 / AM3
» Down draft air flow helps to cool CPU surroundings such as MOSFET and North Bridge chipset producing a general reduction in temperature inside your computer case.
» Large surface area for cooling (140mm x 140mm) with option to install a 120mm fan or a 140mm silent fan, balancing noise and performance to suit your preference.
» Six nickel-plated heatpipes to reduce oxidation effect, maintaining top performance for long term usage.
» Features an all copper base and soldering technology that has each heatsink fins soldered to the heatpipes for a definite contact in producing high efficiency rate of heat transfer.
» Include 140mm 11 fins Large airflow fan (1500RPM).

Specifications:

Heatsink:

» Dimension: L145 x W147 x H70.2 mm
» Weight: 550g (Heatsink only)
» Heat pipes: Six heat pipes with Nickel plated
» Heat sink base : Copper

Fan:

» Dimension: L140 x W140 x H25 mm
» Bearing Type: two ball
» Rated Speed: 1500RPM
» Noise level: 33.5dBA
» Air flow: 94.7CFM

In the past, Thermalright products were sold without fans, leaving the end user to source one to their liking on their own. Having one included is obviously much more convenient, and my assumption is that Thermalright probably picked a fan that can provide great cooling with minimal noise.