CPU Cooler Charts 2008: Part 4

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Verax Helado 2 PWM-T: Simply Too Expensive

Veteran company Verax offers a cooler named Helado 2 PWM-T. It sports a blue, unlit, 92mm PWM fan.

The design principles of the Helado 2 and Xigmatek’s HDT S1283 are similar: the Helado 2 comes with heatpipes that are in direct contact with the CPU, conducting heat to the horizontally-aligned cooling fins. As a result of its smaller fan, the cooling surface provided by the fins is also smaller.

The cooling efficiency of the Helado cooler is only average. The Core 2 quad-core processor we used for testing reached up to 78 °C with all four cores under full load, though the cooler never got unpleasantly loud. With the CPU idle, the temperature drops to about 40 °C, resulting in an even lower noise level.

Considering the overall performance, the price of nearly $89 is much too high.

cpu heatsink cooler

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CPU100% LoadIdle
Temperature78 °C39.5 °C
Noise38.3 dB(A)37.5 dB(A)
Fan Speed1,600 RPM1,200 RPM
Weight450gRow 3 - Cell 2
Intel Compat.LGA775Row 4 - Cell 2
AMD Compat.AM2/AM2+939/940

Daniel Schuhmann
66 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Proximon
    Interesting review! Good to see so many factors presented so well. Someone needs to build a data base for what cooler fits in which case and MB though... I understand there are some problems with the Xigmatek blocking Dimm slot 0 when placed correctly for dual-core, on some boards... If so would likely apply to other 120MM coolers.
    Reply
  • kelfen
    Interesting, It is pretty cool how you kept track of the data :)
    Reply
  • Hehe, this review makes me feel great, I bought this cooler about three months ago, for about $30 after rebate on Newegg, and its good to see I made not only the right choice, but the BEST choice POSSIBLE, as far as my bang for my buck!
    Reply
  • Ogdin
    That xigmatek gets even better when you put a decent fan on it too.
    Reply
  • leo2kp
    I use the Thermaltake Big Typhoon and I never see it anymore on charts, but I understand it to be nearly as good as the Zalman 9700LED. My CPU idles at 30C and sits at 50C fully loaded (1st gen E6600 @ 3GHz), although I am using an upgraded fan. Anyway, I think the Big Typhoon should have been tested too =D
    Reply
  • 00mike000
    who agrees that toms hardware should make a CPU and or VGA coolers chart to go in the chart section would be a great way to compare the majority of coolers out there
    Reply
  • JPForums
    The temperatures are a bit higher than my experiences would suggest. However, they seem to be consistent so there is really no issue. It's probably just a difference in how the temperatures are measured and the calibration of my equipment. Still it would be interesting to see the variation in temperatures measured using several different methods.

    I agree with mike, CPU/VGA cooler charts would be useful.
    Reply
  • martel80
    JPForumsThe temperatures are a bit higher than my experiences would suggest. However, they seem to be consistent so there is really no issue. It's probably just a difference in how the temperatures are measured and the calibration of my equipment. Still it would be interesting to see the variation in temperatures measured using several different methods.I agree with mike, CPU/VGA cooler charts would be useful.Calibration of equipment? Several different methods? Dude, match the room temperature in the first place. LOL
    Reply
  • schwally
    I put a scythe fan in mine that runs at a higher rpm, and nearly inaudible decibels. Keeps it cooler and quieter. My one problem with the cooler is the push pins. I know they sell the backing seperate, but it would be nice if it was all one. Anywho...
    Reply
  • truehighroller
    I think the Thermalright extreme would beat them all why is it not used here?
    Reply