Sponsor: Thermaltake

Price: 69.99

Author: Tazz

Published: Mon, Jan-05-2009

Choosing the right CPU cooler for your application you have to take several variables into consideration. One of the most restrictive variables is the size of the heatsink. Depending on what chassis you plan on using for your build, is most likely going to be the limiting factor in what you can install in it. Even the largest full tower chassis have limits when it comes to some of the larger CPU coolers.

Today we are taking a look at the Thermaltake MaxOrb EX CPU cooler. This is the latest version in the Orb series, and one of the largest ones. It utilizes a patented design that utilizes 6 heat pipes paired with 6 individual cooling fin channels, which might explain the reason for the massive size of the cooler itself.

The Thermaltake MaxOrb EX comes blister-packed inside an attractive looking package, which is cutout to allow the consumer to get a good look at the product they are looking to purchase. On the package the consumer is greeted with the standard features and specifications of the MaxOrb Ex, as well as several pictures of the cooler.

Pulling the blister-pack out of the box we can see that the MaxOrb EX is well supported in the packaging. With the MaxOrb EX removed from the box you really get a feel for how large this cooler is. The accessories are packed in the white box which is also suspended in the blister-package. The MaxOrb EX should have no problems making its way to you undamaged.

Features:

• Copper Construction, Copper Heatpipe, Fin, and Base, provides maximum heat conductivity and dissipation performance.
• 6 Distinct Designed Heatpipes* remove heat from source via 6 different channels.
• Mirror Coating Copper Base develops perfect heat dissipating contact.
• Unique Radiant Heatpipes* penetrated fins transmit heat evenly and efficiently.
• Patented Radiate Design, embedded fan dissipates heat away from surrounding fins and immediate fins so as to enhance cooling.
• Silent and powerful VRFan, 16dBA at minimum fan speed.
• Adjustable fan control to boost cooling performance at overclocking operation.
• The 110mm fan comes equipped with blue emitting LED lights.

What's included?

• 1 x MaxOrb EX Heatsink
  
• 1 x Thermal Grease
  
• 1 x M3 Nut
  
• 4 x Standoff
  
• 1 x Universal Retention Bracket
  
• 4 x LGA775 Push Pin Module
  
• 1 x M3 Screw
  
• 1 x AM2 Backplate
  

As we can see, the MaxOrb EX comes with everything that we will be needing for the installation process. Although I am not real fond of the push-pin style mounting for the Intel based setup, we will be finding out how well it works.

Thermaltake has even added a second layer of protection during the shipping process. Removing the MaxOrb EX from the blister pack we see that the fan also has a protective cover over it.

The MaxOrb EX is almost identical to its older brother the MaxOrb. The main difference is the use of copper on the MaxOrb EX, which should yield better cooling performance over the MaxOrb.

At this point, one of the biggest concerns I see is the overall size of the fins. The MaxOrb EX is 143mm (L) x 144mm (W) x 95.2mm (H). I'm not to concerned with the height of the cooler, which seems to be the most common issue with the larger coolers. With the cooler being 144mm wide, I am sure we will find that there are going to be some limitations when it comes to installation in some chassis.

It's a large cooler and most everyone will notice that from the get go. So we should be seeing to many users trying to cram this thing in a SFF case. For our installation, we will use a suitable case when it comes to size, the SilverStone TJ10. But for now, lets throw in the rest of the specifications of the MaxOrb EX.