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Introduction and Features

Thermaltake recently introduced a new version of their very popular Big Typhoon CPU cooler.  The heatsink portion of the Big Typhoon VX is identical to the original model but the VX uses a more powerful variable speed fan and incorporates new mounting hardware that supports LGA775, AM2, and K8 platforms.  In this review we will take a detailed look at the Big Typhoon VX heatsink fan (HSF) to see what affects, if any, these new changes have made on performance, noise and installation.

 

 

Big Typhoon VX Main Features:

• Excellent cooling performance, supports up to 130W TDP
• Large copper base and seamless soldering process
• Incorporates 6 copper heat pipes
• High density aluminum fin array provides large surface area
• 120mm Variable speed fan
• Supports Intel LGA775 and AMD K8 & AM2 platforms
• Tool-less, easy installation

 

Specifications (from the Thermltake website)

 

 

Heat Pipe Technology

 

The Big Typhoon VX cooler uses six copper heat pipes to transport heat from the heatsink base up into two arrays of thin aluminum fins.  A heat pipe is a highly efficient conductor of heat.  A properly constructed heat pipe has a very low thermal resistance, which is roughly independent of its length (unlike ordinary metal rods whose thermal resistance increases with length).  Heat pipes are commonly used to transport heat from one location to another.

 

          

 

Heat pipes work on the principle of evaporation and condensation.  A working fluid (frequently distilled water) evaporates inside one end of the heat pipe (the hot-end) absorbing heat in the process.  A partial vacuum inside the heat pipe allows the water to evaporate at low temperatures.  Once formed, the water vapor diffuses from an area of high vapor pressure (where it is being generated) to the other end of the tube where the vapor pressure is lower.

 

The vaporized fluid then condenses back to liquid (cold-end) and the heat is dissipated into the air from the metal cooling fins.  The working fluid returns to the hot end via capillary action thru an internal wicking structure (sintered metal coating, fine wire mesh, or grooves) so the heat pipe does not have to rely on gravity to recycle the working fluid.  The key to a heat pipe’s high efficiency is the latent heat of vaporization. 

 

The Big Typhoon VX CPU cooler comes securely packaged in a clear plastic clam-shell insert inside a colorfully printed box.  In addition to the HSF the package also includes mounting hardware, thermal grease, and a printed Installation sheet.

 

 

• Big Typhoon VX heatsink fan
• LGA775 mounting hardware
• AM2/K8 mounting clip
• Thermal grease
• Installation Guide

 

Next Page – A Closer Look

 

Click here for the Detailed Review