The PC Perspective Podcast is your weekly stop for the latest PC tech news and reviews! Give it a listen!

Introduction and Features

The HR-03 video card cooler features classic Thermalright construction and incorporates four heat pipes to efficiently transport heat from the copper base into a large array of aluminum fins.  The HR-03 is designed to work with both ATI and nVIDIA video cards and can be used with or without a fan.  It can be mounted in either of two ways, with the cooling fins on one side of the video card or the other, to better utilize available space.  The HR-03 builds upon Thermalright’s successful V-1 Ultra VGA cooler and promises even greater performance.

 

 

The Thermalright HR-03 heatsink can be used with a 92mm fan of your choice or it can be used in passive mode without a fan.  In many cases, the HR-03 will perform very well in pseudo-passive mode, when using the airflow generated by a nearby CPU cooler or case fan.

 

HR-03 Features and Specifications:

• Designed to work with or without a fan
• Passive cooling delivers silent operation
• High performance and low noise when used with a fan
• Copper base, multiple heat pipes and large fin area for optimum heat transfer
• Proprietary fin design for efficient ventilation
• Two ways of mounting cooler for best space utilization
• Light weight and easy to install
• Both ATI and nVIDIA platforms supported
• Wire clips for directly mounting an optional 92mm fan

 

The good folks at Thermalright also sent along a syringe of their new Chill Factor thermal compound.  It features an environmentally friendly formulation, which is easy to apply and is non-electrically conductive.

 

 

Chill Factor Technical Specifications:

• Color: White
• Volume: 4.8 ml
• Thermal resistance: 0.047
• Life expectancy: 12 months

The HR-03 heatsink comes in a traditional Thermalright cardboard box, along with printed instructions and mounting hardware.  Users must supply a 92mm fan of their choice.

 

 

• Thermalright HR-03 heatsink
• ATI and nVIDIA mounting hardware
• V-RAM aluminum heatsinks (4 low profile, 7 full height)
• Fan mounting wires (2)
• Tube of Thermalright thermal compound
• Thermalright label
• Printed Installation sheets (2)

 Next Page - Components and Design

Click here for the Detailed Review