Swiftech MCXC370 Cooler Update

Author : Joseph Leone : 18th December 2001

3DVelocity would like to thank Swiftech, Inc. and especially Mr. Gabe Rouchon, President, for their help and courtesy in providing this cooler for review.

Introduction :

Swiftech sent us their new MCXC370. This is the copper base version of the all-aluminum MCX370 that we reviewed in September. Since all of the construction details are very similar or even identical to the aluminum version, we're just going to point out the major differences and subject the MCXC370 to our testing routine. Under this new program, all the HSF units we obtain, however we obtain them, will be tested using our "test bench". If you'd like to see more about the test unit itself, and the reasoning behind our decision to embark on this course, you can read the entire article here. The bottom line is to obtain results that can be compared across the whole spectrum of available HSF units.

What you get :

Here's the package that the unit ships in. It's simple black and white motif should blend nicely with any room decor. Swiftech isn't very generous with the padding material, though, so you'd better be on good terms with the UPS man.. Sorry about the blurred image...too much caffeine.

 

 

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First Impression:

The package contents are pretty much what we've come to expect. A small tube of thermal transfer compound and a patch of little rubber "feet" for use with Intel CPU's are included. The unit is heavy, weighing in at a hefty 600 grams...exactly twice what AMD recommends.

 

 

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Construction:

As you can see below, this unit is composed of copper base with 188 aluminum pins press fitted into it. Copper has a better rate of heat transfer than aluminum does, so it's ideal for use as a contact surface against the relatively small CPU die. The aluminum pins provide all the surface area required, while still keeping the weight from geting totally out of hand. The overall finish is clean and neat, with no burrs or nicks in any of the surfaces. The pins are spaced widely enough that airflow should be fairly good, and the cylindrical shape should provide good turbulence..and turbulence is what keeps the air "scrubbing" the metal. That means less build-up of hot "boundary layer" air to insulate and impede heat transfer. The picture shows the heads of the two screws that acuate the retaining mechanism. More on that later. The lower photo shows the base finish, which is very flat and very smooth.

 

 

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Help for the ham-fisted:

Here we see the business end of the clip system that really impressed me. As we've already mentioned, this unit is quite heavy. I wouldn't even attempt to mount it if it only used 1 socket tooth on each side. But, as you can see, Swiftech recognized the need to use all 3 hooks on each side of the socket. The unit is "tightened" onto the CPU/socket by loosening the screws. The screw has a washer under the head that pulls the clips tighter as the screw is loosened. As this is taking place, the springs under the clip are taking over the application of pressure, and limiting it to recommended levels. This method has the advantage of allowing the clips to be "hooked" onto the socket without the use of pressure that could crack the CPU. Also, since the springs ultimately determine the pressure applied, it should be even on both sides and thus prevent the sink base from remaining tilted. I'm happy anytime I can install a heatsink without aiming a screwdriver at $200 worth of printed circuits.

 

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Results and Opinions:

This is a well, manufactured, good performing HSF. I think that the general concept is right on the money. The fit and finish of the components are top shelf. I am concerned somewhat about weight, but with 6 socket hooks holding it, you should be safe enough using the unit in a computer that won't be moved around much. The lack of RPM monitoring capability is a shortcoming that can be easily remedied..if not by Swiftech, then by the user who installs an aftermarket fan.

All the units are tested the same way. 1500 grams of water at 70C are circulated through our testing apparatus, with the time and temperature drop monitored. We take the 20 minute period with the greatest temperature drop, and simply calculate the calories and BTUs of heat transfer.

 

 

The MCXC370, for it's solid construction, excellent clip design and above average performance has earned a rating of "90" on our 3DVelocity scale.