EnzoTech Ultra-X CPU Cooler

Introduction:

EnzoTech has been a server cooling solution provider since 1982. My only experiences with EnzoTech has been limited to past servers using their fanless solutions to keep noise down in the professional sector. Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of getting my hands on any products due to limited supplies in the region. Finally, we are able to see some products here in the states that deserve a technical eye. First, here is a little information about EnzoTech.

The last line there suggests that there is an open minded company interested in new ideas when it comes to how EnzoTech will support its customers. Having experience in making countless products with AMD and Intel should equate in to a good level of experience and performance. EnzoTech was kind enough to send us their newest Ultra-X CPU Cooler. Allow me to give you an inside look at what they have to offer.

Specifications and Features:

• Compatible with all single and dual-core CPUs for Intel® Socket 775 and AMD™ Sockets K8/AM2/754/939/940

• The base of the Heat Sink is machined to 0.0003 per inch run-out, which optimizes surface contact and maximizes thermal conductivity performance

• Four 8 mm heat pipes guarantee the CPU will always run smooth and at optimum efficiency

• The large 120 mm fan provides extreme volume of airflow which will keep your Northbridge chipset cool at the same time

• Artic Silver®5 Thermal Grease and Adjustable fan speed control included

 

Dimension (L x W x H)	148x148x118mm
Total Weight	835g

 

Fan
Delta Fan	AFB1212H-F00
Dimension (L x W x H)	120x120x25.4mm
Speed	1200~2500 RPM
Noise	24.5~38.5 dB-A
Air Flow	35.8~82.67 CFM
Voltage	12VDC . 0.35A
Connector	Molex 2695- 3 Wire
Bearing Type	2-Ball

 

Heatsink
Base	Forge C1100 Copper Base , Mirror Polished
Material	Aluminum Fins
Heatpipes	4 Piece of 8∅ Pipes
Thermal Grease	Arctic Silver® 5

Closer Look:

EnzoTech did a good job of first impressions. The Ultra-X box is simple by design, but make a graphics presentation that give a good impression of what to expect inside. Through the box window you can see a hint of what the Ultra-X looks like. And it looks, well, BIG! It's actually about the size of the Thermaltake Big Typhoon if this helps give you an idea of its size.

"X"

Nicely Done

Specifications

Features

There are some differences seen in the design of the Ultra-X that mixes some old and new methods together. The major differences are the area that it can effectively be cooled, how it cools the processor, and extra passive style heat sinks. The Ultra-X utilizes the ever popular heat pipes to help dissipate the majority of the heat by the liquid within them. The heat pipes are very large and seem slightly thicker than any other heat sinks around. The design is such that the pipes start inside the mirror polished copper base plate and travel up completely all the way inside the top 120mm sized aluminum heat sink. The base plate has a nice black heat sink directly on top which really isn't completely passive since the 120mm fan blows directly down on top of it which undoubtedly helps cool the base plate.

One Side

Heat Pipes

Other Side

Bottom

Just as anyone would expect from a heat sink of this magnitude, the Ultra-X doesn't just have a 'one speed fits all' kind of 120mm fan on top. EnzoTech provided a PCI bracket fan control for changing the speed of the fan based on how much you find to be optimal. The variable control potentiometer can control the fan revolutions from 1200 to 2500 give or take a 50. At 1200 RPM, the 120mm fan is inaudible even up close to your system. Even at 1900-1950 RPM you still need to concentrate to hear it above the typical case fans. At 2500 RPM, the fan is about 36db from about 2 feet away.

Fan Specs Up Close

And then there is the level of air being moved by this kind of fan and design. The fan blows air through the heat sink directly on to the lower base as well as any motherboard components, which in this case is the RAM, MOSFETS, chipset heat sink, and back of the graphics card. All of these components are by far the hottest parts on any motherboard, so the extra cooling is very welcomed. What kind of air are we talking? There is about 35 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air moving at 1200 RPM and about 83 CFM at 2500 RPM with very respectable noise levels.

Side

120mm Fan

Bottom

Base Heatsink

Looking at the bottom of the Ultra-X, you can see that the heat pipes, aluminum heat sink, and copper base are all assembled very well and are of very good quality. You can see that the aluminum fins are very thin which allows for a much quicker dissipation of heat and a more unrestricted air flow from the 120mm fan. And if you haven't already noticed, the copper base has an excellent finish. These kinds of finishing touches are often what carry a CPU cooler from performing good, to performing excellent.

Top View

Artic Silver 5 Reflection

This brings us to a concern that some people may have reservations about. CPU coolers this large are often heavy and typically require extra special care during installation. This is not the case with the Ultra-X. It may be large, but the weight is very well distributed out rather than directing the bulk of its weight directly down on the processor. EnzoTech is very confident in the mounting methods, so your stock AMD motherboard bracket will hold the Ultra-X sufficiently despite its weight. As for the Intel users, we get to use the tried and true 4-point mounting methods.

And finally, the bundled goodies. Someone has heard the masses and finally opted to include a proven very good thermal paste! Aside from the well supplied mounting parts and illustrated installation directions, the Ultra-X comes with a tube of the proven Artic Silver 5. EnzoTech has seen fit to include something other than the generic thermal paste that just gets the basic job done with minimal results.