Testing:

  Testing the load temps of the OCZ Tempest was done using 1 hour sessions of dual Prime95 installations. Idle temps were taken after 30mins of non-use of the computer allowing it to run as cool as possible in idle state.

   As you can see the OCZ Tempest reduced the stock temperatures by quite a bit. Having 4 heatpipes and a larger fan versus no heatpipes and a small fan certainly makes a difference as any enthusiast could tell you. However there is one drawback to this newfound cooling power; noise. The 92mm fan included with the OCZ Tempest does not have an RPM adjustment so it runs at a full 12v all the time. And unfortunately running at 12v, this fan produces a fairly noisy humming sound. Part of that is the sound of airflow and the other part of that is the fact that there is no vibration dampening at all. The raw metal side clips that are pressing directly against the fan have no foam or rubber so that will cause vibrations, just like a hard drive screwed directly to a steel case versus a hard drive sitting on rubber grommets.

Conclusion:

   Well this has been an interesting review to say the least. I do not like the overly complicated installation process or the above average sound levels produced by the Tempest. I think Zalman is smart to include their little Fan-Mate with all their coolers that allows the end user to adjust the fan speeds. It certainly helps against negative comments against noise levels on their coolers because they offer the adjustment. OCZ did not include such an item though, so therefore I have no choice but to make a negative comment on the noise levels induced by the Tempest.

   I've read and seen many tech sites giving this OCZ Tempest "Editors Choice" awards and other high ranking marks. I honestly don't see how. It's not a bad cooler. It's actually a decent performing mid range cooler. However this is a good example of "do your research" and read as much as you can on a product before making your decision. We (reviewers) all have different opinions on products and it's good to read them all.

   Since I've got so many parts lying around, I went ahead and slapped a fan RPM adjustment device on it. It's much easier to live with now. If you're looking to get one of these, you'll want to pick up a fan speed adjustment device also. Keep in mind though, it's not a heavy duty overclocking cooler, it's just a "better than stock" cooler. It retails for around $50 USD and that's not too bad. If you can get it for $40 or less, that would be even better.

  I would've loved to praise this product more, but the tedious installation process really hurts this product. I know I'm not the only one that would install this on the socket 775. Since Core 2 Duo recently launched, there's a ton of users out there looking for a good 775 cooler. Do your research.