Thermaltake DuOrb VGA Cooler

Introduction:

Graphics cards have been going through some changes mainly in the speed of frequencies as of late. This continues to cause GPU temperatures to rise as frequencies are scaled higher and higher depending on each model built around that GPU.

Current generation Nvidia GPUs like the G80 used on the 8800 series can get pretty warm especially if your case doesn't have very good air flow. The GTS has had far less issues due to heat while there are quite a few instances where multiple Ultras end up getting very hot and encounters system problems mainly due to poor air flow. The latest G92 based graphics cards have improved in this regard a bit. But, you can bet that their high end cards are going to return to the hotter operating temperatures.

ATI's cards that use the R600 to R680 GPU series are their hottest since the R580. These also can suffer random instability issues due to poor air flow. You would think that GPU improvements meant lower heat, but this isn't always the case.

All of these very, warm graphics cards have some decent, though not exemplary VGA coolers on them. And to get those temps down, one must venture in the area of aftermarket cooling. Since water cooling isn't always the most feasible option, VGA coolers like Thermaltake's DuOrb are designed to exceed stock VGA coolers.

Specifications:

Closer Look:
 

Front

Supported Cards

Back

The DuOrb is simply a dual fan VGA heat sink cooled by two circular molded copper heat pipes with fins. It's pretty neat looking due to the heat sink being split by the center copper base. It also looks extra clean thanks to the shrink wrapped power wire for the fans.

DuOrb is Loose

It's made with light weight copper all around except for the aluminum cap. The heat pipes are all pretty well polished where you can see. But, they have a little visible gray solder metal where the fins attach. It's a little difficult to see the material in between, but you can just tell if you look closely.

Another feature is that the two fans are also lit by blue LEDs. This is suppose to add a more specialize, or modified look to the after market cooler. You can't get this kind of feature on stock graphics card coolers without paying a very hefty premium.

Angle 1

Angle 2

One thing about the DuOrb that I'm not sure about is that it only cools the GPU. Memory sinks are included which are suppose to keep the memory cool which may or may not be all that effective depending on the graphics card and the memory's frequency. Most likely, it won't matter since most cards will reach their limit internally before heat can be memory factor.

Copper Base

Solder Near Fins

The copper base isn't mirror polished, but it's very, very smooth and free of any deep machine marks even to the touch. If a heat sink isn't mirror smooth, then this degree of lapping is very expectable. This should at least be the minimal standard on all heat sinks.

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