Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

When I first received the heatsink, I thought it’s just another Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Heatsink but nevertheless I still gave it a try and I was totally impressed!

The Appearance

Just like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283, this unit was very well built. It comes with copper heatpipes that are in direct contact with the processor, however the advantage of the Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer is that it comes with not 3 but 4 heatpipes. Yes, 4 – U-shaped bent heatpipes that transfers heat from the processor to the aluminum fins.

Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

The Core-Contact Freezer also comes with mounting clips that fit AMD processor setup instead of the 4-pin connector used for Intel’s LGA775. In order to mount this cooler on an Intel setup, you have to first install the 4-pin mounted retention bracket, after that only you clip the heatsink on to it.

The package also comes with an MFDB ( Magnetic Fluid Dynamic Bearing) Fan that boasts silent operation with Ultra-Silent Low-Noise Level (16db) and 50,000 Hours operational lifespan. Unlike the HDT-S1283 that holds the fan via rubber studs, the Core-Contact Freezer holds the fan with metal clips. Yes, just like those you see on other types of heatsink such as those from Scythe and Thermalright.

Besides the fan and the heatsink itself, the package also included a fan-controller (PCI slot mounted unit) and also a Tuniq TX2 thermal compound. πŸ™‚ Talk about a complete package! I only wish that the fan controller was a 3.5″ floppy disk bay mounted unit, but I think I’m just being picky here.

Technical Data

Here are some details…….

Part number CR-CCTF
Dimensions(mm) 125(L) Γƒβ€” 104(W) Γƒβ€” 155(H)
Weight 590g
Bearing Type MFDB
Rated Voltage 12V DC
Rated Current 0.16A
Air Flow 90.65 CFM (Max)
Noise 16~20 +/- 10%
Speed 1,000~2,000 RPM+/- 10%
Life 50,000 hours
Thermal Resistance 0.092 (? / W)

Official Product Page

Installation

Well, it’s a huge heatsink. Just as huge as the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 and my concern was whether I can fit my casing that I had problem closing my side panel due to the HDT-S1283’s height.

Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

And just like any other big heatsink, it’s virtually impossible to install them without removing the motherboard. Yes, I’ve tried mounting the Core-Contact Freezer for about 20 minutes and I finally gave in and decided on dismantling my unit. I hate the hassle, I was using the Albatron PXP35 motherboard and the ATX12V socket placement wasn’t friendly with this heatsink. Nevertheless I managed to get it all mounted (with a bit of bloodshed due to my carelessness).

As for the “moment of truth” (about the closure of the side panel) – the Core-Contact Freezer was tall BUT not tall enough to become an obstruction for side panel closure. YAY!

Performance

For the performance test, I just run both my processor cores at 100% load and took the readings. My overclocked Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 running at 3.2Ghz was the one to dispense the torture as usual.

Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review
Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

Just like the other heatsinks, I’ve LOVE to test them out with out FAN. Yes, I’m a fan of fanless setup. πŸ˜€ I was pampered by my Scythe Ninja that ran fanless and held on well to my X2 3600+ @2.5ghz and handled full load without problem. I’ve not had any fanless setup since I upgraded to an Intel setup last year and none of the heatsinks so far were able to take the heat.

Did the Core-Contact Freezer pass the test? YES IT DID! Here are the results, ambient temperature was around temperature was around 25°C when the readings were taken.

  Idle (°C) Load (°C)
Stock Heatsink 35 65
HDT-S963 23 51
HDT-S1283 25 49
Core-Contact Freezer (fan @ max) 25 44
Core-Contact Freezer (fan @ min) 27 46
Core-Contact Freezer (fanless) 30 48
Core-Contact Freezer (fanless,
air-conditioner off)
32 52

Nice eh? I mean really, I’ve been running it fanless for weeks now and it doesn’t fail me at all. The fan itself can be rather noisy when it comes to maximum speed but what I’m most surprised is that it worked so well even without a fan on it.

Conclusion

I love it! Yes, it’s simple as that – It’s huge, it blocked some stuff and I had to remove my motherboard just to install it but in the end it’s just worth it as I have now once again managed to run a fanless setup! πŸ˜€

goldfries recommended

20 thoughts on “Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer Heatsink Review

  1. heh,seems to perform flawlessly without fan..thinking of getting a new hsf..Btw u ran it fanless with the processor OCed or not? thinking of getting 1 for silent set up of my pc :D…

  2. Hmm, that means u’re using it on ur oc E2140? I wonder will this work on my upcoming E1200 >_<..gonna oc it till 3.2Ghz :D…Btw how much does this cost? Don’t really seems to see this cooler in LYP

  3. ya better go to c2d if have budget.. or e2160/e2180 if low budget..

    How much this cooler cost..? want to compare with s1283..

  4. now C2D is quite cheap already la, alternatively, you can get AMD. AMD isn’t bad though.

    The price for this cooler should be around 150

  5. e8500. πŸ˜€

    then oc till 5.9ghz. πŸ˜€

    wow. this is actually quite an awesome cooler.. how much is it?

  6. swt, E1xxx series is based on C2D architecture lar -.- + i heard this cooler is not sold in malaysia…Wonder where did you all get the price -.-

  7. not sure, coz i actually ask a seller and it seems the distro in malaysia not bringing this in..not sure if he is right or not..

  8. goldfries,

    I’m curious about the price of this monster, though

    Kinda keen on this one… hehe πŸ˜€

  9. I’m not sure, last I know no one was bringing it in but it should be around RM 150………. i think. on Newegg, it retails for about 40 USD.

  10. Goldfries,

    The 590g weight of the heatsink, does that include the fan as well?

    Seems a bit light for a huge cooler for that.

    I might considered getting this for my new computer on April – May 2009. Thanks.

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