Sunbeamtech Tuniq Core Contact Freezer CPU Cooler Review

Posted by: Daniel Humble () on: 01/28/2009 08:10 PM [ Print | 0 comment(s) ]

Packaging and Closer Look
The packaging is glossy with multiple pictures of the cooler itself from different angles but no cutaways so that you can actually see the product itself before you buy. However I've always been of the opinion that how it performs is more important than what the outside looks like in such matters.

The more eagle-eyed amongst you might notice that the box looks a little bit bashed up which doesn't bode particularly well if the internal packaging is not strong.

And here we can see some of the results, oddly the internal packaging was relatively undamaged but some of the fins are clearly bent, because the packaging seems largely ok I'm unsure as to whether this was caused in transit or if it is something that happened at the factory. Fortunately the softness of the fins means that they are quite easy to bend back with even finger strength but failing that a pair of needle-nosed pliers or similar would be sufficient.

The bottom of the heatsink clearly shows the heatpipes in the base and the finish is good so that the bottom is clearly flat and smooth to make solid contact with the CPU. Because of what Sunbeamtech describe as the unique design of the base they recommend that you use double the normal amount of Thermal Interface Material (TIM) on the CPU, this is no problem as they kindly supply you with a full tube of TX-2 so you have plenty of chances to get it right if you are unhappy with how you've seated it the first time. TX-2 is one of the best TIMs on the market for my money as it 'cures' under heat to create a better bond and aid transfer of heat away from the CPU, since it retails for £4-6 on its own the inclusion of a full tube makes the cooler even more of a bargain and is a far cry from the stingy approach taken by some manufacturers who will only supply a single sachet of paste. Below are a few pictures of the included components apart from the heatsink itself, you've got an Intel mounting post, the TX-2, a fan controller and the screws necessary for the mounting post and an additional screw for the fan controller mounting bracket.