Introduction: OCZ Vendetta
Using a distinctive, highly efficient heat pipe and fin design developed by Xigmatek, combined with a low-noise fan, the Vendetta is built to tackle heat-induced performance degradation and solves the cooling challenges of today's enthusiast.
While traditional heat pipe CPU coolers typically use a solid base plate design, the Vendetta's three copper heat pipes make direct contact with the processor allowing for maximum heat transfer at a more rapid pace. A novel "dimple" design in the micro-configuration of the stacked aluminum fans adds turbulence, thereby reducing the skin effect of laminar air flow. Moreover, a folded "V" shape of the macro-configuration of the fins adds surface area without compromising the compact design. As a result, the Vendetta offers incredibly efficient cooling area comparable to much larger coolers which is reflected in its performance.
Heatpipes have not been an integrated part of the CPU heatsink for very long now, but the tall design with a fan fixed to the front has already been done several times over. Copper heatpipes, and later copper bases, helped reach the coolest temperatures available from air cooling, but enthusiasts didn't have to wait long for the next advancement. The newly popular Heatpipe Direct Touch "technology", a design created by Zaward, has proven itself effective in our review of the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 which "borrowed" from Zaward's design.
The ultra-quiet fan cools without disruption with its anti-vibration rubber connectors to reduce excess noise, resulting in quiet, yet extremely effective performance. Because the OCZ Vendetta has a compact design, even the most crowded cases can accommodate the cooler with ease.
Many manufacturers search out designs that will help them develop a product known for extraordinary performance. Benchmark Reviews has already reviewed many of the very best CPU coolers available to enthusiasts, from the very unique and original design of the Zaward Sylphee ZCJ003 and VIVO to the over-sized Thermaltake MaxOrb CL-P0369. Not long ago, we even reviewed the Ultra ULT33186 Chilltec TEC CPU cooler which combined three different cooling technologies into one solution. All of these products performed very well, but none of them really set itself apart from the pack like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 did. In this review we will test the OCZ Vendetta (OCZTVEND) Exposed Copper Heatpipe Direct Touch CPU cooler against a field of well-established competitors.
About the company: OCZ Technology
Entering the memory market in August 2000, OCZ Technology was built around the determination to manufacture the best high speed DDR and RDRAM. OCZ was founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and their commitment to the end-user has not digressed. OCZ Technology has been an innovator in many areas.
We were the first manufacturer to make Dual Channel optimized memory available to the public, which originally took advantage of nVidia's Twinbank or Dual DDR architecture, found in their nForce chipset. We have now taken that technology and tailored it for the Canterwood, and Granite Bay chipset's. OCZ developed and was the first to implement ULN technology, which has been a critical element in the manufacturing process for some time.
We at OCZ diligently work to improve communication with CPU and motherboard chipset manufacturers prior to the release of their products. Only in this manner can we fine-tune the memory's SPD settings, ensuring a synergistic relationship between the memory module, memory controller, and microprocessor. In today's rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, such communication is not simply research, but a necessary component of the manufacturing process.
Features & Specifications
-
For Sockets AMD 754/755/939/AM2, Intel LGA775
-
3 Pure Copper heat pipes for superior heat dissipation
-
Pure Aluminum fins for ultimate durability
-
1 year warranty
-
Fan Specs
-
Dimensions: Heatsink: (L)97 x (W)79 x (H)134mm
Vendetta Includes:
OCZTVEND: Off the Shelf
Right away it's apparent that OCZ is serious about packaging. The Vendetta (sku# OCZTVEND) comes completely surrounded by closed-cell foam, and I assure you that the if the Manchester United soccer team placed a round with this package, the Vendetta would come away unscathed.
The OCZ Vendetta Exposed HDT (heatpipe direct touch) CPU cooler is based on the 92mm size cooling fan, which comes supplied with the kit. Notice how well everything has been embedded into the protective foam; it actually took some work to get the heatsink out of the packaging because it was so deep.
Enclosed in the kit you will find everything you will need to build and install the OCZ Vendetta into your system. Expect to find:
92mm Cooling Fan
Mounting Hardware for every modern motherboard socket
Silicon-based Thermal Compound
Vendetta HDT Finsink
OCZ has included the efficient pulse width modulation 92mm cooling fan.
Size: 92mm
Rated Voltage: 12V DC
Fan Speed: 1200-2800RPM
Fan Air Flow: 39-54.6 CFM
Noise Level: 22-34 dBA
Bearing type: ball
Connector: 4 pin with PWM
So far the OCZ Vendetta Exposed HDT CPU cooler has remained up to expectations, especially from a name like OCZ. After you see the results (keep reading, don't skip to the results page), you will understand why I am not going into detail about the lack of a second 92mm fan to the backside of the finsink.
Vendetta: Closer Look
The very first thing I noticed, or rather didn't notice, is the finsink scars I became familiar with when I reviewed the Zaward VIVO and the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. The scuffs and bent aluminum edges on those coolers had me wondering what they used for quality control. Thankfully that's not the case here with the OCZ Vendetta; everything is pristine, as I think we all want after purchasing a brand new product.
OCZ has used a unique "V" design in the aluminum finsinks on the Vendetta. This "V" shape of the fins adds surface area without compromising the compact design. Ultimately this is exactly what the Vendetta seeks to achieve: large cooler performance in a small cooler footprint.
The Vendetta utilizes three 8mm exposed heatpipes to wick heat away into the finsink array. This is so far the largest heatpipe seen in such a small cooler. But will it work?
Each aluminum plate has been polished top and bottom, reducing the amount of drag on the airflow. Paired with the single 92mm fan, this should prove to be a powerful combination which other manufacturers have overlooked.
Polished copper heatpipes run out from the OCZ Vendetta like the exhaust tips of a top-formula dragster. The sheer size of these rods is enormous in comparison to the overall unit.
OCZ uses 100% copper in their heatpipes, which dramatically improves the evaporation and condensation cycle in the Vendetta. As you can see from the image above, all three heatpipes are flush with the base; this is a result of grinding the base and pipes as a unit, and not separately.
Continue on to the fine details section, where we will cover some of the hidden design features found only in the Vendetta.
Vendetta Detailed Features
If you look close you can see the "dimple" design pressed into the micro-configuration of stacked aluminum finsink plates. Together with the "V" depression, this helps to add turbulence, thereby reducing the skin effect of laminar air flow over the OCZ Vendetta. In layman's terms, this allows air to get closer to the actual surface, rather than riding above it as it normally has a tendency to do.
From the image below, you get another good view of the flush-surface base of the OCZ Vendetta Exposed HDT CPU cooler.
Some inexperience readers have posted comments regarding the surface of the heatpipe direct touch design. Now that I have reviewed all three existing HDT designs, to include the Zaward VIVO and the Xigmatek HDT-S1283, I can assure you that the OCZ Vendetta is completely flush and true, just like the others were. Hopefully the images above and below will help reassure some of you.
OCZ has worked with Xigmatek to produce the Vendetta. As a result, the exposed HDT design is identical, as well as the clip and fan attachment plugs.
So now that you are thoroughly familiar with HPT (heatpipe direct touch), as well as the background and comparison products, you are prepared to see how the OCZ Vendetta does against its older siblings.
CPU Cooler Testing Methodology
Testing was conducted at a series of temperature intervals, with the ambient room temperature measuring the same for each cooler's reading. Lavalys EVEREST rounds up temperature readings to the nearest whole number, however all ambient temperatures were recorded and accurate to one-tenth of a degree Celsius.
EVEREST Ultimate Engineer Version 4.00.976 was utilized to measure all CPU temperatures. It should be noted that temperatures obtained through software most always reflect the thermistor readings as recorded by the BIOS. All of the units compared in the results were tested on the same motherboard using the same BIOS. These readings are not absolute or correct, but they are relative since every BIOS is programmed differently.
Test System
-
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R (Intel P35 chipset) with F4G BIOS
-
-
Processor: Intel E6600 Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz
-
-
-
-
Hard Disk 1: Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA
-
Optical Drive: Toshiba Samsung SH-S203 SATA 20x DVD R/W
-
-
-
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 (optimized to 16 processes at idle)
For each test, the computer system was powered on and left idle for ten minutes prior to recording the idle temperature with EVEREST. After idle temperatures have been recorded, two console versions of the Folding @ Home client were simultaneously run to create full load on both CPU cores. After ten minutes of full load, the temperature was again recorded. This process was identical for all cooling solutions used in this test, and was repeated for each ambient temperature interval.
OCZ Vendetta Results
Up first are the results under idle load. The CPU temperature is listed vertically along the left-hand side of the chart, and the ambient room temperature is displayed for each group along the bottom. In this test battery, the OEM cooler provided by Intel with the Core 2 Duo E6600 was used as a reference, which offered a high-temperature baseline reading.
When I tested each cooler, I made certain to keep the hardware settings identical across the entire test platform. I used the same front side bus and clock speeds, which would enable me to clearly compare the performance of each product under identical conditions. While the ambient room temperature increases, all of the coolers I have ever tested would also record higher readings (all except for the Ultra ULT33186 Chilltec TEC CPU Cooler). Since the OEM cooler supplied by Intel was the first unit to be tested, there was quite a difference between the ambient room temperature and the temperature of the cooler (41° C idle at 23° C ambient room temperature).
At idle, the OCZ Vendetta exposed heatpipe CPU cooler was recording results just slightly higher than room temperature, which was encouraging. The 31° C recorded at 23° C ambient was impressive, but nowhere near the Ultra ChillTec, and a few degrees warmer than the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. But the heat had just started to be applied, and once I completed tests on the other coolers it would be time for real cooling under serious load.
Under full load, the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 began to create tremendous heat. The little Intel OEM cooler, despite its copper base, gave the worst results anyone could suffer recording, registering 59° C at full load while the room's ambient temperature remained 23° C. But that's what you come to expect from a bundled cooler, right? Sadly this must be the case, because I still hear of many users (even some gamers and hardware enthusiasts) which still use the stock reference cooler. I feel for those of you in this situation, I really do...
...but there are some very good reasons to evolve, or at least save up your money and upgrade. Previously, the very expensive Ultra ULT33186 Chilltec TEC CPU Cooler held the crown for cooling, if only by a very small margin. In all honesty, the Zaward Sylphee ZCJ003 CPU Cooler was the real king of the hill prior to these tests, since it is roughly half the size of everything here. But last week we discovered a new champion when the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Exposed Copper Heatpipe CPU Cooler defeated all challengers with a maximum recorded temperature of only 39° C in a 23° C ambient room temperature and at full load. But what about the Vendetta?
Well, the OCZ Vendetta attacks heat with a vengeance, because it handily out-performed every other competitor in the field except it's much larger sibling (the Xigmatek HDT-S1283). While it wasn't the best air-driven CPU cooler of the entire bunch, it was a very close second. It's worth noting that the Zaward VIVO, which has the same size cooler and twice the fans, was left in the dust by Vendetta. I predict that this Heatpipe Direct Touch (HDT) design is going to become very popular.
OCZTVEND Final Thoughts
When I first received the Vendetta, I silently thanked OCZ for designing an after-market cooler which doesn't require me to disassemble my computer and remove the motherboard just to install a CPU back plate. I realize that some of the more critical overclocking enthusiasts will disagree, but the standard design Intel press-clips are a convenient option with lightweight coolers like the Vendetta. With Anti-vibration rubber fan mounts, and a push-pin & clip systems for both Intel and AMD application, the Vendetta offers the easiest to install cooling solution available. Leave the tools alone, because none are required for this upgrade.
OCZ Vendetta Conclusion
OCZ has always known how to deliver flash and flair while remaining focused at presenting the consumer with plenty of useful information in their product packaging. The Vendetta is no different, and the extremely over-protective application of closed-cell foam is almost to the point of being too careful with a product. You'll certainly appreciate receiving a perfect product without blemishes, and the retail package is certainly enough to catch eyes.
Some hardware enthusiasts will scoff at the rear-end appearance OCZ has given their Vendetta. The extended "V" fin plates may not allow a second fan, but then again that would be unnecessary based on the performance we received. The exposed heatpipes formed from polished copper, along with polished aluminum fins lined with effective pebbles, create a look you can't really help but to appreciate the functional fashion OCZ has designed into the Vendetta.
Already built from the rugged design Xigmatek perfected, OCZ has taken a good thing and make it better; something they do quite often it seems. The construction found in the Vendetta is what I expect all CPU coolers to have: visually flawless and structurally sound.
Somehow this little Vendetta proved that size certainly doesn't have to be the focus of functionality. With the extremely positive temperatures we recorded, the OCZ Vendetta exposed a whole new platform of contenders back into the range of top-class cooling product: 92mm.
Available for as low as $36.95 online, the OCZ Vendetta offers the best value Benchmark Reviews has seen in a CPU cooler! If you're looking for a top-class cooler at a mid-range price, then look no more, Vendetta is your answer.
I was extremely pleased with the results Xigmatek's HDT-S1283 offered, but I wasn't so thrilled with the large 120mm size taking up so much space. OCZ really researched their options when they designed the Vendetta, because it packs all of the performance the HDT-S1283 offered with the small 92mm footprint most coolers always seem to exceed. This truly is the performer of the series, with nothing but supplemental technology added to the already proven HDT design to place it firmly at the top of the list.
Pros:
+ Super-efficient heatpipes
+ Heatpipe Direct Touch design
+ Quiet 92mm PWM cooling fan
+ Hassle-free installation
+ Aluminum plate pebbles increase air contact
+ 8mm copper heatpipe rods
+ Finsink "V" increases surface area
+ Excellent packaging material
Cons:
- Silicon TIM material supplied oxidizes copper
- No spare rubber T-clip supplied
Ratings:
-
Presentation: 9.25
-
Appearance: 9.0
-
Construction: 9.25
-
Functionality: 9.75
-
Value: 9.0
Final Score: 9.25 out of 10.
Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.
Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
Related Articles:
|
