Steven B
Feb 7, 2006, 09:25 PM
[page=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
I would like to thank Mike of CrazyPC (http://www.crazypc.com) for providing us with this review sample.
Swiftech has always been known for the innovative cooling solutions. Today we will take a look at their 100% copper chipset cooler: the MCX159-CU. Its creative design allows for great thermal dispersion in even the tightest spaces, and on almost all motherboards.
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/box.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/foam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/foam.jpg)
The MCX159-CU is packaged in an ordinary cardboard box. But inside the cooler is well protected by foam inserts.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/assortment_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/assortment.jpg)
Inside the package you will find the chipset cooler and of course a bag with thermal paste and mounting accessories.
[page=The Cooler]
The Cooler
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">MCX159-CU Specification from Manufacturer</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base dimensions</th>
<td>1.59 x 1.59 x 0.5" - 40.4 x 40.4 x 12.7mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base material</th>
<td>Copper C110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base flatness</th>
<td>better than .001" - 25µ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base micro surface finish</th>
<td>8 or better</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Heat dissipation medium</th>
<td>96 Helicoid pins (patented), made of high conductivity aluminum alloy 1100 (218 W/m-K)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Weight with fan</th>
<td>8.4 oz - 238 g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan summary specs</th>
<td>40x20mm fan 12V DC 3 wires (RPM output) - 8.9 CFM 26dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Performance </th>
<td>1.25°C/W</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/cooler_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/cooler.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/standlaone_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/standlaone.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/sized_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/sized.jpg)
As you can see above the MCX159-CU is all copper with the exception of the fan. Without the fan you can see the tall copper pins that disperse the heat. Next to the quarter you can see how large the fan is.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/birdseye_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/birdseye.jpg)
Here you can get a nice bird's-eye view of the pins and their allocation on the copper base.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base2.jpg)
You might be thinking about why the base isn't polished or anything, the reason being that it is fine just how it is. The base is very finely finished, and I could not see any imperfections.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fan_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fan.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/2wire_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/2wire.jpg)
Here is the fan. It is a fat 40mm fan that only pushes 6.3cfm. But surprisingly, because of the heatsink's design the fan does its job and only produces around 26dBA. I personally could not hear the fan, and it didn't add any noticeable noise to my system. The downside to the fan is that it is only a 2-pinned wire connection, that means you can't monitor its RPM.
[page=Accessories]
Accessories
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/accessories_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/accessories.jpg)
Here is all the accessories provided with the cooler.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/ceramic_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/ceramic.jpg)
Surprisingly this cooler comes with Arctic Silver Ceramic, which is one heck of a thermal paste.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/neoprene_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/neoprene.jpg)
I was surprised to find neoprene in this kit, but I could see its need in protecting the core by balancing weight distribution.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/holddown_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/holddown.jpg)
Here is the holddown for most Intel chipsets, including the 955X chipset we used for this test.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/tool_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/tool.jpg)
They give you a handy allen wrench to use for installation.
[page=Installation & Testing]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/chipset_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/chipset.jpg)
First you have to remove the old chipset passive cooler, and remove any thermal interface material. I used a rubbing alcohol pad.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/applythermal_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/applythermal.jpg)
Then you apply some of the thermal paste provided which is by far some of the best TIM around.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/heatsinkon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/heatsinkon.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/clippeddown_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/clippeddown.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fandone_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fandone.jpg)
Then you place the heatsink, clip it down, and then screw on the fan. The easy installation took me about 3 minutes (including removing old HS and replacing thermal paste).
Testing
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Test System</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Motherboard</th>
<td>ASUS P5WD2-Premium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>CPU</th>
<td>P4 561 (3.6GHz) With Zalman 9500 LED on it</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Video Card</th>
<td>ATI Radeon X1800XL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>PSU</th>
<td>OCZ Powerstream 520 Watt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Memory</th>
<td>Patriot PC6400 D9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Case</th>
<td>Lian Li PC-65b</td>
</tr>
</table>
Test setup: I ran a series of tests, first at stock, then I dropped the multiplier to 14x and took the FSB to 320 to achieve 4.5 GHz. Various voltage mods have been done to this motherboard, so my results may vary form yours.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/graph2.gif
Interpretation of results: As you can imagine this little heatsink held its own against the passive aluminum cooler that came with the motherboard. Temperatures were also much more stable with the MCX159-CU because of the fan and its copper design. I had a few problems with the passive one. The problems consist of instability at a high FSB when the chipset would go over 70°C. I would see constant freezing and such, but once I put on the MCX159-CU I didn't experience these problems any more. I guess if I had gone high on the FSB my system would have become more unstable with the passive, but there would be more room left with the MCX159-CU.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
You can find the MCX159-CU for $34.99 at CrazyPC</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Great for overclocking, all copper design
Easy install
Low fluctuation of northbridge temperatures
Competitive price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Tall pins bend a little too easily
</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>8.8</th>
<td>The MCX159-CU had been on my most wanted list for about three months, so when I was getting it for review I wasn't the least bit surprised or disappointed. I had been looking around, and most overclockers use it because it's practical and keeps your Northbridge temperatures at a good level, so you can achieve a huge FSB. I was very pleased with the cooler none the less. From its mounting, to the fact that they include Arctic Silver Ceramic, it's a bargain. Water cooling your northbridge isn't too practical because your Northbridge doesn't respond to temperatures like your processor, just keeping it at a decent temperature will get you good results, going sub ambient or really close to ambient will grab you a couple MHz at most. All in all I found this cooler to be a great bargain and performer.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
I would like to thank Mike of CrazyPC (http://www.crazypc.com) for providing us with this review sample.
Swiftech has always been known for the innovative cooling solutions. Today we will take a look at their 100% copper chipset cooler: the MCX159-CU. Its creative design allows for great thermal dispersion in even the tightest spaces, and on almost all motherboards.
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/box.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/foam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/foam.jpg)
The MCX159-CU is packaged in an ordinary cardboard box. But inside the cooler is well protected by foam inserts.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/assortment_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/assortment.jpg)
Inside the package you will find the chipset cooler and of course a bag with thermal paste and mounting accessories.
[page=The Cooler]
The Cooler
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">MCX159-CU Specification from Manufacturer</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base dimensions</th>
<td>1.59 x 1.59 x 0.5" - 40.4 x 40.4 x 12.7mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base material</th>
<td>Copper C110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base flatness</th>
<td>better than .001" - 25µ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Base micro surface finish</th>
<td>8 or better</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Heat dissipation medium</th>
<td>96 Helicoid pins (patented), made of high conductivity aluminum alloy 1100 (218 W/m-K)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Weight with fan</th>
<td>8.4 oz - 238 g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan summary specs</th>
<td>40x20mm fan 12V DC 3 wires (RPM output) - 8.9 CFM 26dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Performance </th>
<td>1.25°C/W</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/cooler_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/cooler.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/standlaone_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/standlaone.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/sized_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/sized.jpg)
As you can see above the MCX159-CU is all copper with the exception of the fan. Without the fan you can see the tall copper pins that disperse the heat. Next to the quarter you can see how large the fan is.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/birdseye_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/birdseye.jpg)
Here you can get a nice bird's-eye view of the pins and their allocation on the copper base.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/base2.jpg)
You might be thinking about why the base isn't polished or anything, the reason being that it is fine just how it is. The base is very finely finished, and I could not see any imperfections.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fan_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fan.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/2wire_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/2wire.jpg)
Here is the fan. It is a fat 40mm fan that only pushes 6.3cfm. But surprisingly, because of the heatsink's design the fan does its job and only produces around 26dBA. I personally could not hear the fan, and it didn't add any noticeable noise to my system. The downside to the fan is that it is only a 2-pinned wire connection, that means you can't monitor its RPM.
[page=Accessories]
Accessories
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/accessories_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/accessories.jpg)
Here is all the accessories provided with the cooler.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/ceramic_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/ceramic.jpg)
Surprisingly this cooler comes with Arctic Silver Ceramic, which is one heck of a thermal paste.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/neoprene_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/neoprene.jpg)
I was surprised to find neoprene in this kit, but I could see its need in protecting the core by balancing weight distribution.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/holddown_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/holddown.jpg)
Here is the holddown for most Intel chipsets, including the 955X chipset we used for this test.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/tool_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/tool.jpg)
They give you a handy allen wrench to use for installation.
[page=Installation & Testing]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/chipset_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/chipset.jpg)
First you have to remove the old chipset passive cooler, and remove any thermal interface material. I used a rubbing alcohol pad.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/applythermal_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/applythermal.jpg)
Then you apply some of the thermal paste provided which is by far some of the best TIM around.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/heatsinkon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/heatsinkon.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/clippeddown_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/clippeddown.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fandone_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/fandone.jpg)
Then you place the heatsink, clip it down, and then screw on the fan. The easy installation took me about 3 minutes (including removing old HS and replacing thermal paste).
Testing
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Test System</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Motherboard</th>
<td>ASUS P5WD2-Premium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>CPU</th>
<td>P4 561 (3.6GHz) With Zalman 9500 LED on it</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Video Card</th>
<td>ATI Radeon X1800XL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>PSU</th>
<td>OCZ Powerstream 520 Watt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Memory</th>
<td>Patriot PC6400 D9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Case</th>
<td>Lian Li PC-65b</td>
</tr>
</table>
Test setup: I ran a series of tests, first at stock, then I dropped the multiplier to 14x and took the FSB to 320 to achieve 4.5 GHz. Various voltage mods have been done to this motherboard, so my results may vary form yours.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Swiftech/MCX159-CU/images/graph2.gif
Interpretation of results: As you can imagine this little heatsink held its own against the passive aluminum cooler that came with the motherboard. Temperatures were also much more stable with the MCX159-CU because of the fan and its copper design. I had a few problems with the passive one. The problems consist of instability at a high FSB when the chipset would go over 70°C. I would see constant freezing and such, but once I put on the MCX159-CU I didn't experience these problems any more. I guess if I had gone high on the FSB my system would have become more unstable with the passive, but there would be more room left with the MCX159-CU.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
You can find the MCX159-CU for $34.99 at CrazyPC</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Great for overclocking, all copper design
Easy install
Low fluctuation of northbridge temperatures
Competitive price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Tall pins bend a little too easily
</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>8.8</th>
<td>The MCX159-CU had been on my most wanted list for about three months, so when I was getting it for review I wasn't the least bit surprised or disappointed. I had been looking around, and most overclockers use it because it's practical and keeps your Northbridge temperatures at a good level, so you can achieve a huge FSB. I was very pleased with the cooler none the less. From its mounting, to the fact that they include Arctic Silver Ceramic, it's a bargain. Water cooling your northbridge isn't too practical because your Northbridge doesn't respond to temperatures like your processor, just keeping it at a decent temperature will get you good results, going sub ambient or really close to ambient will grab you a couple MHz at most. All in all I found this cooler to be a great bargain and performer.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>