Packaging

Xigmatek's retail box presentation is of the nicer ones I've seen. The front features a fancy battle-axe graphic in theme with the name, along with a picture of the actual cooler. The back has a window which proudly displays the Battle-Axe's four copper heatpipes and H.D.T. base.


The back of the box also features the cooler's specifications. I should note that Xigmatek is a little behind on updating their packaging as the Battle-Axe is also confirmed to support the NVIDIA 9000 series from the 9600 up and the ATI 3800 and 4800 series'.

A Closer Look

Here we finally get to see the Battle-Axe up close. Xigmatek really got the looks down with this cooler. With the bottom view we can see up closer the H.D.T. and the protective film Xigmatek places to keep the base from getting scratched.


Here we can see the front, back and side of the Battle-Axe. While the name is nicely printed on the front of the cooler which will be visible when installed in the case, it will actually be upside down. The only way to avoid this would be if you had a reverse form factor case like many Lian Li's are. These images also provide a good view of the fin array of the cooler.

Accessories

Xigmatek has included all the necessary mounting hardware as well as thermal paste, extra fan mounts, ramsinks, a 2-to-1 fan adapter, and obviously an instruction manual. While I was pleased with nine total ramsinks included, the "thermal tape" that came pre-applied on them was horrible. I tried a few methods of application, all in vain, including pre-heating the tape with a hair dryer. Nearly half the ramsinks would just not stick at all or would fall off within a few minutes of being applied. I ended up resorting to completely removing the thermal tape and using Arctic Ceramique to apply them.