Cooler Master Hyper N520 CPU Cooler

Manufacturer: Cooler Master
Supplied by: Cooler Master
Street Price: $39

by Dean Barker  (3/04/2009)

Introduction

Cooler Master is no stranger to high performance heatsinks.  With their V8 Cooler and the new V10 TEC unit, Cooler Master is setting the bar higher than ever with their cooling solutions.  Their new Hyper N520 CPU Cooler is no different.  High count aluminum convection fins mounted to eight 6mm heatpipes would be an excellent foundation anywhere.  Adding in two silent 92mm cooling fans to ensure air passing through the convection fins does so as quickly as possible really sets the Hyper N520 above the rest of the field.  Today, we have the Cooler Master Hyper N520 CPU Cooler on the bench for a closer look at this futuristic looking all business heatsink.

Specifications

• Application: Intel Socket LGA1366, LGA775, LGA 771 Skulltrail, AMD Socket AM2+, AM2, 940, 939 and 754

• Observed Dimensions: 121 x 102 x 140mm

• Observed Weight: 661 gms

• Construction: Copper base with aluminum fins

• Fan (s): Two 92mm fan

• Rated Fan Speed: 1800 RPM

• Rated Fan Noise: 19 dBA

• Rated Air Flow: 43.8 CFM (both fans)

• 3-pin connector

The Hyper N520

One of the things that got my attention right off with the Cooler Master N520 was its efficient design.  Yes, the N520 is big, measuring an observed 121 x 102 x 140mm in size but you don't get the feel of purposeless bulk.  The high count aluminum fin assembly is held in place by four 6mm copper heatpipes per side.  Notice below how the opposing 92mm fans are not symmetrical.  This allows for an increased amount of active cooling on each of the heatpipe assembly areas directly.

  

You will also not that the fans are mounting in suck/blow fashion.  One fan blows air into the cooling unit with the second fan blowing air out towards the rear.  This allows for air to be more efficiently moved out of the chassis via the case's exhaust fan.  That is assuming the end user installs the Hyper N520 with this orientation.  Another option is to install the unit so that it blows air upwards toward the PSU to be expelled at that point.

NEXT