Overclocker Cafe - CoolerMaster X-Dream SE

Cooler Master X-Dream SE Heatsink/Fan

Manufacturer: Cooler Master
Supplied by: Cooler Master
Price: TBA

by Brian Tiller (4/01/2003)

Introduction

"Honey, come take a look at my new X-Dream!" In most circles those words could get you kicked out of the bed, if not the house. But here at Overclocker Cafe, it's just one more day in the life of a computer enthusiast (at least that's the excuse I told my wife). The folks over at Cooler Master have hooked us up with one of their newest heatsinks. When Dean told me that the X-Dream had come in, I couldn't help but envision something not quite computer-esque .

An aftermarket heatsink is probably one of the first things a computer enthusiast/overclocker is going to change, and Cooler Master has been right there with us. The X-Dream SE is one of their latest Socket A heatsinks and it's loaded with features. Packaged in a see through plastic case it proudly displays the X-Dream SE name. Before we get to the specs of this baby, lets just take a look at all the stuff we get.

Along with the heatsink/fan, we've got a bag of screws, some goo, a rear expansion slot cover and a 3.5" bay drive plate (we'll get to that in a minute).

Specifications

Application: Socket A up to XP 3200+
Construction: Solid copper
Heatsink Dimensions: 80 x 69 x 45 mm
Fan Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 25 mm
Rated Fan Speed: 2000-4800 RPM
Airflow: 24.6-62.1 CFM
Adjustable Voltage Rate: 7-13.2

As you can see the fan has several different leads. A closer look reveals the 4-pin power connector, 3-pin connector for the motherboard, and the rheostat. Now this isn't the first heatsink/fan to come equipped with a rheostat. And many companies have even started including the rear expansion plate for you to put the rheostat in.

However, The X-Dream SE is the first one that I've seen that provides a 3.5" bay cover to let you run the rheostat out the front of the case. Cooler Master paid attention to detail here; the bay cover is made of aluminum with a clean smooth finish.

The top of the fan is covered by a very nice fan grill. The grill itself is made of metal and sits well above the fan. And before you ask; no, the fan isn't made of copper too. The fan is plastic but coated with a copper colored paint, which in my opinion is very sharp looking. Kudos to Cooler Master for the look.