Swiftech MCXC-370 

Manufacturer: Swiftech
Supplied by: Swiftech
Price: $48.00

by Dean Barker (12/31/2001)

Introduction

The Swiftech MCX-370 is very well respected and top performing heatsink.  With its numerous features its no wonder.  As with most things "the industry" is always looking to improve on an existing design.  So when Gabe over at Swiftech, told me about a new MCX-370 coming out with a copper base, I was very excited to say the least.  The MCXC-370 is that sink.  Obviously the extra 'C' stands for copper.  Lets review the major points with the MCX before we go forward with what has changed in the MCXC.

The MCX-370

For the purposes of this review lets just touch on a few things.  You can read our full MCX-370 review here.  

The MCX-370 is composed of 188 "Helicoid" Pins attached to an aluminum base that is .5" thick.  What the Helicoid Pin design is; each pin has a series of "ribs" that increase the surface area.  Swiftech claims the Helicoids increase the surface area by a 2:1 ratio.  The reasoning for having a thicker base is that it increases the thermal capacity of the unit.

The fan is held up and off of the sink itself with several small grommets.  The purpose of this is to dampen out any vibration (noise) and to help eliminate the "dead spot" of poor air circulation directly under the fan's motor.

The MCX-370 clipping mechanism is fantastic.  It operates off of two compression springs that ensure that the proper pressure is "pulling" at the sink to keep it snug on your CPU.  The adjusters for this are two Phillips head screws.  No prying and crying with this cooler.

The MCXC-370

Right off the bat you can spot the big change.  That hunk of copper just sort of grabs you doesn't it?  Copper has a higher thermal capacity than aluminum meaning it can pull more heat off of your processor than other metals.  The MCXC thermal capacity is 40% more than the aluminum based MCX as per Swiftech.  However, copper doesn't dissipate heat as quickly as aluminum, hence the 188 Helicoid aluminum cooling pins.    

The base is smooth as a newborn's bottom.  It lacks the bright shine some other cooling products have.  But shine doesn't necessarily mean flat.  Swiftech notes that the base's micro surface finish is rated at 8 or better.  (I have no clue about what that is either.)  I can tell you that the base is EXTRA smooth.

The clip has the same compression springs we have gotten to know and love but the clip's hooking end has been widened to fit over all three catches on each side of the socket.  After installing the sink, it became apparent that the new catch gave the sink a VERY positive fit.  

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