Thermaltake Beetle Cooler

Manufacturer: Thermaltake Technology
Supplied by: Thermaltake Technology
Street Price: $49

by Dean Barker (3/14/2005)

 

Introduction

When I first saw the new Thermaltake Beetle Cooler, I thought of beetles all right.  Not the four winged type that eat roses but more of the 72' or 73' variety.  This thing is so big it looks like the rear tail lamp off a Volkswagen Beetle.  Also like the VW type Beetle, the Tt Beetle has a look that regardless of how much it appeals to you aesthetically, it pulls at your curiosity and whispers fun in ear.

Today, we have an opportunity to put the Beetle though its paces here at the Penthouse Lab.  Given its large size, copper heatpipes, and ability to fit pretty much any platform currently available, it looks like the Thermaltake Beetle is aiming high.  Let's dive right in with the specs.

Specifications

• Application: Intel LGA775, Intel P4 478 pin, AMD K7, AMD K8, AMD Sempron

• Observed Dimensions: 142 x 145 x 120mm (at its widest points)

• Observed Weight: 584 gms

• Construction: Copper Heatpipe / Aluminum fins / Acrylic housing

• Fan Size: 90 x 25mm

• Fan Speed: Variable rate 1600 ~ 4300 RPM

• Fan Noise: 20 ~ 44.5 dBA

• Single three pin connector with second connector for fan speed adjustment

What you get

The Thermaltake Beetle is a one size fits all cooler.  The mounting hardware expectantly was the bulk of what comes with the heatsink.  Surprisingly, the hardware was only seven steel plates and some nuts and screws.  Provided the cooler fits LGA774, P4 478, AMD K7, AMD K8 and AMD Sempron this was unexpected.  Tt's design team did their homework to keep mounting hardware simple and to a minimum.  Also included with the Beetle is a rear slot bracket and a 3.5" bay cover both with a built in rheostat to control fan speed.  A fairly straightforward instruction sheet and a blister pack of thermal grease round out the contents of the Beetle's extras.

NEXT