Thermaltake Golden Orb II Cooler

Similar to the original Orb, the Golden Orb II's fan is recessed into a circle of convection fins.  Measuring a total of 120mm across, Thermaltake is wanting to capitalize on the higher air flow and lower sound levels of the big fans.  The trick though is to go big without being too big.  Case in point; ThermalRight's XP-120 cooler, a great cooler but the XP-120 is so big it won't fit most mainboards.  Thermaltake has addressed their size issue by going with a 100mm fan.  Bigger performance than the other 80 and 90mm fans around but not so big in size as to compromise compatibility.  By building around a 100mm fan instead of a 120mm fan a multitude of problems are nipped in the bud.  The fan is barely moving at 1600 RPM and 35.4 CFM relative to many other coolers.  The diminished RPM means diminished air flow but for a reason, the Golden Orb II operates at a rated 17 dBA.  I fully expect the new orb to operate at or lower than an OEM cooler's sound level. 

Out of fun and curiosity, here are a couple of shots of the new Orb along side the original Golden Orb released a good five years back.

From the side of the Golden Orb II we can see how the aluminum convection fins arch up to give clearance to DIMMs, capacitors and other items that may be mounted around the CPU socket.

The base is constructed of a fairly large copper insert.  It is this insert that accounts for the weight of the Orb; one and two-thirds pounds to be exact.  The increased copper mass gives a higher thermal capacity.  The large number of aluminum fins radiating out keep the heat collected here at bay.  The base itself felt smooth to the touch but the machining process gives it an appearance of the center being bowed out.  We spent some extra time in confirming that the base is indeed flush.

On either side of the base are the mounting screws.  The screws mounted inside springs with a c-clip holding the assembly to the mounting arm.  The purpose of the springs is to keep the end user from over-tightening and pressure as equal as possible on either side.

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