Thermaltake V1 CPU Cooler Review

[Capper]

Don't get confused by Thermaltake's new "V1" nomenclature. No, they're not churning out race cars or jet fighters, instead sticking to what they do best; cooling. The V1 is their latest CPU cooler, and at first glance, it's obvious they created something unique. Can this new design dazzle us with it's cooling performance, or will it fall as short as its name? Let's find out...
Just by looking at the V1 in the box, you can tell this isn't your typical "round" (orbital-type) cooler. When we first saw it, we began to wonder if this thing was just for show; or is it possible that this unique design can keep up with, or even out-perform, other aftermarket coolers.

Thermaltake V1 CPU Cooler Review

[Dread]

Very nice review.

For me the Thermaltake V1 has only one feature above the rest that would make we even consider it, and that is the mounting feature set. And even that isn't enough to make me choose this cooler over a better performing one like the Zalman 9700.

(Pros) It looks nice, in a 'unique' kind of way, it has adequate cooling and an adjustable fan. I'd seriously consider it for a HTPC but only if it would fit.

(Cons) for me is the price vs. cooling performance delta which can be a deal breaker
in today's over-clocking world.

[Jokerswild]

Very nice review. Looks like a good product and I'm sure the shape and bling of the added light will attract those liking a different look.

[onebxr]

I was considering this cooler about 2 weeks ago for my htpc build but decided against it because of the price. Great review MAtt.
-1

[PrOLifIC_onE]

Yeah, it definitely has it's pluses and minuses but overall the negative aspects were minor. This is one of TTs 2 newest coolers, the other is the MaxOrb (review upcoming). The V1 not only has that unique look that might appeal to some enthusiasts but it outperformed the MaxOrb, most notably with the fan at its lowest speed. While the Zalman tested far better on this test bench, the V1 results were far from disappointing. "Real-world" tests and tests on different test benches will not always have the same results. BUT if nothing else except overclocking temps matter to you, then this may not be the cooler for you. Those people probably have liquid-cooling units though.

[gvblake22]

I was really surprised to see this cooler outperform the Max Orb and the Big Typhoon! I honestly thought the Max Orb was going to take a spot at the top of Thermaltake's cooling charts, but alas, you can't judge a book by it's cover!
At $60, the price of the V1 is a little much for me to take lightly but at least it looks like it will perform. Thanks for the review Matthew!

[Mithosphere]

that was a bit strange, even with all of its massive fins and heighth, still couldnt perform mighty well. And was it just me or was that first shot of the exposed fan have the look of a saw blade?

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Mithosphere

that was a bit strange, even with all of its massive fins and heighth, still couldnt perform mighty well.

What do you mean? It managed to best the Big Typhoon in every test and lost only to the more expensive Zalman CNPS9700. The Big Typhoon has been at (or near) the top of heatsink performance charts for quite some time, so I'd say the V1 is a fairly impressive product.

[Computer-Ed]

I wish to ask a question but not sure how it will sound. Let me first say that I thought the review was excellent and covered the V1 very well.

My question concerns some inconsistency of the numbers.

In the V1 review the Zalman cooler was blasting past all the competition. It beat out the Big Typhoon by anywhere from 3c to 6c.

Now I did a back check at the Zalman looking for some other information and noticed that in the Zalman review the Big Typhoon best the Zalman every time by 1c to 2c. Now a bit of fluctuation is understood so I am not asking for identical numbers but this difference is 4c to as much as 7c different. Now again i am not referring to the raw numbers, since it is a different CPU and different thermal compound. However the direct comparison of the numeric difference seems way high.

Since it was two different reviewers and two different techniques possibly in assembly, I would be curious to see them compare their assemble notes to see what resulted in the level of change.

[Capper]

Different tests, different thermal compounds, different testing environments.....numbers will always be different.

All of my benchmarking is run using Arctic Silvers Luminere, which is specially made for benchmarking as there is no cure time. I also do all of my testing in a 76-78F room on an HSPC tech station. I always mount and remount the coolers at least three times, to check for consistency in results........as you may notice, Matt used different hardware and different testing.....there is nothing wrong with that, and in fact I like it because it shows other situations which may make a certain cooler more appealing to others.

Looking at the results, the only big difference was the Zalman CNPS9700, which did not perform as well for me, but which was still in the acceptable tolerance range as compared to the competition. I'll also say that the results from the Big Typhoon would be hard to replicate, as there is almost no way in the world to get the same exact pressure with that mounting kit each time its mounted.