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Thermalright TRUE Black 120 Heatsink Review
Mike D.
August 11, 2008 1:00 AM ET in Tech
Conclusion
Thermalright has undoubtedly created a legendary heatsink with their Ultra Extreme. I am pleased to say that their new TRUE Black 120 is no exception and has thoroughly impressed me. Its performance was second to none on our toasty Q6600 test platform. Not only did it best all sixteen other heatsinks we have tested, it did so by a significant margin. I was also very fond of Thermalright’s mounting system for the TRUE Black 120. It is very easy to use and provides a very solid mount. The aesthetic improvements over the Ultra eXtreme are also very impressive. The black nickel coating of the TRUE Black 120 looks fantastic, and makes a good-looking heatsink look even better. Thermalright’s premium thermal paste and extra set of fan clips also make this a more attractive package.
The only real complaint I have about the TRUE Black 120 is the lack of an included AM2 backplate. With AMD heading more to the price-conscious sector of the market, board makers are cutting corners, and OEM backplates are not always included. Some AM2 buyers may be up a creek without a paddle. Similarly, I’ve always liked fan clips, but I feel that the ones included with the TRUE Black 120 are a bit flimsy, and Thermalright could have found a better way for them to attach to the heatsink.
Although the TRUE Black 120 is not easy to find at the moment, it is selling for around the same price as the Ultra eXtreme. This is good news, because the Ultra eXtreme is already pretty expensive, at around $60. Considering that there is no included fan, this price is definitely higher than most heatsinks we’ve tested. You can keep checking our Marketplace for current availability and pricing information. Given its phenomenal performance, high quality construction, and included accessories, however, it is worth the high price tag. I am pleased to award the TRUE Black 120 with Icrontic’s “Outstanding Product Award”. A big thanks goes out to Thermalright for providing us with this sample. I really look forward to seeing what they have in store for the future!
Pros:
- Fantastic performer! The best we’ve tested to date.
- Excellent mounting system
- Black nickel plating looks great
- Extra fan clips and premium thermalpaste included
Cons:
- No AM2 backplate included
- Fan clips are a bit flimsy
- Expensive
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