HDT Cooler Shootout!
OCZ Vendetta 2 Overview
OCZ is well known for their high-quality, enthusiast lines of memory products. Recently, however, they have taken a serious step into the cooling market with their Vendetta, Vanquisher and Vindicator lines of coolers—not to mention their Cryo-Z phase-change cooler.
Specifications (taken from the Vendetta 2 product page at www.ocz.com)
- Combined Dimensions: 120mm(L) × 50mm(W) × 159mm(H)
- Material Types: Copper (heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins)
- Configuration: Tower with U shaped heatpipes
- Heatpipe Width/Quantity: 8mm, 3 heatpipes
- Supported Sockets: Sockets 775, AM2 and 754/939
- Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
- Bearing Type: Rifle bearing
- Noise Level: 20-32dBA
- Air Flow: 65-81 CFM
- Speed: 800-1500RPM (4-pin PWM fan)
Although a 120mm heatsink, the Vendetta 2 has a pretty small footprint. In fact, it is one of the smallest 120mm towers we’ve reviewed to date. Like the Core-Contact Freezer, the Vendetta 2 utilizes thick, 8mm heatpipes and HDT technology. The included fan is a 4 pin PWM model. Most manufacturers have been slow to adopt this fan type. With 81CFM rated for 1500RPM, the included fan is quite powerful.
OCZ’s packaging is a more eye-catching than most. The 120mm fan is visible behind a plastic window.
There is not a lot included as far as accessories are concerned. And yes, those are the dreaded OEM push-pins for 775 mounting. Some generic thermal paste is included, along with a very well written installation manual.
The Vendetta 2 is an impressive sight. The fin design is rather unique, with an odd half-circle indentation towards the center of the bank.
Interestingly, the rear of the heatsink does not follow this pattern, so each fin straightens out towards the back.
Each fin has 40 small indentations to increase surface area and improve heat dissipation.
Three 8mm heatpipes are employed by the Vendetta 2. The strange cutout at the edge of the fins is used for fan mounting. You’ll see how they are used in the next section.
The base quality is very good on the Vendetta 2. It is completely flat as was verified with a straight edge. I checked each heatpipe individually from several angles. It appears that manufacturers are putting a great deal of care into the construction of HDT bases, as defects can be more detrimental to performance than with standard bases.
The build quality of the Vendetta 2 is excellent. It feels very sturdy.
OCZ has included a 4-pin PWM fan. It employs a rifle bearing—quiet like a sleeve bearing but with a life expectancy closer to that of a ball bearing. I’ll be comparing this fan to our reference Scythe S-FLEX.
