Socket 775 Installation
I’ll be installing the Thermaltake DuOrb on our standard Intel and AMD test platforms. For more information on our system configurations, please see our heatsink testing methodology.
The metal retention frame is installed first. The screws on it are permanently affixed.
No backplate for socket 775, I’m afraid. Thermaltake includes non-conductive washers and a simple nut to affix from the rear. The motherboard did bulge noticeably at the rear of the socket. Since the board needs to be removed from the case to install the DuOrb, I’m not quite sure why a backplate was not included. Considering its hefty price tag, I would expect one.
The remainder of the installation was pretty simple. A bracket is placed above the base of the DuOrb and it is simply screwed into the retention frame using spring loaded thumbscrews. Because the midsection of the DuOrb is relatively open, accessing the thumbscrews is easy.
The DuOrb is almost as wide as a standard ATX motherboard when installed. There is enough clearance to install or remove memory modules while it is installed. Tall modules like OCZ’s Reaper or Corsair’s dominator series memory may not fit. There were no issues clearing the northbridge heatsink or the VR heatsink on the Asus P5K-E.
One of my most immediate concerns was how far this cooler comes to the rear of the board. This will likely cause issues with exhaust case fans which typically sit in this area. Our test rig has one in this exact location, so we’ll see if it fits.
What a massive cooler!
My fears were correct, unfortunately. The DuOrb does not clear the rear exhaust fan in our Antec mid-tower when combined with the Asus P5K-E. It is only off by a few millimeters. The red line above depicts where the case fan would be held in place, and how much of the DuOrb overlaps. Thermaltake mentions this in their documentation. They say to simply remove it if it is in the way. We’re going to have to put the DuOrb through the tests without the rear case fan in place.
Socket AM2 Installation
Installing the DuOrb on our AM2 system was surprisingly painless. Our DFI NF570 board does not have the greatest layout, so I was concerned at first.
The small metal retention frame and plastic backplate are installed first. Spring loaded thumbscrews are then used to secure the DuOrb.
The backplate retains the OEM AMD size and shape. There should be no compatibility issues as a result.
Thankfully, the socket orientation on our DFI board is the one the DuOrb plays nicely with. There were no clearance issues and our standard size memory modules fit nicely below the heatsink.
The DuOrb really dominates the motherboard. Although the ATX power connector appears blocked, there is enough height clearance to connect the cable without issue.
First Impressions
Although Thermaltake advertises the DuOrb as nearly silent, its smaller 80mm fans are somewhat buzzy. It is by no means a loud heatsink, but it is not silent either.
LED fans have never been my thing, but I must say—the DuOrb looks pretty cool when lit up. It certainly delivers in the looks department. No separate power connection is required for the LEDs—they are powered by the fan header.
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