Socket 775 Installation
I’ll be installing the Thermaltake MaxOrb on our standard Intel and AMD test platforms. For more information on our system configurations, please see our heatsink testing methodology.
The OEM-Style push-pins are first cliped onto the universal retention frame. Although it looks like an AM2 frame, it is used for both sockets.
Finally, a good use for push pins. They are easy to work with when used to secure a retention frame. This also means that it can be installed without having to remove the motherboard from the case. The MaxOrb is light enough that it should do well without a backplate.
The MaxOrb is then secured using a threaded post. I had to bend the fins of the MaxOrb in order to get a screwdriver in place. Thankfully, the bend back easily.
The MaxOrb clears all motherboard components with ease.
The MaxOrb still has a pretty large footprint, but it is much more manageable than the DuOrb.
Socket AM2 Installation
I had no issues installing the MaxOrb on our AM2 platform. The same universal retention frame is used, but the motherboard needs to be removed from the case to install the backplate.
A plastic retention plate is used on the top side of the board with metal standoffs keeping it above the PCB. There is a protruding plastic wing with a screw attached that is used to tighten down the heatsink once it is in place.
A simple OEM-style, plastic backplate is used at the rear of the board.
The MaxOrb is simply slid in place at a slight angle to get the clip below the retention plate. The metal nut is then secured on the other side of the heatsink, tightening it down. I found that too much pressure was required to get the nut tightened and that it was too difficult to access. It was easier to secure on our Intel system for some reason. I found myself bending the fins quite a bit while trying to get a screwdriver in place. The end result was a secure mount, but I can’t help but feel that it should be easier to secure a heatsink of this size and shape.
There were no clearance issues on either side of the board. There was plenty of space for standard size memory modules and other motherboard components.
The final mount is an impressive sight. Indeed, it is a large cooler.
First Impressions
The fan present in the MaxOrb is loud at full-speed. The worst of the noise was not due to the airflow, but vibration. I was very concerned about the stability of the MaxOrb with the fan at full-speed. The heatsink vibrated a great deal, shaking the case and motherboard way more than I was comfortable seeing. With the fan speed reduced to low, it was very quiet and vibrated very little. I am hoping that this is an isolated issue, but there is definitely something unbalanced about the 120mm fan in this sample. The built-in fan controller is functional, however it appears to be a two position rheostat. The fan is either at full speed, or a reduced speed. I’d wager a guess that it simply switches between 12V and 7V supply to the fan.
The MaxOrb glows a pleasant blue thanks to the integrated LEDs in the fan. I’ve never been interested in LED fans, but it does look pretty cool. For those who care, the DuOrb seems to be brighter—probably due to smaller fans.
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