Performance Results
Both the DuOrb and MaxOrb were tested using our heatsink testing methodology that was developed for our recent EPIC heatsink roundup. We now have results for sixteen heatsinks included for comparison.
Please keep in mind that our rear exhaust fan had to be removed in our Intel system to test with the DuOrb.
The DuOrb and MaxOrb perform almost identically on our Intel platform. They both ranked among some of the top heatsinks we’ve tested to date. The MaxOrb seems to do very well with lower heatloads and starts to loose the lead in our most demanding tests.
Prime95 small FFT testing puts a tremendous load on modern Intel CPUs. The DuOrb and MaxOrb don’t quite do as well with this greater heat load. None the less, they still perform quite well.
The temperature sensor close to the memory VR components received a lot of cooling from the MaxOrb. This is due to the opening in the fins that the heatpipes run up. Although the DuOrb sits almost directly above the sensor, I believe its restrictive fins below the fans do not allow a lot of airflow to penetrate.
The MaxOrb performed well on our AM2 platform, but the DuOrb didn’t do as well. The DuOrb mounting system seemed to work well on our DFI NF570, so I’m not quite sure why it didn’t do as well. This is why we test heatsinks in both Intel and AMD test rigs.
As you can see, the MaxOrb really needs the fan to run at full speed in order to realize its full cooling potential. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of silence. The above test was conducted on our AM2 test rig at 3.3GHz and 1.55V.