Thermaltake DuOrb
Thermaltake has certainly produced a very unique product with their new DuOrb. As far as looks are concerned, this is one cool looking heatsink. Dual LED fans, copper fins and a massive 206x102mm footprint make it look quite intense. As far as performance is concerned, the DuOrb does well in comparison to the other heatsinks we’ve tested to date. On our Intel test platform, it ranked among some of the best heatsinks we’ve tested. It was just a degree or two behind the very potent Noctua NH-U12P. It didn’t fair quite as well on our AM2 test bed, but still managed to stay in the middle of the pack. Despite its huge footprint, the DuOrb is nice and short at only 86mm, making it a viable choice for slim cases. This of course assumes that the length is not a problem.
My biggest issue with the DuOrb is probably what appeals to many of its buyers—its size. Although a large heatsink looks cool, the 202mm length of the DuOrb makes it very impractical. There is the potential for many compatibility issues with this heatsink depending on the case and motherboard it is combined with. This is the first heatsink we have tested that actually required us to remove the rear exhaust fan to accommodate it. I was amazed that it fit perfectly on our AM2 motherboard as the layout is pretty poor to begin with. There are bound to be some frustrated AM2 buyers out there, as a 45 degree socket rotation may cause the DuOrb to be installed length wise, blocking PCI-Express slots. There are quite a few AM2 boards out there like this. Although this is partially a socket limitation, other heatsinks (like most Noctua models) have special brackets for 45 degree socket AM2 rotation. Weighing in at 600 grams, the DuOrb is not overly heavy. None the less, the heatsink requires motherboard removal to install and I don’t know why Thermaltake wouldn’t have included a backplate for Intel systems.
The DuOrb carries an MSRP of $79US, which is very expensive for a heatsink. It is unfortunately difficult to find right now, so I can’t comment on its realistic retail pricing. Even if it sells for $15-$20 less, as I’ve seen at a couple smaller retailers, there are simply more practical and better peforming heatsinks out there for that price. If looks are most important to you, the DuOrb certainly does deliver and does so while performing well. A big thanks goes out to Thermaltake for providing us with this sample for review.
Pros:
- Good Performer
- Looks great!
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Over 200mm long—potential for many compatibility issues
- Can not be rotated by 45° on AM2 systems
- Expensive
Thermaltake MaxOrb
I think Thermaltake’s MaxOrb is a great cooler. Unlike the DuOrb, it is a very practical size and shape. Weighing in at only 460 grams, and with a footprint smaller than most 120mm down-drafts, it is a very manageable heatsink. It performed among some of the best heatsinks we’ve tested to date, and performed consistently on our AM2 platform as well. The built in rheostat is a great addition that allows a buyer to tune the MaxOrb for performance or silence. Having the rheostat onboard keeps clutter and extra wiring in the case to a minimum. The build quality of the MaxOrb, coupled with the blue LED fan score it some points in the looks department as well.
Installation was pretty easy with the MaxOrb, thanks to OEM-style push-pins being used to secure the retention frame only. It is unfortunate that fins have to be bent to access the mounting post with a screwdriver, but this is a pretty minor complaint. The biggest issue I had with the MaxOrb was with its fan at full speed. The fan is definitely not balanced well, as the heatsink vibrated quite a bit. Thankfully, this was less of an issue with the fan at a reduced speed.
Overall, I think that Thermaltake is onto something good with their MaxOrb and I was pleased with it. Thermaltake suggests an MSRP of $69, but I was able to find it for sale in the $45-50 range. Although not cheap, I think that this is a reasonable price. A big thanks goes out to Thermaltake for providing us with this sample.
Pros:
- Good performer on 775 and AM2 platforms
- Looks great!
- Onboard fan controller
- Provides lots of airflow to motherboard components
Cons:
- Fan vibrates too much at full speed
- Installation could have been easier
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