IFX 14 and Ultra 120 Extreme ... Idle temperature almost same... Load temperature on them differ around 4-5C...

IFX-14 for RM290 in Low Yat
Ok, I've just got myself the IFX-14 and for those who wants to use it with smaller casing, beware. The size is huge (I knew that anyway) and it fits very tightly onto my CM690. No extra spaces in between and it's so difficult to mount the motherboard. The back side heatsink totally does not fit (Maybe I can sell it to Ultra Extreme owners).

The first thing I did was to lap the IFX-14 and you need plenty of sandpaper to get the job done (imagine it). The base is so uneven that I can't even believe it for a RM300 HSF (sad but true). Here's a pic of it inside my CM690:



First look and thoughts between GeminII and IFX-14
Idle temp differences are minimal, around 3C-4C and it takes a lot more space than the GeminII which makes life a bit more difficult to mount on a small casing (like mine). However if you're a heavy overclocker which tends to pump plenty of voltage then this is the HSF for you. The IFX-14 is capable of handling the load temps very well and despite 1.43V, it manages to keep my temps at 55C-57C which the GeminII isn't capable of.

For those which does mild overclocking, you can save your time and buy a GeminII unless you want to spend an extra RM180 to see a 3C-4C drop in temps which is pretty pointless IMHO since you don't need it.

Unfortunately I'm someone that doesn't like to lie or tell myths. I tell everything based on true facts and experiences plus I don't defend something just because it's expensive As a conclusion, I personally think the IFX-14 is a good cooler and beats the GeminII under certain conditions but not to the extent that it's tremendously superb for the price you pay.

thats a good review and most importantly being unbiased

just want to know, you think the IFX14 will be able to fit in my antec p180b casing?
pic of inside here:
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=Atta...=post&id=335439

clawhammer, just wonder at 1.43v (assume same clockspeed).
How well IFX14 beat GeminII?

the uneven base is something thermalright is doing these days. it was sort of a controversy. but they do have somewhat valid reason. something to do with the shape of the cpu IHS as well....read this somewhere....

Thanks Quazacolt. It's meant to tell others not to expect so much if they plan to get IFX-14. Your casing would be able to fit the IFX-14 and very likely including the back heat sink.

allenultra, if we're talking about 1.43V, the IFX-14 is better by 4C-5C compared to GeminII. I tried pumping 1.45V and it already hit 60C-62C full load Orthos.

Of course a more precise comparison would be to see the heat dissipation at that clock speed as heat dissipation vs voltage increase isn't always linear. The sad thing is, I've no idea how to get the wattage produced at that speed

Extra RM180 bucks for +/- 5C difference is a bit too small IMHO

mADmAN, the Ultra Extreme has a much better and flatter base. Your explanation has some valid points too and I agree the IHS is not flat (corners tend to be thicker). However if you see the IFX-14 and put it on a glass surface, you can move it left/right (very uneven).

This post has been edited by clawhammer: Dec 27 2007, 02:44 PM

hmm good to know then, im not expecting much out of the back heatsink be it fitting or not. so i dont mind, my main purpose is to have the hot air exhausted out and not recycling inside my antec causing heat to build up over time on long CPU loading periods.

as for the uneven surface, it does worry me a bit. and im wondering, would extra thermal paste help? (i use arctic mx2)
but then again more thermal paste = more heat "resistance" as opposed to direct heatsink base contact towards the proc heatsink contact.

anyone else would like to share their thoughts on thius?

I think you can just use as it is. If the temp is terribly wrong then you can consider lapping.

thats the prob, on a rm300 heatsink nickel plated shiny shiny and everything, lapping it is like sandpapering your own skin >_<

too precious to do so, worse if anything goes wrong on ur lapping (like for whatever reason you make it even more uneven lmao)

thermalright stuff always like that...wan good performance u need to lapped it...also the TRUE supose to come with a washer but now adays this new stock dosent come with it...without those washer after fixing the TRUE at the proc can still move the cooler left or right...is like not ketat at all even u tighten all d screws

LOL, true also. I did not try it in the original state cos I went straight to lapping. In fact, most people would just mount as it is. If you have a very flat surface (marble, glass, etc) then you won't go wrong or make it uneven.

How about going for the Ultra Extreme?

there are some guides on lapping in the net..u also can refer to team KOC forum which they have a guide posted by lolhalol abt lapping...but lapping a 2xx cooler is kinda heartpain...but no choice if u wan better performance...

yeah i know how uneven the base is..... i did this same exact test oso...with the same exact results...



can read more about it HERE

theres also a review of the lapping results by the same guys HERE

im still considering on whether or not i wanna spend the time to lap the base... the damn thing has managed to scratch my processor IHS...actually the base of my IFX oso scratched liao

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Added on December 27, 2007, 4:49 pmi dont see why lapping the ifx would be "heart-pain".....

wats truly painful is the fact that u pay so much for the cooler and the base turns out the way it is

This post has been edited by mADmAN: Dec 27 2007, 04:49 PM

ya..my TRUE has damage also my IHS...very heartpain...thats y i decided to let d pros to help me lapped (acecombat)

oh me godz, uneven to the point that it damage the IHS? definitely no no man, im using a precious qx6700 proc >_<

i think ill have to look into lapping the IFX14 too should i get it

You need plenty of sand paper as it's very uneven
I'm not sure how it can damage the IHS plus the mounting is via screws so you can always control the pressure. I'm sure all of us are smart enough not to tighten the screw further if we know it's too tight, etc.

Can you explain a little bit more on backside heatsink. Why doesn't fit?

if u use cm 690 u cant use it because the backplate huhu what can i say btw if u psu at top u can use hr-10 btw ifx-14 i dont know

What are talking about? It is clear that IFX-14 can fit in CM690 the issue is whether the extra passive cooling can be installed or not.

sure cannot la bro just hear that >.> why u dont try? hehe