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Review: Cooler Master Hyper N520 vs. Scythe Mugen 2 vs. Xigmatek Achilles S1284C

by Parm Mann on 15 July 2009, 16:51 3.75

Tags: Mugen 2, Achilles S1284C, Hyper N520, Cooler Master, Scythe, Xigmatek

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Contender #3 - Xigmatek Achilles S1284C

Specifications - Xigmatek Achilles S1284C

Composition Four nickel-coated copper heatpipes, aluminium fins
Weight 660g
Dimensions (H x W x D) 159mm x 120mm x 60mm
Fans included Single 120mm (white LED)
Fan Control Motherboard-controlled (4-pin header)
Fan speeds / noise levels 800 - 1,500RPM / up to 20.64dBA
Maximum air flow 61.375CFM
Thermal paste? Yes, sachet of thermal compound
Intel support LGA775
AMD support AM2 / 754 / 939 / 940
Price £36.79 (SCAN.co.uk)

The last of our three contenders - the Xigmatek Achilles S1284C - is an updated revision of the Xigmatek Achilles S1284 we tested in September 2008.

This time around, it promises improved implementation of Xigmatek's HDT (heatpipe direct touch) technology with smaller gaps between heatpipes, resulting in better contact with a system's processor - at least, that's the theory.

Priced at £36.79, it's similar in price to Scythe's Mugen 2, but it doesn't offer support for all the latest sockets - LGA1366 is an obvious omission, and that means no out-the-box support for Intel's Core i7.

As with the Achilles coolers that have come before it, the S1284C ships in clamshell packaging that gives customers a good look look at the cooler prior to purchase. Why is the cooler packaged upside down? That's to provide a clear view of the HDT base.

Xigmatek's hope for the Achilles-series coolers is to provide both good looks and performance. The packaging fits the bill, let's take a look at the cooler.