The plain packaging proves that you don't need glitzy graphics to sell your product. A basic brown cardboard box featuring a simple Thermalright logo contains tightly-fitting foam packaging that holds the cooler securely in place. A free sticker inside is a nice addition. Overall, though, less is more.
4th place: Akasa Evo 98
The Akasa Evo 98 features a slick-looking black cardboard box with silver detail. Inside, the cooler is held in place with a simple cardboard sleeve and an accessories box.
3rd place: Tuniq Tower 120
The packaging on the Tuniq 120 is a mix of cardboard and foam, with the outer cardboard skin featuring a simple window and flap to the left. Inside the box, all the items are secured in place with foam shaped to fit the components snugly.
One thing we had to take into account is that our review sample looked like it had gone three rounds with Mike Tyson but throughout the contents remained perfect. Despite the appearance of our sample, it places third in this round-up.
2nd place: Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX
In second place is the Thermaltake Big Typhoon VX. A simple cardboard sleeve covers the moulded shell inside and there is plenty of information on the outside of the box. The only thing that lets it down is the opening on the front, it's a little too big, resulting in a bit too much flex in the outer cardboard.
1st place: Zalman 9700
The Zalman 9700 is packaged much like the Thermaltake it beats but the design is more compact and better executed. The chances of a Zalman 9700 actually getting damaged before it reaches the buyer are pretty slim, with the strong outer cardboard fitting the interior cardboard shell snugly.
In addition, the exterior has all the crucial information a retail buyer would want to know. It's a calm and understated design that doesn't try too hard to sell the product inside and is our pick of the bunch.
