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Review: LGA 775 CPU Cooler Mega Test

by Matt Davey on 1 June 2007, 14:45

Tags: Gigabyte (TPE:2376), Thermalright, Zaward, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Zalman (090120.KQ), Akasa, Cooler Master, Thermaltake (3540.TWO), OCZ (NASDAQ:OCZ), Scythe, SilverstoneTek, Arctic, Tuniq, Noctua, TITAN Technology

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qairv

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--- Thermal Performance, Conclusion and Certification

Thermal Performance

Considering the Ruby's similarities with the Blue Orb II and the fact that it has an aluminium core, rather than copper, there was no chance of the Ruby besting its older and more expensive stable-mate. Aluminium just isn't as good as copper.

Even so, the difference wasn't as much as we expected. The Ruby Orb's CPU idle reading was 47 degrees. That's only two degrees hotter than Blue Orb II and placed it in joint 19th position.



Under load, the Ruby Orb fared rather worse. The CPU temperature was a fairly toasty 71 degrees – six degrees hotter than for the Blue Orb II – pushing the Ruby Orb down into 24th place.

Conclusion

We appreciate that the aluminium construction allows Thermaltake to sell the Ruby Orb at a more competitive price than the Blue Orb II but are left wondering if that's such a good idea. The Ruby is going up against Arctic Cooling and its Freezer 7 Pro. That looks to have the cheap end of the market sewn up and has an excellent reputation, which, based on our own tests, is fully justified.

Okay, the Ruby Orb did work in our test set-up - and without causing any crashes - so it merits certification. Whether we'd choose to use it, though, is a different matter, since its performance doesn't compare with others coolers in this test that are pitched around the same price.

Certification

HEXUS Labs :: Classic
Thermaltake Ruby Orb