Introduction: OCZ Vendetta

Using a distinctive, highly efficient heat pipe and fin design developed by Xigmatek, combined with a low-noise fan, the Vendetta is built to tackle heat-induced performance degradation and solves the cooling challenges of today's enthusiast.

While traditional heat pipe CPU coolers typically use a solid base plate design, the Vendetta's three copper heat pipes make direct contact with the processor allowing for maximum heat transfer at a more rapid pace. A novel "dimple" design in the micro-configuration of the stacked aluminum fans adds turbulence, thereby reducing the skin effect of laminar air flow. Moreover, a folded "V" shape of the macro-configuration of the fins adds surface area without compromising the compact design. As a result, the Vendetta offers incredibly efficient cooling area comparable to much larger coolers which is reflected in its performance.

Heatpipes have not been an integrated part of the CPU heatsink for very long now, but the tall design with a fan fixed to the front has already been done several times over. Copper heatpipes, and later copper bases, helped reach the coolest temperatures available from air cooling, but enthusiasts didn't have to wait long for the next advancement. The newly popular Heatpipe Direct Touch "technology", a design created by Zaward, has proven itself effective in our review of the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 which "borrowed" from Zaward's design.

The ultra-quiet fan cools without disruption with its anti-vibration rubber connectors to reduce excess noise, resulting in quiet, yet extremely effective performance. Because the OCZ Vendetta has a compact design, even the most crowded cases can accommodate the cooler with ease.

Many manufacturers search out designs that will help them develop a product known for extraordinary performance. Benchmark Reviews has already reviewed many of the very best CPU coolers available to enthusiasts, from the very unique and original design of the Zaward Sylphee ZCJ003 and VIVO to the over-sized Thermaltake MaxOrb CL-P0369. Not long ago, we even reviewed the Ultra ULT33186 Chilltec TEC CPU cooler which combined three different cooling technologies into one solution. All of these products performed very well, but none of them really set itself apart from the pack like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 did. In this review we will test the OCZ Vendetta (OCZTVEND) Exposed Copper Heatpipe Direct Touch CPU cooler against a field of well-established competitors.

About the company: OCZ Technology

Entering the memory market in August 2000, OCZ Technology was built around the determination to manufacture the best high speed DDR and RDRAM. OCZ was founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and their commitment to the end-user has not digressed. OCZ Technology has been an innovator in many areas.

We were the first manufacturer to make Dual Channel optimized memory available to the public, which originally took advantage of nVidia's Twinbank or Dual DDR architecture, found in their nForce chipset. We have now taken that technology and tailored it for the Canterwood, and Granite Bay chipset's. OCZ developed and was the first to implement ULN technology, which has been a critical element in the manufacturing process for some time.

We at OCZ diligently work to improve communication with CPU and motherboard chipset manufacturers prior to the release of their products. Only in this manner can we fine-tune the memory's SPD settings, ensuring a synergistic relationship between the memory module, memory controller, and microprocessor. In today's rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, such communication is not simply research, but a necessary component of the manufacturing process.

Features & Specifications

• For Sockets AMD 754/755/939/AM2, Intel LGA775
• 3 Pure Copper heat pipes for superior heat dissipation
• Pure Aluminum fins for ultimate durability
• 1 year warranty
• Fan Specs
  • Size: 92mm
  • Rated Voltage: 12V DC
  • Fan Speed: 1200-2800RPM
  • Fan Air Flow: 39-54.6 CFM
  • Noise Level: 22-34 dBA
  • Bearing type: ball
  • Connector: 4 pin with PWM
• Dimensions: Heatsink: (L)97 x (W)79 x (H)134mm

Vendetta Includes:

• Pre-mounted Fan
• Mounting Hardware for all above CPU's
• Thermal Compound

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