Thermaltake Extreme Volcano 12

A good CPU cooler can go a long way in making a stable PC. The casual PC user or builder usually will be happy with a retail cooler that comes with their processor. But most enthusiasts turn to companies like Thermaltake for their CPU cooler needs. Thermaltake has been providing the enthusiast market with heat sinks for about four years. Thermaltake's Volcano line of CPU coolers is perhaps their most well-known line of AMD CPU coolers. Their latest addition to the Volcano series is the Extreme Volcano 12. This HSF features support for AMD Athlon XP up to 3400+, an all copper heat sink, and a variety of operation modes. In this review, I will be comparing the Extreme Volcano 12's performance to a stock HSF that AMD ships with Athlon XPs. Considering that it is all copper and much larger than the stock HSF, I expect the Extreme Volcano 12 to outperform the stock HSF by near two digit margins.

Specifications:

• For use with AMD Athlon XP up to 3400+
• Fan Dimension: 80x80x32 mm
• Heatsink Dimension: 82x65.6x49 mm (66 fins)
• Rated Voltage: 12 V
• Fan Speed:
  • 1800-2200 RPM @ 20 ºC
  • 4950-6050 RPM @ 55 ºC
• Max air flow: 72.92 CFM
• Noise:
  • 21 dBA @ 2000 RPM
  • 48 dBA @ 5500 RPM
• Bearing Type: 2 ball bearing
• Life Expectation: 80,000 hours
• Connector: 4 pin
• Weight: 708 grams

Features:

• Extreme high density fins with all copper heatsink (66 fins)
• Powerful 80x80x32 mm fan with triple blades
• Three setup options:
  • Function 1: Full speed (5500 RPM) always
  • Function 2: Temperature control (fan speed automatically adjusts according to temperature detected by included thermal sensor that can be taped to bottom of CPU)
  • Function 3: Manual control (2000 - 5500 RPM) using included 3.5" bay or PCI slot controller

Package Contents:

• Heatsink with fan
• PCI slot fan controller (with necessary screw)
• 3.5" bay fan controller (with necessary screw)
• Thermal compound
• Thermal sensor
• Thermal tape
• Installation Guide

Front of package	Back of package
The two fan controllers	Thermal sensor, tape, and compound