Thermaltake Big Typhoon Cooling Solution Review :: Thermaltake Big Typhoon

The Big Typhoon is a universal cooler. This means that the cooler can be installed on all current desktop platforms-Socket A, Socket 754/939/940, LGA775, and Socket 478. A quick check over at Thermaltake's website shows that the Big Typhoon is rated to be able to cool all current LGA775 CPUs, all Socket 478 CPUs, all Athlon64 and Athlon64 FX CPUs, Athlon XP up to 3400+, and Sempron up to 3400+. It's strange to see such weird ratings. Have you seen an Athlon XP 3400+ around? Me neither. Anyway, rest easy knowing that the Big Typhoon can handle any processor you throw at it.

While the packaging job isn't much worth mentioning, it's nice to see a block of foam placed underneath the fins to help stabilize the heatpipes from bending. The fan wires are also nicely sleeved in white to provide a cleaner look. The Big Typhoon includes all the necessary installation accessories you'll need for all platforms. The installation method is the same throughout all platforms, meaning that you won't have to mess with other accessories or tools when switching platforms.

The Big Typhoon uses a large 120mm fan that comes in Thermaltake's signature orange and black colors. The 120mm fan is rated to spin at 1300RPM and producing only 16 dBA. That rated noise intensity is lower than a quiet whisper. Although 1300RPM doesn't seem very promising, the fan is able to push out a decent 54.4 CFM. That's certainly enough to cool the massive fins.

The design of the Big Typhoon is like any other large heatpipe heatsink. There are 6 heatpipes that extend from the copper base and angled so compatibility wouldn't be a problem. The ends of the heatpipes are joined with aluminum fins. These numerous aluminum fins are used to help dissipate the heat from the heatpipes. There are two sections of aluminum fins; 3 heatpipes for each section. At the top of the aluminum fins is the fan shroud where the 120mm fan is secured. The side of the shroud has Thermaltake's name cut across.

The base of the Big Typhoon is composed of 3 different all copper parts. The top and bottom layers are thin layers of copper, and sandwiched in between are the 6 heatpipes. These 3 parts are soldered together to ensure full contact. The top copper plate has brackets that help hold the installation frame in place for installation. The bottom plate seems to be well lapped and is very flat. Although it's not very shiny, it made perfect contact with the CPU.

Since Intel's LGA775 platform is pretty much the hottest thing going around (and I mean temperature-wise), the testing will be conducted on the Pentium 4 560 3.6GHZ processor. Before you start installing, separate all nuts, screws, and washers. You don't want to lose the small washers. There are two metallic brackets, one sponge bracket, and a sticker in the shape of the bracket. Peel the sticker bracket and place it over one side of the sponge bracket. The non-sticker side of the sponge pad will be the side that makes contact with the motherboard. Align the proper motherboard holes, place one metallic bracket over the sponge, and then insert the 4 long screws.

Turn the motherboard over to the front side and place 4 fiber washers over the screws. Next, secure the 4 screws with the included standoffs. This is only used to keep the screws in place. Now the motherboard section of the installation process is complete. With the heatsink, place the last metallic frame over the top of the copper base. Sit the heatsink on the CPU and insert the screws over the top metal frame. Use the 4 small washers to tighten down the cooler. Thermaltake's installation says to use your fingers but I found it extremely hard. Even with my small hands the washers were very hard to hold on to. I found it easier to sit the motherboard at the side, hold the washers in place, and tighten the contact with a screwdriver via the screws. Of course be sure to tighten in a crisscross procedure. This is to apply even pressure throughout the surface of the CPU. Remember not to put too much force. Finger tight will make a strong enough bond.

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