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 Detailed Specifications
Application
Package Contents
When greeted by the packaging which holds the 3D Cooler, there's one thought that immediately comes to mind, just how big is this thing? Considering my first encounter with this heatsink was seeing the packaging from the side, I began to work out just how large the dimensions of this cooler must be mentally, after all, the packaging was larger than that utilized to contain the gargantuan Thermaltake Big Typhoon. Yet, as you turn the box over, you're greeted by the wee heatsink itself, a diminutive little unit sizing up at 83 x 89 x 93mm. Thanks to the compact and unique design of the heatsink, it should have no problem fitting onto any motherboard, although it will present some minor issues to those with wee cases. But enough about the first impressions, let's get on to that deceptive, huge packaging.  When the initial glare passes after those first rays of sun hit the box, we're greeted by an all-encompassing orange information sheet, backed by a thick cardboard inset which holds the back of the box together. This inset tells you all you need to know about the heatsink, giving us the dimensions, airflow to noise ratios, recommended fan settings for general use/gaming/overclocking, and even a brief overview on the theory behind heat pipe technology. Alongside these technological tidbits and fulfilling facts, the packaging lists off the socket compatibility, as well as boasting about the adaptor bracket which will allow any socket 478 heatsink utilizing the stock retention clip to be mounted to your LGA motherboard. With so much information to present, it's no small wonder why Gigabyte chose such massive packaging for the wee heatsink, a decision which also provides that extra little bit of protection during shipping, ensuring that even the harshest of rides to your home won't bend a fin.  As the packaging is rent asunder, we're greeted by a wide assortment of goodies besides the cooler itself. Beginning at the bottom of the packaging, we have the plastic encased 3.5" mountable fan controller (which can be switched over to a metal backplate if you're out of exposed bays), backed promptly by the baggie of mounting goodies and a floppy drive power adaptor. Opening up the bag greets us with a world of hardware; an ingenious lever style clip for the Athlon 64, a traditional 3 prong clip for the Athlon XP, a pair of spring loaded mounting clips for all modern Pentium 4 platforms, and a quadrant of screws and washers to affix the LGA bracket. Just outside this package of goodies resides a tube of Gigabyte branded thermal grease, located just below the clear LGA775 mounting adaptor. This adaptor is the cooler's main claim to fame, as is clearly shown by the box's proud boast "world's first!" Unfortunately for Gigabyte, one who is not fast in guarding their secrets will lose them, as similar brackets are already in use by Thermalright to mount their XP and SI series heatsinks. Along with this plethora of goodies comes a small, printed manual in several languages. This manual outlines the installation of the heatsink across all four of the supported platforms, defining your course of action in clear, concise instructions, accompanied by wee but clearly visible pictures. While this manual isn't much, it's still nice to see Gigabyte putting the effort in to ensure everybody can use this heatsink.  With the copious amounts of accessories and necessities in mind, let's proceed onto the design of the heatsink itself. Starting from the base of the sink, we are greeted by a smooth, semi-reflective base, large enough to cover even the more spacious heat spreaders. Nearby to this shining base are formed copper arms, which cater to the mounting clips for both Pentium 4 Platforms. As our focus moves away from these mounting arms, we see the underside of the fan, sandwiched between the fins of the sink. In order to avoid using a tiny fan to cool such a massive heatsink, Gigabyte has chosen to use a turbine style fan, sucking air through the upper fins of the heatsink, then expelling it through the hole in the side of the sink, down the skirt and over the objects surrounding the heatsink. Considering that this is Gigabyte's second step into the heatsink market, it makes sense that they would improve upon their first, mimicking the turbine design, but making improvements in the way of more surface area and cooler looks.  Airflow As we look to the sides of this turbine fan, we can clearly see the four heat pipes which feed the heat sink's encircling fins. Through clever engineering, Gigabyte has made another point towards the symmetry of the 360º design, allowing the sink to suck heat from the pipes in each cardinal direction. It is thanks to this design ideal that this heatsink is able to keep up with some of the larger sinks when heat loads ramp up, albeit at the cost of more wind noise from the fan. Continuing up the heatsink body still, we reach the formed plastic skirt, made in the same storm-gray opaque plastic as the top cover, which helps to divert the exhaust airflow of the heatsink down over the motherboard's mofsets, the Northbridge and onto the memory to some extent. Beyond this point there really isn't all that much to discuss, bar the control PCB and plastic coverings. To ensure that the heatsink directs airflow in the proper manner, Gigabyte has placed a simple, clear plastic cover overtop the space above the fan, forcing it to draw air through the fins.  Heatpipe While at first this seems suicidal, it makes sense in the way of cooling efficiency, and in the fact that even with little room to breathe near the top, this heatsink will still perform like it's got all the room in the world. Holding this plastic plate in place is a storm-gray plastic shield, protecting the lighting atop the sink and the exposed tips of the heat pipes. The lighting is provided by four surface mount LEDs, affixed to the control PCB, which runs around the heatsink to an outlet on the side, where the five pin fan control header and four pin floppy connector reside. To those who once wondered about the point of the splitter, it is now revealed – this heatsink requires an external power source, something strange but not entirely unreasonable, as the controller likely mitigates the use of transistors, rather choosing to balance 12V and 5V voltages, allowing for delivery of between 12V and 7V to the sink's inbuilt fan. With these two sources attached and sink clamped down, installation is essentially complete – something which is pleasantly simple for a high end cooler. Now that you know what's in the box and all about the heatsink itself, let's proceed onto the test phase.   
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