Final Thoughts and Conclusions
The Thermalright SI-128 SE CPU cooler produced very good cooling results with minimal noise when using several different 120mm low-speed fans. In fact, this is the first down-draft style cooler that comes close to offering the same level of performance as the best tower style coolers on the market today. The overall construction and build quality is excellent and the cooler comes with bolt-thru mounting hardware that supports both Intel LGA775 and AMD K8/AM2 processor platforms.
There are numerous 120mm fans on the market ranging from low flow/ultra quiet to high flow/super loud. Just pick a fan that offers the right balance of airflow to noise for you particular application (or go with a high speed fan and speed controller for greater flexibility).
While the SI-128 SE mounting system is very robust and easy to install, I would prefer to see the mounting hardware hold the heatsink captive so it can’t rotate on top of the CPU.
The Thermalright SI-128 SE should be available in mid-July 2007 with an expected MSRP of $54.95 USD.
Strengths:
- Excellent cooling performance (choice of fan will dictate)
- Very quiet when used with a low-speed 120mm fan
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to install
- Down draft airflow helps cool mobo socket area components
- Universal mounting system supports Socket 775 and AM2
Minor Weaknesses:
- Mounting system allows heatsink to rotate on CPU
If you are looking for top notch performance in a down-draft style cooler, then the Thermalright SI-128 SE is what you seek.
Thermalright SI-128 SE CPU Cooler
I would like to thank our friends at Thermalright for sending us the SI-128 SE to review – thank you!
