EKL AG (Elektronik Kuhlsysteme Leutkirch
GmBH ) is an ISO9001 thermal solutions company based in Leutkirch
Germany which specializes in manufacturing OEM heatsinks for the European
market. The company has been making in-roads into the enthusiast markets,
and the latest example of what it has to offer is the EKL Alphenfohn GroB
Clock'ner heatsink. As you've probably already realized, other vendors like
Sunbeamtech
have virtually identical heatsink models
available.
The Alphenfohn GroB Clock'ner
heatsink on the test bench today is a heatpipe direct contact cooler -
meaning the heatpipes are exposed at the base. EKL's heatsink stands 154m tall,
is 125mm across and weighs upwards of 700grams. The unit makes use
of simple wire
clips to hold the standard 120mm fan in position, and it spins at
a fixed speed of 1200 RPM (non-PMW). The heatsink is compatible with Intel
socket 775 and AMD socket 754/939/940/AM2 processors, as of this writing socket
1366 is not supported.
The Alphenfohn GroB Clock'ner should fit most full and mid-tower PC
chassis, but may be too tall for some microATX systems, so keep that in mind as
you scan through Frostytech's review. Installation is entirely tool free, and
refreshingly the motherboard doesn't need to be removed to install the mounting
bracket. Its retail price is expected to be in the region of $40CDN ($40USD).
EKL
Alphenfohn
GroB Clock'ner Heatsink
|
 | |
 |
| HEATSINK SPECSHEET |
| Manufacturer: EKL |
| Model No.:
GroB Clock'ner |
| Materials:
aluminum fins & base, copper heatpipes |
| Fan Mfg: YS Tech
KM121226LS |
| Fan Spec: 1200RPM, 12V,
0.18A |
| Fan Dim: 25x120x120mm |
| Heatsink & Fan Dim:
154x125x104mm |
| Weight: 718 grams |
| Includes:
Mounting bracket, thermal compound, fan speed controller,
instructions |
Compatible with Sockets: 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+, 775 |
| Est. Pricing: $40USD
($40CDN) | |
The technique of using large
diameter copper heatpipes in direct contact with the top of the processor
minimizes thermal joint resistance. Heat energy is conducted directly to the
heatpipes, instead of through a base or questionable solder joints. The method
works extremely well with heatspreader capped processors that
generally have larger silicon dies.
Installation Hardware
EKL's Alphenfohn GroB Clock'ner heatsink is compatible
with Intel socket 775 and AMD socket 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+ processors. The
heatsink has one common clip attached to the base which operates in a tool free
manner. The clip is designed with AMD socket 939/AM2 CPUs in mind, so for Intel processors a specialized heatsink retention
frame needs to be installed. The black adaptor pops into the
four holes around the Intel processor socket, and then all the user has to do
is push in four plastic pegs to expand the feet and lock the
retention frame into position on the motherboard PCB.
The system is a modified version of the standard Intel
push-to-click heatsink attachment mechanism, and has the benefit of clamping firmly in place
without requiring the user to remove the entire motherboard first and fiddle with screws. An illustrated
manual provides guidance, and a fan speed controller and syringe of thermal compound are
also provided.
FrostyTech's Test Methodologies are outlined in detail here if you care to know what equipment is
used, and the parameters under which the tests are conducted. Now let's move
forward and take a closer look at this heatsink, its acoustic characteristics,
and of course its performance in the thermal tests!
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