Review Date: 5th August 2003 Reviewed By: Michael "Hughesey" Hughes Product: Spire Whisper Rock IV Socket A Cooler Rating: 95% Manufacturer: Spire Supplier: LowNoise PC

Features

Dimensions
Heat sink: 80×80×44 mm (l × w × h)
12VDC Fan : 80×80×25mm

Bearing: Ball bearing
Rated speed: 2300 RPM +/-10%
Noise level: 21.0 dBA
Air flow: 28.0 CFM at 2,300 RPM
Current: 0.09 A
Life hours Ball: 50,000
Features: Blue transparent fan, 3 grip clip, Copper core, Fan Guard
Connector: 3 Pin, mainboard

Application
Duron ~ 1.3 GHz (Morgan)
Athlon XP ~ 2700+ (Thoroughbred)
Athlon XP ~ 2100+ (Palomino)
Athlon XP ~ 3200+ (Barton)
Athlon MP ~ 2600+ (Thoroughbred)
Athlon ~ 1.4 GHz (Thunderbird)

Thermal resistance: 0.568 °C/W
Thermal type: White grease pre-applied
Clip model: 0604271

  

Upon removing the cooler from its postage box, we are greeted with a pretty standard product box. It does, however, have some instructions on the side of the box on how to install the cooler, for those who aren't as experienced in this area. (I'll explain how to install it later in the article as well). It also comes with a multi-lingual instruction sheet which allows for the unit to be sold worldwide.

The cooler itself is larger than your average CPU cooler, as it has to fan out enough to be able to accept the 80mm fan. The fan itself is rated at 28CFM whilst only producing 21dB of noise. Apart from this more efficient fan, this cooler is identical to the Falcon Rock II.

 

The base of the heatsink comes with an evenly spread pre-applied layer of thermal grease, which saves us having to apply it ourselves. The base also has a copper insert, a long running tradition amongst cooler manufacturers, as copper is better at drawing heat off the CPU whilst aluminium is better at radiating it into the surrounding air.

Installation

 

Installation is relatively simple. First, we place the cooler on the cpu, and clip one side of the clip onto the socket. Next, we take our trusty screwdriver, and then lever the second side of the clip onto the socket (this does require some pressure, in order to get good contact with the cpu, so don't be too afraid to push). Personally, I prefer coolers that allow installation without the need of a screwdriver, not because I am personally a bit hesitant to use a screwdriver, but because others out there who haven't had as much experience replacing their cooler are.