Looking at your evaluation of this cooler, the screen shot you provide of the Nvidia monitoring software shows a Cpu temp of 49C and a system temp of 35C. Since you state you used this software to monitor temps during your evaluation could you please explain how the worst heat sink (intel stock cooler) started at 41C at idle. What heat sink was in place during your screen shot of the nvidia software? Also more information is needed to evaluate the product, in particular what is the fan arrangement in the mid tower case? Fan Number, CFM, size etc. The performance of each heatsink is highly dependent on the supplied flow of air, and there is considerable variability in how each heat sink works with the available flow. Knowing more about your standard set up would be helpful. Finally many users of the Qx6700 cpu have reported a higher initial tempearture value for this cpu. It would be nice to see in your evaluations an assessment of this processor as it typically runs 10 degrees C hotter than the dual core extremes.
There are real world temperatures AND comparisons with other top cooling, including water. In essence, the results you see here are VERY typical. For instance, processors that would top out at 2.9ghz under HIGH END, CUSTOM WATERCOOLING (TDX block etc.) would then push on to hit 3ghz+ with the TEC. Personally, I'd rather spend the $90 on a the monsoon to reach higher clocks than $300+ watercooling setups, and not have to worry about leakage.
For my next rig, I want to use peltier/TEC, but I dont want a 2 pound block on my CPU. I want to use a 1/2" tube liquid loop with reservoir, radiator, and pump. Does anyone have, or can recommend a combination liquid/peltier block, or could point me in direction to look?
Since the peltier "runs" at about 77 F, and it hits about 90 - 110 F in the summer depending on where you live, I wonder if condensation will become a problem for this circumstance.
If it's 110 degrees in your house, I feel for you and suggest you sink the $89 towards Central A/C.
In all honesty though, condensation is a concern, my brother smoked 2 machines when experimenting with Peltier cooling, water dripped from the heatsink down into the socket.
I think that the comparison with the other coolers is very primitive. You should compare this to the likes of the Coolit Freezone or Eliminator as they too are TEC related coolers. I have the Freezone myself, and i enjoy the overclocking boost it gives my AMD FX-60 sitting stable at 3.15Ghz at 1.52v
We wanted to get a wider variety of coolers in our database before tackling the Frezzone review. It should also be pointed out that the self contained six-TEC liquid cooled Freezone has a retail price of $400 and a street price of around $300. This is considerably more expensive than the $89 street price of the Monsoon II Lite. We have heard great things about the Freezone, and we do have one in the lab for testing. However, it is certainly in a different price category than the Monsoon II Lite, which is closer in price to heatpipe tower air coolers.
It is not recommended to run TEC/peltiers by thermostatic switching. This leads to excessive stresses and preliminary failure. See datasheets at www.marlow.com.
Reviews I've seen of the original Vigor Monsoon II seem to reflect your findings, except:
1). The Monsoon II works much better when modded to work with a better 92mm fan (not easy to do)
2). The Monsoon II works better in cases with good airflow
You didn't mention the case or case fans used, and you barely showed a picture of the test system. Could you please elabourate on the airflow situation in which you tested the Monsoon II? Also, are you able to include a Titan Amanda in your test as well?
It is good that the Monsoon II will now be available at a lower price.
From your results the only advantage the Monsoon II Lite seems to give the EU is maybe 60 more mhz. Aside from that it costs more than the Tuniq 120, it doesn't cool as well, it adds 50w of power to your overall consumption and it's noisier. Sure it's an innovative idea, but it doesn't actually help out the EU.
Exactly what I wanted to say. I'm one of those "will give up OC for a nice quiet room" guys. And I actually replaced the Tuniq fan w/ a Scythe SFLEX. :D
I totally agree as well. Additionally the sentence
quote: There is no reason this cooler should be noisier than the best tower coolers available.
is incorrect: the air cooler has to cool 49 more W. If the processor consumes 150W and the Peltier element 49W (leaving 1W for the fan), then the radiator has 199W to cool down instead of 150W. It is very tricky to cool down a Peltier element without noise. In that case, I would say that they did not succeed: the processor is warmer and the fan noisier. The additional 60MHz (i.e. 1.5%) look insignificant, at least to me.
The noise level with the TEC and fan running at full speed is still much lower than the stress sound levels we measured. Most of the added noise is the buzzing, pops, and clicks from the fan being controlled simultaneously with the TEC. As we said in the review the fan running continously is much quieter.
Vigor says they are aware of the issues and they are working to separately control the fan and TEC with the controller. This will definitely reduce noise levels.
I totally agree. While it's a novel idea, the only plus it has over the Tuniq 120 is an extra 60Mhz overclock. When I get my C2D or C2Q system, I'm going with the Tuniq.
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hox - Friday, February 23, 2007 - link
Looking at your evaluation of this cooler, the screen shot you provide of the Nvidia monitoring software shows a Cpu temp of 49C and a system temp of 35C. Since you state you used this software to monitor temps during your evaluation could you please explain how the worst heat sink (intel stock cooler) started at 41C at idle. What heat sink was in place during your screen shot of the nvidia software? Also more information is needed to evaluate the product, in particular what is the fan arrangement in the mid tower case? Fan Number, CFM, size etc. The performance of each heatsink is highly dependent on the supplied flow of air, and there is considerable variability in how each heat sink works with the available flow. Knowing more about your standard set up would be helpful. Finally many users of the Qx6700 cpu have reported a higher initial tempearture value for this cpu. It would be nice to see in your evaluations an assessment of this processor as it typically runs 10 degrees C hotter than the dual core extremes.customcoms - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
For more information, and real world tests by some of the top overclockers out there, check out this thread: http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6...">http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6...There are real world temperatures AND comparisons with other top cooling, including water. In essence, the results you see here are VERY typical. For instance, processors that would top out at 2.9ghz under HIGH END, CUSTOM WATERCOOLING (TDX block etc.) would then push on to hit 3ghz+ with the TEC. Personally, I'd rather spend the $90 on a the monsoon to reach higher clocks than $300+ watercooling setups, and not have to worry about leakage.
Avalon - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
The Coolit Eliminator sells for about $200, and is similar to the Freezone. I'd definitely like to see a comparison of either. Good review.nickfd - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
For my next rig, I want to use peltier/TEC, but I dont want a 2 pound block on my CPU. I want to use a 1/2" tube liquid loop with reservoir, radiator, and pump. Does anyone have, or can recommend a combination liquid/peltier block, or could point me in direction to look?Thanks much!
Wesley Fink - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
The Coolit Freezone is a liquid/TEC combo. See comments above for more Freezone info.Tiamat - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
Since the peltier "runs" at about 77 F, and it hits about 90 - 110 F in the summer depending on where you live, I wonder if condensation will become a problem for this circumstance.mpc7488 - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
If it's 110 degrees in your house, I feel for you and suggest you sink the $89 towards Central A/C.In all honesty though, condensation is a concern, my brother smoked 2 machines when experimenting with Peltier cooling, water dripped from the heatsink down into the socket.
ViperV990 - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
Shouldn't the target temperature on the cold side of the TEC be the case ambient temperature around the processor to avoid condensation altogether?cheetah2k - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
I think that the comparison with the other coolers is very primitive. You should compare this to the likes of the Coolit Freezone or Eliminator as they too are TEC related coolers. I have the Freezone myself, and i enjoy the overclocking boost it gives my AMD FX-60 sitting stable at 3.15Ghz at 1.52vWesley Fink - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
We wanted to get a wider variety of coolers in our database before tackling the Frezzone review. It should also be pointed out that the self contained six-TEC liquid cooled Freezone has a retail price of $400 and a street price of around $300. This is considerably more expensive than the $89 street price of the Monsoon II Lite. We have heard great things about the Freezone, and we do have one in the lab for testing. However, it is certainly in a different price category than the Monsoon II Lite, which is closer in price to heatpipe tower air coolers.nickfd - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
Can you post a review/link to review for this cooler?Wesley Fink - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
The Freezone is in our testing calendar and it will definitely be compared to the Monsoon II Lite.jvuser - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
It is not recommended to run TEC/peltiers by thermostatic switching. This leads to excessive stresses and preliminary failure. See datasheets at www.marlow.com.DrMrLordX - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
Reviews I've seen of the original Vigor Monsoon II seem to reflect your findings, except:1). The Monsoon II works much better when modded to work with a better 92mm fan (not easy to do)
2). The Monsoon II works better in cases with good airflow
You didn't mention the case or case fans used, and you barely showed a picture of the test system. Could you please elabourate on the airflow situation in which you tested the Monsoon II? Also, are you able to include a Titan Amanda in your test as well?
It is good that the Monsoon II will now be available at a lower price.
RobFDB - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
From your results the only advantage the Monsoon II Lite seems to give the EU is maybe 60 more mhz. Aside from that it costs more than the Tuniq 120, it doesn't cool as well, it adds 50w of power to your overall consumption and it's noisier. Sure it's an innovative idea, but it doesn't actually help out the EU.Jodiuh - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
Exactly what I wanted to say. I'm one of those "will give up OC for a nice quiet room" guys. And I actually replaced the Tuniq fan w/ a Scythe SFLEX. :DSurJector - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
I totally agree as well. Additionally the sentenceis incorrect: the air cooler has to cool 49 more W. If the processor consumes 150W and the Peltier element 49W (leaving 1W for the fan), then the radiator has 199W to cool down instead of 150W. It is very tricky to cool down a Peltier element without noise. In that case, I would say that they did not succeed: the processor is warmer and the fan noisier. The additional 60MHz (i.e. 1.5%) look insignificant, at least to me.
Wesley Fink - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
The noise level with the TEC and fan running at full speed is still much lower than the stress sound levels we measured. Most of the added noise is the buzzing, pops, and clicks from the fan being controlled simultaneously with the TEC. As we said in the review the fan running continously is much quieter.Vigor says they are aware of the issues and they are working to separately control the fan and TEC with the controller. This will definitely reduce noise levels.
DigitalFreak - Tuesday, February 6, 2007 - link
I totally agree. While it's a novel idea, the only plus it has over the Tuniq 120 is an extra 60Mhz overclock. When I get my C2D or C2Q system, I'm going with the Tuniq.