The Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM is a compact LGA775 Intel heatsink suitable for office work computers. It's 80mm fan is Pulse Width Modulation compliant, so Intel motherboards can direct it to spin only as fast as required (from a low 800RPM to moderately audible 3200RPM), thus keeping unnecessary noise down. The Igloo 5610 PWM is comprised of two heatpipes, a small section of extruded aluminum heatsink and a short array of aluminum cooling fins. A very simple CPU cooler, and one that is priced in the $10-$15 range making it cost effective for office PCs.

Glacialtech's Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink weighs just 373grams, and in Frostytech's real world tests ranges from 45.4 to 59.5 dBA in noise output. The heatsink stands 100mm tall, and ships with a pre-applied patch of thermal compound on its base.

The only odd thing with the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink is the manufacturer's choice of using screw based clips. For a heatsink this lightweight, we would have expected the standard Intel push-to-click plastic retention mechanisms used with the reference heatsinks. Instead with the Igloo 5610 PWM we find four captive screws and a metal motherboard support bracket which necessitates removing the board from the PC chassis. For a heatsink that weighs 373grams, that comes with pre-applied thermal compound, and that is best suited towards generic office PCs, this isn't a smart choice.

For system integrators, or industrial PC applications a screw based heatsink retention mechanism fits the bill. Perhaps that is the intended application here... For the time being, all Frostytech is interested in is how the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink performs thermally. Let's begin the analysis.

Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM Heatsink

heatsink specsheet manufacturer: glacialtech model no.: igloo 5610 pwm materials: aluminum fins, nickel-plated copper heatpipes and base fan mfg: power logic pla08025d12hh-1lv fan spec: 800-3200rpm, 12v, 0.50a fan dim: 20x80x80mm heatsink & fan dim: 101x64x99mm weight: 373 grams includes: mounting clips, pre-applied thermal compound, instructions Compatible with Sockets: 775 Est. Pricing: $20USD ($20CDN)

The Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink is a pretty straightforward CPU cooler, but after removing the 80mm PWM fan we can have a look at one of its more unique qualities - scalloped cooling fins. Seen from the top down, the leading edge of each aluminum fin has a little wavy pattern punched out of it. This helps break up laminar air flow and decrease back pressure as the air exits the fan and proceeds through the array of aluminum cooling fins which are press-fit around the heatpipes. The heatpipes are soldered to the copper base, but not each individual aluminum fin.

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!

360° View - Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM Heatsink Information on Frostytech's test methodology is available here.
	The Heatsink Fan: The 80x80x25mm fan rotates at a speed of 800-3200RPM depending on the signal from the computer BIOS. The Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink's fan runs at full speed when connected to a standard 3-pin motherboard fan speed connector. The eleven-blade impeller doesn't have a wire fan grill protecting it, so make sure errant wires are well clear of the blades.
	Heatsink Top: Looking from the top down, the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink has a compact profile which measures just 64mm deep. The fan is attached to the aluminum fan shroud which wraps around the top of the cooler to create a small plenum in front of the raw aluminum fins.
	Heatsink Side A: Viewed from the side we have a better idea of how simple the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink is. Two 6mm diameter heatpipes, a 61mm high section of aluminum fins, a small extruded heatsink below this and the copper base. Each aluminum fin is 0.31mm thick and spaced 1.2mm from the next. The fins are press-fit over the heatpipes, not soldered. Note the white cups which hold each of the four mounting screws.
	Heatsink Side B: From the rear the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink presents an unimpeded route for air to flow through. The little extruded heatsink looks like something used on chipsets, it's essentially 50 x 21.5 x 37mm in size and forms the base of the entire cooler. Square holes are machined in its base for the heatpipes, and on top of them is the copper base plate. Its fins are 0.75mm thick at the base, spaced 1.15mm apart.
	Heatsink Base: The base of the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink consists of a small 34x32.75mm square of nickel plated copper sheet metal. The base is only 2mm thick, but is soldered to the heatpipes and rest of the heatsink chassis. The base has a smooth surface finish with a roughness of ~16 microinches or better. The plate is very slightly domed in the center, but not enough to require lapping. The heatsink ships from the factory with a pre-applied patch of thermal compound. Each for the four mounting screws is held captive in the little white cup so they won't fall out during the installation procedure.