Thermolab Nano Silencer TLI-U Heatsink

heatsink specsheet manufacturer: thermolab model no.: nano silencer tli-u materials: aluminum fins & chrome-plated base, copper heatpipes fan mfg: protechnic mgt8012hr-w15 fan spec: 3000rpm, 12v, 0.18a pwm fan dim: 15x80x80mm heatsink & fan dim: 45x85x96mm weight: 214 grams includes: mounting bracket, pre-applied thermal compound, instructions Compatible with Sockets: 775 Est. Pricing: $32USD ($15CDN)

The base of the Thermolab Nano Silencer TLI-U is chrome plated aluminum, and into it are swagged about 50 stubby aluminum fins. The manufacturer call this "power clamping technology", but it's really nothing new to the industry. Swagging fins into a base block generally ensures a low thermal joint resistance, and can be more effective than a soldered joint.

Thermolab also assert that by swagging the short aluminum fins (they are just 17mm tall) directly into the base block, potential problems from stalled heatpipes can be averted. If the processor TDP exceeds the recommended figure of about 100W, the aluminum fins are still able to conduct heat away from the processor and cooling is not critically handicapped.

Base Finish and Flatness

Flipping a heatsink over to inspect the business end is often a simple indicator of overall cooler quality. More practically speaking, a heatsink is in many ways only as effective as the contact it makes with the processor - the flatter and smoother the better. Base finish is one of the criteria that Frostytech measure in the course of evaluating heatsinks, and it involves two distinct aspects. Surface Finish is the first; this is calculated with the aid of Surface Roughness Comparator that has a cross section of common machine surface finishes and their numerical surface roughness equivalents in microinches. The second is Surface Flatness. This is tested with an engineers straight edge or proven flat surface, in two axis.