OCZ's Gladiator Max heatsink is an extension of the Vendetta 2 model, except that it now utilizes four large diameter copper heatpipes and a somewhat different aluminum fin geometry. As with other heatsinks from this series, the copper heatpipes make direct contact with the top of the processor - an approach called Heatpipe Direct Touch. In this case it's also a dead giveaway that the Gladiator Max is basically a modified version of Xigmatek's HDT-S1284EE heatsink.

OCZ's Gladiator Max heatsink is equipped with rubber vibration absorbing fan posts to quietly support a 120mm PWM fan which can scale in speed from 800-1500RPM. Behind the fan is OCZ's trademark application of 'vectored' aluminum fins, designed to 'improve airflow'. The 780 gram Gladiator Max heatsink itself stands 161mm tall and is compatible with Intel socket 775 and AMD socket 754/939/940/AM2 processors. Strangely though, no mounting hardware is supplied for the upcoming Intel socket 1366 Core i7 processor... pity.

The Gladiator Max heatsink 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. If you're in need of a compact thermal solution for your PC, check the low profile Heatsink Top 10 chart. The Gladiator Max cooler should retail for about$45CDN ($45USD) through your favorite heatsink store, or shops like Coolerguys.com.

OCZ Gladiator Max Heatsink

heatsink specsheet manufacturer: ocz model no.: gladiator max materials: aluminum fins, copper heatpipes, aluminum base with exposed heatpipes. fan mfg: dt1212mshp fan spec: 800-1500rpm, 12v, 0.15a fan dim: 25x120x120mm heatsink & fan dim: 161x120x90mm weight: 780 grams includes: lga775 and k8 socket mounting hardware, thermal compound, instructions Compatible with Sockets: 754/939/940/AM2, LGA775 Est. Pricing: $50USD ($50CDN)

The Gladiator Max uses widely spaced aluminum fins with a gentle "V" shaped curve running down the middle. This apparently helps low velocity air pass through the heatsink with less resistance, while funneling air towards the regions of the aluminum fins adjacent to the heatpipes. The heatsink also has six large aluminum pegs which extend from the base, up to four flat aluminum fins. I suppose this will help draw some heat away from the aluminum surrounding the copper heatpipes.

The Gladiator Max's 120mm fan is affixed to the heatsink with four vibration absorbing rubber mounting posts. The rubber posts fit through the standard screw holes in the vaneaxial fan frame, and keep the fan elevated ~2.0mm from the tips of the aluminum fins. If the fan motor happens to develop vibrations down the road, the rubber 'shock absorbers' can reduce that from becoming noise.

OCZ's Gladiator Max heatsink uses Xigmatek's "Heat-pipe Direct Touch" technique which means the copper heatpipes are directly in contact with the top of the processor, minimizing thermal joint resistance. Heat energy is conducted directly to the heatpipes, instead of through a base and questionable solder joints. The 8mm diameter heatpipes are also larger than the standard 6mm variety commonly used, so in theory the heat capacity of each pipe is increased.

Installaton Hardware for Intel / AMD Processors

The OCZ Gladiator Max heatsink ships with brackets for LGA775 and AMD K8 processors (754/939/940/AM2 respectively). The Intel socket 775 clips use the standard push-to-lock plastic clips that insert into the four motherboard holes around the processor socket.

AMD Athlon64 processors on 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+ work with a modified tool free spring clip that attaches to the lugs on the AMD heatsink retention frame. A cam lever at one end of the clip applies pressure to the heatsink base directly.

This heatsink will be tested on FrostyTech's Intel LGA775 and K8 version of the Mk.II synthetic thermal temperature test platform, and compared against a hundred reference LGA775 and K8 heatsinks. The whole test methodology is outlined in detail here if you'd like to know what equipment is used, and the parameters under which the tests are conducted.