Vantec is a mid-level heatsink manufacturer from what we've seen in their past efforts. While not top of the line in technology or design, they still manage to extrude some very powerful performers in traditional aluminum. In this particular case it is mainly the high power fan which gives the FCE-62540D its' bite.

Getting out the tools we can see that the 20 fin design leaves about 2mm of air space between fins. The extrusion is the same as their P4 model. Performance between the two wasn't quite the same, but we'll leave that to another review.

We took out our straight edge and checked the base for flatness. Since the base is not machined, only lightly sanded we weren't too surprised to see it slightly domed in the center. A little bit of lapping would bring the base into perfect flatness easily.

The clip which Vantec uses is great for two reasons. First it's easy to use, and won't require a screwdriver or some such tool to get it off thanks to a small tab for the thumb. Secondly the clip channel in the heatsink doesn't go right over the cpu core. In most heatsinks the clip channel is cut into the heatsink directly above where the cpu will sit on the base, thus removing some very important fin surface area in the region which gets the most heat. Vantec's clip circumvents this common problem, and probably helps by a few degrees in the long run.

Another unique feature you might not notice right off the bat is the undercut fins. The base of the cooler is stepped a bit so that a space of about 10x16mm is created where fins would normally be. This is done to allow this heatsink to fit on motherboards where the capacitors have been placed too close to the socket. Since the cooler is significantly bigger than the socket it would otherwise interfere, and well, be of no use.

Finally we have one very high powered fan. Unfortunately we don't have the specs on RPM, and CFM rating but rest assured it is more powerful then your typical CPU fan is. Being attached to a high powered fan does have its' drawbacks however, namely noise and plenty of it. Guaranteed this is one fan that will drown out even the noisiest of powersupplies! It is by no means of the vacuum cleaner class, however. Vantec thoughtfully include a fan grill guard on this cooler, so that should give you some indication as to RPM prowess.

Along with the fan grill the heatsink also come with a small package of AK-100 thermal compound and a pass-thru power connector. The fan can plug directly into the motherboard, or it can be hooked up to a molex power connector, depending on what you have in your case.

So lets begin our look at the this high powered aluminum cooler...