Rise Above Ambient Temp. (c)
	Mfg.	Model	27mm large copper block	15mm small copper block		27mm large copper block	15mm small copper block
			50W	50W		100W	100W
1	Swiftech	MCX462	14.7	18.8		28.6	36.8
2	Thermal Integration	TI-V77L	12.6	17.9		31.0	37.1
3	Arkua	6158	15.8	19.2		32.4	39.3
4	CoolerMaster	HCC-002	19.0	23.8		32.6	44.3
5	Vantec	CCK-6027D	18.0	22.2		37.5	46.0
6	OCZ	Dominator	11.2	24.4		25.9	47.7
7	Akasa	Silver Mountain	19.6	24.9		38.4	49.5
8	Vantec	CCK-6035D-Retail	17.7	26.3		36.7	51.4
9	Arkua	6158	21.0	28.5		45.0	56.1
10	Thermaltake	Volcano 6cu+	13.8	28.8		32.1	57.9
11	Spire	5T060B1H3R	16.0	30.8		37.9	58.4
			50W	50W		100W	100W

I have yet to see a Swiftech heatsink that wouldn't put any other cooler to shame in terms of quality. On the same token, there are very few heatsinks quite as expensive as Swiftech's. Then again, if you've invested in your computer in other areas why not go for the gold with your cooling?

Performance users generally aren't the type to skimp on something as critical as processor cooling, and judging by the complaints about other coolers, they are rarely satisfied either.

The MCX462 provides the performance user with a viable option that is difficult to beat. While there are a few heatsinks from Arkua which have come close to matching the level of performance that the Swiftech offers, they still fall short. With over 700grams of material, an advanced pin design, and that classic base finish you really couldn't ask for more without sacrificing performance.