6-Way Intel Core i7 CPU Cooler Roundup

Asus Triton 81

The smallest of the coolers in our round up is the Triton 81 from Asus. This light weight was achieved with the use of aluminum fins and 90mm fans rather than 120mm. The Triton also has a very small base (more on that in a moment). Lets take a look at the specs for the Triton.

Specifications

• CPU Support

• Intel Core2 Extreme (LGA 775) Intel Core2 Quad / Core2 Duo (LGA 775) Intel Pentium processor family (LGA 775) Intel Core i7 processor (LGA 1366)
• AMD Phenom FX/X4 (Socket 1207+ / AM2+) AMD Athlon 64/FX/X2 (Socket 939 / 940 / 1207 / AM2 / AM2+)

Cooler dimensions: 120.5(L)x 117.6(W)x144.7(H) (mm)

Weight: 695g

Connector: 4-pin

Material: Pure Copper base + Al fins + 4 Copper heat pipes

Acoustics: 18 dBA during normal operation

Fan dimensions: 90 x 90 x 25 (mm)

Fan speed: 8002,500 rpm 10% (with PWM control and Blue LED)

Looking at the top of the cooler we can see the rather interesting X shape. This was done on purpose to allow for what Asus calls 4 way air flow. This is a departure from what I have seen in the past where shrouds were used to keep air moving front to back and not go out the side.

One of the other things that caught my eye was the base of the Triton. Aside from the stock Intel cooler the Triton 81 has one of the smallest bases I have seen in some time, ironic considering the size a Core i7 CPU. For a little reference for our non-US readers the US quarter is about inch in diameter, or 19mm

The Triton also uses dual 90mm fans that are wired together. So if one fails youre replacing both unless you are handy and can splice the wires. To install the Triton 81 you will need to remove the fans to have access to the push pins, which is easy to do; remove 4 screws on the top of the cooler and slide the fan housings off the cooler.

The Triton 81 comes with everything needed to mount up to not only the LGA1366 socket, but LG775 and all AMD sockets 939 and newer.