Sunbeamtech Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler

The Results and Conclusion

With the test system running at stock settings, and the Core-Contact Freezer on low, the Q6600 was running at 35.75*C at idle and 48.75*C under load. Thats a nice 17*C cooler than the stock Intel cooler, but is 4.5* warmer than our current performance leader the Noctua NH-U12P. With the fan on high the load temp dropped almost 2*C to 47.5*C. Now these temps are with the cooler in a less than optimum installed orientation. So being installed the preferred way your mileage may very.

With the system overclocked to 3.0GHz, the Core-Contact Freezer dropped back in the pack. With fan on low, the load temp came in at 52.25*C, 21.25*C better than the Intel stock cooler but 7.5*C warmer than the NH-U12P. Similar to the stock settings, when the fan was turned up to high, the load temp dropped 2*C to 50.25*C. Again these numbers are with the cooler turned 90*, so your mileage may vary.

Conclusion

The Core-Contact Freezer CPU cooler from Sunbeamtech can be found on our shopping link for $34.99 plus shipping. For this price I would call it a mid-range cooler due to the fact it can be found for under $40, which is a nice price considering the current state of the economy.

The Core-Contact Freezer performed decently, but failed to impress. I feel this was because of the way I had to mount the cooler due to the mounting system, which left me with no good way to get cool air to the cooler. The mounting ring and the way it installs to the motherboard is nice, and very easy, but due to the close heatsinks around the socket of the Intel D975XBX2 made it impossible to mount the right way. Doing a search on the internet showed there are other users that are having clearance issues. When shopping for a cooler, keep in mind that some CPU coolers and motherboards will have clearance issues and that it pays to do some research prior to placing your order.

I feel the Core-Contact Freezer when installed right way round could improve by a couple degrees. This would put it in the same range of performance as the popular Xigmatek HDT-S1283. This is a theory that I will be testing here in the near future on a different board.

Bottom Line: Im reserving final judgment until I can try this out on another board as I feel it has some potential for a sub $40 cooler.