System
setup and notes
•
CPU: Core 2 Duo E6400
• Motherboard: Gigabyte 945P-DS4
• RAM: A-Data Vitesta DDR-2 800
• HDD: Samsung 160JJ SATA2
• VGA: Nvidia 7950GT
• PSU: Ultra X-Connect VS 700W
For
testing, we decided to test the Iceberq 6 by using
the included silicone grease. We placed a layer
on the GPU core and left the system running 3D
benchmark loops in order for the thermal paste
to stabilize for about 24 hours. The Vantec Iceberq
6 does not support any kind of fan speed control
out of the box, so we tested it at full speed
only. GPU load was achieved by running continuous
loops of 3dMark05 for 30 minutes. The idle temperature
measurements were noted after the system was resting
at the windows desktop for 30 minutes. Ambient
temperature is maintained (as accurately as possible)
at 19 degrees Celsius at the time of the test.
| |
Idle
Temperature (Celsius) |
Load
Temperature
(Celsius) |
| Stock
cooler |
50 |
69 |
| Vantec
Iceberq 6 |
42 |
60 |
Our
testing shows that the Vantec Iceberq 6 is doing
a much better job than the reference stock cooler
of the 7950GT. It managed to provide a temperature
drop of 8 degrees while the card is idle and a drop
of 9 degrees when the card is loaded. Another advantage
the Iceberq 6 had is the noise. The Iceberq 6 is
not entirely silent (a larger fan choice on the
cooler would be a better option for future revisions);
actually, it was clearly audible in a quiet environment,
but we cannot claim it was noisy either.
Final
words and conclusion
What
we did like:
The
Vantec Iceberq 6 is a very good and versatile
VGA cooler for the price. Its strongest asset
is that you can mount it on almost every modern
VGA card, so you don’t have to worry if
you upgrade often. The quality of this product
is good, but the plastic parts could be improved.
Finally, the performance of the Vantec Iceberq
6 is very good, giving it a very clear advantage
over stock cooling solutions while also lowering
chassis heat by expelling out the rear.
What
we did not like:
The
only drawback of the Vantec Iceberq 6 appears
to be the 45mm fan. The fan performs well enough
to cool down a powerful card such as the 7950GT,
but it is not entirely silent and it could very
well lack the necessary power to cool down an
even more powerful card. Similar products are
already using 70-80mm fans, which produce more
than double the airflow a 45mm fan can produce,
making them more efficient and quieter.
Who
we would recommend it to:
It
is clear that the Iceberq 6 is a good VGA cooler,
but its strongest point is the universal compatibility.
It is a wise choice for people who upgrade their
VGA cards often, or even for those who plan on
upgrading their VGA card in the near future. It
offers good performance and emits only a low amount
of noise, so we believe that it is worthy of the
DriverHeaven’s Shortlist award.
What
do these awards mean?
The
Vantec Iceberq 6 retails for about 32$ in the
US at the time of this review.
