Intel has introduced a new exciting thermal solution for the enthusiast market to accompany the Boxed Intel Core 2 Extreme processor manufactured on the 45nm process technology (see Figure 1). This document highlights the technical and performance features of the extreme cooler and gives references for finding more information on the Boxed Intel Core 2 Extreme processor.
Figure 1 Boxed Intel Extreme Cooler
The “cooler” cooler
The extreme cooler is not only a high performance thermal solution but it also has many aesthetically pleasing features. Cool features include the following:
- Clear Fan Hub
- Integrated cool-blue LEDs
- Reflective nickel plating (to mirror the cool-blue LED)
Thermal performance to spare
The new extreme cooler was designed to meet and exceed the thermal performance needs of the Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor and maintain excellent acoustic levels.
Additionally, the radial design forces air down over the motherboard providing additional cooling for system components such as the memory, voltage regulator, memory controller, and decoupling capacitors. This can improve over all system stability especially under stressful operating conditions.
Split personalities
The extreme cooler integrates a dual mode fan controlled by a micro-switch. The switch is set to, “Quiet Mode,” by default. This will limit the maximum fan speed to keep the noise level below 35dBA for times when you want a quiet, high performance thermal solution. Under Quiet Mode operation the thermal solution will meet and exceed thermal needs for operating the processor at its rated frequency. The switch can be set to, “Performance Mode,” when you want to experiment with overspeed environments, but are less concerned with potentially higher acoustic levels. Performance Mode will allow the fan to spin at a much higher speed to allow superior cooling when needed most.
The extreme cooler supports PWM based fan speed control which allows the motherboard to control the fan speed based on actual processor usage. This allows the fan to spin at very low speeds when not under heavy stress conditions. With PWM based fan speed control, acceptable acoustic levels can be experienced even operating under overspeed conditions.
Light by design
The extreme cooler was designed to meet stringent Intel shock and vibration requirements to 50 times the force of gravity! To achieve this goal an innovative patented thermal chamber technology (see Figure 2) was developed that allows rapid heat transfer from the processor, transferring heat better than a solid copper core would. (The thermal chamber vapor creates pumping action that "pumps" the heat upwards away from the processor.)
Additionally, the thermal solution weight must not exceed 550 grams to maintain the reliability of the LGA775 socket and motherboard components. The extreme cooler weighs in at 413 grams, well within the requirement. Many 3rd party thermal solutions with comparable performance far exceed the 550 gram requirement which can cause direct motherboard damage.
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Conclusion
The Boxed Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor manufactured on the 45nm process technology is now being offered with an exemplary cooling solution that offers extreme thermal performance, multiple cooling modes, aesthetically pleasing looks, and reliable operation.
For more details on fan mode operation, fan speed control operation, system requirements and processor thermal solution installation see the Integration of the Boxed Intel® Core™ Extreme Processor guide.
See the Product Brief (PDF 725KB) for a features overview of the Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor