Thermaltake MaxOrb Review
Design and features
The MaxOrb still has the same circular design from inherited from its antecessors from the GoldenOrb series. The MaxOrb has a large diameter of 144mm with enough space for a big blue LED and the 120mm fan with maximum airflow of 86.5 CFM placed in the center. This cooler is big, but it’s size is not reflected in its weight, since it has no more than 465 grams.
MaxOrb utilizes radial fins to generate smooth multi-directional airflow and reduce turbulence when the fan is operating. They also create open channels from the center to the circumference to dissipate heat efficiently with cool air from all directions. The fins on the cooler are quite thin and delicate and can easily get distorted. This cooler has 6 independent copper heatpipes coming out of the base which make up a circle around themselves, distributing the heat.
A fan speed controller, known as VRFan Speed Control by Thermaltake is also found in this model, mounted on the top of the heatsink. Some people prefer this function rather than an external speed control, avoiding any extra plugs and wires. However, in this case, you have the inconvenience of having to open the case to change the speed. This is especially bad when you have a cooler this big and a relatively small case. The speed controller can change the fan speed from 1300 to 2000 RPM, and the noise level varies from 16 to 24dBA proportionally to the speed.
In the bottom of the heatsink there is a well lapped shinny surface, which comes protected by a piece of transparent plastic. Regardless of the silver color, it’s made of copper.
An installation guide is included, with all details how to install the cooler in both platforms, AMD and Intel. In order to install this cooler in an Intel LGA775 socket based system you need to use the mounting frame with the included four lock pins. For AMD systems, the provided back-plate and the universal frame need to be installed along the four screws and barrels. A thermal paste is included with the package.
