The first test consisted of measuring the CPU temperature after the system had been running for two hours in an idle state. The second test measured the CPU temperature after running Folding@Home for 24 hours at 100% CPU usage. Additionally, the Akasa AK862 was tested with the fan speed dial set to low (2,000 RPM) and high (4,000 RPM).
Tests were conducted with the room temperature at 26C using a closed full-tower steel case. Air is circulated through the case by two 80mm intake and two 80mm exhaust fans, all of which are rated at 24 CFM. The 500W power supply is outfitted with a single 120mm low-speed, regulated fan.
Temperatures were recorded using temperature monitoring software while thermal probes were used to verify their results.
Akasa PaxPower 92mm Fan
The retail Athlon 64 heatsink features a 70x15mm stock fan, which operates at variable speeds ranging from 3000 RPM to 6000 RPM. The AK862 features Akasa's 92x25mm PaxPower fan.
Results
As expected, Akasa's AK862 provided lower temperatures at idle and load when compared to the retail HSF. From a distance of 5 feet, both fans generated a similar amount of noise although the AK862's was not like the offensive high-pitched whine of some high-performance fans.
CONCLUSION
The Akasa AK862 proved to be a viable substitute for the Athlon 64 retail HSF. Although the PaxPower 92mm fan generated a noise level comparable to the retail HSF when operating at full speed, the unit provided a 13% reduction in CPU temperature.
If additional air flow is desired, there are other higher-performing 92mm fans that can be substituted for the AK862's PaxPower fan. However, I must admit that the PaxPower fan performed well throughout the entire range of speeds.
At $20-$25, the AK862 is priced attractively and is a viable HSF for the casual overclocker with a mid-range system and a case that exhibits adequate airflow. The Akasa AK862 is available in the UK and is expected to become available in the US soon. You can always give 3DCOOL.COM a call to check for availability.
Stay tuned as Akasa's high-performance EVO 33, which features their latest design in heat pipe technology, is currently being put to the test.
PROS
Sufficient cooling performance
Low price for a quality product
Noise reduction ability with fan control panel
Light weight
Good performing low noise 92mm Akasa PaxPower fan supplied
Easy installation
Should provide sufficient mounting clearances with most motherboards
Heatsink will accept a variety of 92mm fans
CONS
Considering what is being offered for the price, I could not find anything about this product that I could criticize.
