After letting the Arctic Silver 5 cure for about 24 hours, I began testing. Testing consisted of letting the system run idle for
2 hours followed by a temperature check. Then, I would let the system run at full load for 2 hours, followed by another temperature
check. I would then let the computer sit for an hour with no load. After it sat for an hour, I would change fan settings and repeat
the whole cycle.
I was shocked to discover that my system ran hotter with the bare Heat Exchanger than it did with the base waterblock. At load,
the CPU ran 2 degrees hotter at low fan speed and 1 degree hotter at high fan speed. The difference came when I added the A2017 Smart
Case Fan. At load, the CPU ran 1 degree cooler with both fans on their lowest setting, and 1 degree cooler with both fans on their highest setting.
Temperatures
These temperatures prompted me to tear apart the system and attempt to see if I had set anything up incorrectly. After checking
it a fourth and fifth time, I determined that it was set up as shown in the manual.
She's Gonna Blow, Whoa Whoa Whoa, Volcano!
CONCLUSION
I must be honest, I was hoping for better results. For the price of $65, this should at least be cooler than the stock BigWater
waterblock out of the box. The only way I can recommend the Volcano 4005 Heat Exchanger is if you buy an optional fan to install,
and even then you probably won't squeeze much more than 1 or 2 degrees out of it. I give the Thermaltake Volcano 4005 Heat
Exchanger a Base Hit. Thanks to CrazyPC for the review sample.
