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MP3 SOUND RECORDINGS
These recordings were made with a high
resolution, lab quality, digital recording system inside SPCR's
own 11 dBA ambient anechoic chamber, then converted to LAME 128kbps
encoded MP3s. We've listened long and hard to ensure there is no audible degradation
from the original WAV files to these MP3s. They represent a quick snapshot of
what we heard during the review.
These recordings are intended to give you an idea of how the product sounds
in actual use — one meter is a reasonable typical distance between a computer
or computer component and your ear. The recording contains stretches of ambient
noise that you can use to judge the relative loudness of the subject. Be aware
that very quiet subjects may not be audible — if we couldn't hear it from
one meter, chances are we couldn't record it either!
The recording starts with 10 second segments of room ambiance, then the fan
at various levels. For the most realistic results, set the volume so that
the starting ambient level is just barely audible, then don't change the volume
setting again.
Reference Comparatives
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite its girth, longer heatpipes and 140mm fan, the Thermaltake BigTyp
14Pro is a relatively poor performer once the fan speed is dialed down to tolerable
levels. While we did not expect it would be able to compete with the massive
tower heatsinks which have the inherent advantage of exhausting air toward the
back of the case, the BigTyp also posted below average numbers against some
of the more modest top-down coolers we've tested in the past.
The combination of high fin density and a frameless fan are not conducive to
quiet, low airflow cooling. Without a frame, the fan produces very little static
pressure, making it difficult to force air down through the narrow gaps between
the fins, especially when the fan speed is reduced. Also, the heatpipes don't
have a lot of breathing room between them, so the heat coursing through them
is not easily dissipated.
While bigger sometimes really is better, this is not the case with the BigTyp,
which barely outperforms its smaller predecessor, the Big Typhoon VX. Increasing
the heatpipe length along with the fan size did not appear to make it a better
performer, but it did succeed in making the BigTyp one of the more expensive
CPU coolers you can buy today. Being bigger causes other problems as well, such
as potentially interfering with power supplies or rear exhaust fans and obscuring
at least two mounting holes on the motherboard. Its lackluster performance isn't
worth the cost to procure it or the possible problems associated with its installation.
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Thermaltake BigTyp 14Pro
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PROS
* Secure LGA775 mounting design
* Good high airflow performance
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CONS
* Size may cause compatibility issues
* Fan too loud
* Poor low airflow performance
* Expensive
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Our thanks to Thermaltake for the BigTyp 14Pro heatsink sample.
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