There's a calculating error in the temp rise @ 5V on pg 3: ambient is 21, CPU temp is 64 but temp rise says 31. Of course one of these numbers is wrong, and the C/W number might be wrong too.

It seems like it performs pretty much the same as the AC 7. I use the AC 7 on all my new builds as a replacement for the stock AMD fan. I have 3 systems running in my house, and 2 family systems. As a replacement for the stock fan in budget builds, you really can't go wrong.

In my house it cools a Athlon64 3200+ AM2 @1.1V 24/7 full load from folding with only 450RPM. It also cools my home server, a 65W 65nm 4600+ at stock voltages, and my GFs computer, a S754 2.4ghz 3400+ also at stock voltages. All are silent in my house. The server, and the GF computer rarely reach full load so I never undervolted them. Soon I will get another when I upgrade my HPTC. It makes a great HTPC cooler as well.

Performance is good enough with these coolers and they are some of the quietest, cheapest coolers out there. All 3 versions, the AC64, AC7, and AC7pro are highly recommended. Overclockers look elsewhere.

There's an even smaller and cheaper version of this HSF: The Alpine 7 GT. Compared to the Pro, it's maybe 2/3 high and has the same or slightly higher fin density. It retails at 8,45€/12,45$ (btw, I like companies that do no 1/1 €/$ conversion)

I think the Pro is very interesting for any of these new 45nm dual-core CPUs. No need to spend more money unless you go quad-core imho.

This looks great for a non-overclocked system if you are just trying to get the noise down. I can definately see a place for this in the mainstream market. Only $15.

Could you retest with a midrange Core2Duo CPU like the E6550, just to give perspective on how this cooler copes with it's intended market, rather than with a high thermal load?

It would be interesting to know if the Alpine 7 Pro can cool adequately at 5 and 7 volts for one of these loaded 100% by TAT.

Why not compare it against the stock Intel cooler, so we can see how much quieter it is for the same degree of cooling. After all, that is the real competition for coolers at this price range. If you don't have one in the lab, I'm willing to donate mine . . .

It should do good with a C2D, but if you really wanna know how good "US$16 is not too much to put down for a little guess-and-test".

It hasn't arrived down here yet and I'm wondering whether just to get the Alpine 7 since I can get that for A$15 (~US$13). The easier fitting of the Pro would be nice, though.

Error on page 3: the stock fan at 5 V gives a temperature at 64 C, but the thermal rise is only 31 C (ambient temp 21). It should be 43 (=64-21) which would correlate with the rest of the results.