Excellent cooling and low noise levels put the Hyper TX high on our list, but ease of use should put it over the top for many buyers. Push-in latches and pre-applied thermal compound make installation a snap, and prevent new builders from making a mess. The lack of any under-board support plate means motherboard removal is unnecessary, and its small footprint avoids conflicts with onboard components.

Matching it to a full-width tower is important, as the Hyper TX requires nearly 5.5" of mounting clearance. Overclockers may also be put off that this design is only effective at cooling the CPU and one side of its socket, neglecting half of their VRM components. Yet the majority of buyers won't be putting any extreme stress on their voltage regulators nor using a slim case, so the Hyper TX serves them well.

An estimated web price of $40-50, based on European distribution, puts great value on the superior cooling-to-noise ratio. We expect wider U.S. distribution by the end of this month.

Pros

• Excellent cooling for LGA775 processors
• Low-noise Fan with PWM control
• Low-weight cooling fins reduce stress against motherboard
• Snap-in installation with motherboard already installed
• Small footprint allows clearance on crowded boards
• Shroud directs air over motherboard components

Cons

• Very tall design requires full-width tower
• Asymmetric shroud limits motherboard cooling to one socket side

The Verdict: Great cooling, low noise, and easy installation make the Hyper TX a perfect choice for most users of LGA775 motherboards in large tower cases.

SysOpt Product Info

Product: Cooler Master Hyper TX Category: CPU Cooling Avg. Price: $45 Manufacturer: Cooler Master Co. Ltd. U.S. Headquarters 1951 S Parco Av. Unit A. Ontario, Calif. 91761 (909) 673-9880 Availability: Within two weeks Ratings: (Best of four stars) Features: Performance: Value: Best for: Performance LGA775 Mid-towers