If you’re currently looking for an aftermarket CPU cooler, then we’re guessing you either want an ultra-quiet computer, or you’re a performance user trying to squeeze as many cycles out of your processor as possible.

It’s a difficult quest. The problem with quiet computers is that they often don’t cool too well. Quiet cooling solutions often imply low-RPM fans or even huge heatsink designs. On the other hand, a much more cooled system too often has the trade-off of being noisy.

Among the many companies that aim to provide a happy medium in cooling solutions is Spire. Spire was founded in 1991 and since then, it’s been working its way in the power supply, thermal solutions and PC case markets.

Today, we’re taking a look at the company’s Fourier IV, its latest CPU cooler for sockets 775 and AM2. This CPU cooler supports speeds between 2000 and 3500 RPM and will be put to the test against the Intel Core 2 Duo Stock cooler and, my old-time favorite, the Zalman 9500.

But first, let’s take a closer look at the Spire Fourier IV.