NZXT Havik 140 CPU Cooler Review - PAGE 5

For NZXT's first attempt, the HAVIK 140 is actually a solid performer that was able to compete with top rated thermal solutions such as the Thermalright Ultra-120 and Corsair H60. Even more impressive was the fact that the HAVIK 140 was the most efficient heatsink in our charts at the stock voltage level. So, in terms of efficiency NZXT has succeeded in creating an excellent thermal solution. However, once we increased the CPU voltage to 1.35V, the HAVIK 140 lost more ground than the H60 and Ultra-120, which resulted in the HAVIK having a third place finish amongst our other tested coolers.

The thermal performance of the HAVIK can be credited to the design, which utilizes technologies such as six 6mm heatpipes, a nickel plated copper base, optimal heatpipe positioning and dual 140mm fans. These are all technologies that are utilized by the best cooling solutions on the market, (excluding the heatpipe positioning) so NZXT didn’t miss any steps on their first outing.

Along with the excellent thermal performance, the NZXT HAVIK 140 is also a very high quality product that includes thick aluminum fins and two high performance 140mm fans. The thickness of the fin array is very important in our opinion, because it not only improves the overall cooling efficiency, but also prevents the fins from bending while mounting the heatsink or attaching the fans. Likewise the included fans add a lot to the design of a heatsink and the ones included with the HAVIK work quite well at efficiently dissipating the heat built up in the array. Also, the unique fin design allows them gives them a high airflow rating which maintaining a relatively low noise level.

Our only real complete against the HAVIK 140 is that the fan don’t include a 4-pin PWM connector, so they are forced to spin at the highest RPM setting at all times. This is of course the best option for cooling efficiency, but at full RPM the fan noise will be noticeable. Overall the fans are fairly quiet, but when using a computer for the most basic daily tasks, such as surfing the net, there is no reason to have the fans spinning at their maximum level.

Even without a PWM option, the NZXT HAVIK 140 is a good thermal solution that can compete with some of the best coolers on the market. For this reason we believe the $74.99 MSRP is right on with the performance.