Gigabyte Cooler-PRO PCU21-VG Review - PAGE 1

Introduction

It may surprise a lot of people to find out that Gigabyte produces a wide range of computer products other than the motherboards and videocards that they are well known for. When Gigabyte approached us with the offer of reviewing a new heatsink-fan of theirs, it came as a surprise to us also as this was something that we did not expect from them. Generally we are a bit cautious especially with coolers as the really bad ones tend to stick out like a sore thumb. However, the pictures they sent out were interesting and Gigabyte sounded really excited about this product so our curiosity was piqued.

The Packaging

The pictures sent to us by Gigabyte could not prepare us for the sight of the Cooler-Pro PCU-21VG. The packaging was enormous for a heatsink and the cooler itself was a behemoth; it did not have the same girth as the MCX462-V from Swiftech but it was definitely taller. For its size, the PCU-21VG is surprisingly light at 462 grams.

Gigabyte has followed suit with Thermaltake's rheostat idea - included is the default 3 1/4" drive bay as well as a PCI slot insert. Unfortunately, if you want to use the PCI slot insert instead of the drive bay, it's up to the end user to disassemble the 3 1/4" unit in order to hook up the rheostat to the PCI slot and the instructions are a bit lacking in that department. I'd keep it on the drive bay myself - this is one very slick looking bay addition using a brushed metal look. Click on the picture below to get an idea of what I mean.

Regardless of the hassle in switching from the drive bay to PCI insert, it is a nice touch that they did include the PCI slot option. In the future it would be nice if they went all out like Thermaltake and included functional versions of both or at least more detailed instructions on removal.

The contents minus the floppy drive fan control unit and the heatsink