Testing the Unit:
Before looking at the CPU
temperatures with the GeminII, we need to establish
something for reference. So, the following image
shows the CPU temperature with the standard Intel
cooler prior to removal. After 15 minutes of constant
use, the CPU is at 61C.
NOTE: All temperature readings
in the following images were taken with PRIME95
running in order to tax the CPU.
The highest temperature
reading for the Intel cooler was at 62C:
The
GeminII:
After installing the GeminII
and with my past experience as my guide, I felt
compelled to first start up the system with the
case placed on its side and the side cover removed.
I still had some doubts about the ‘Optional’
state of the 120mm fans.
I’m
glad I proceeded with caution. It didn’t
take long to satisfy my curiosity, nor to confirm
my suspicion.
After only about one minute
from booting into Windows, the CPU temp already
reached 73C and was climbing. It actually reached
75C before I could hit the OFF switch to turn
the system off. Once I did, I placed my hand near
the GeminII’s upper frame and could not
place my hand on it, as it was much too hot to
handle.
So, NOTE to CoolerMaster:
The manual definitely needs to be corrected to
show that the fans are NOT INCLUDED, but are NECESSARY.
It is NOT advisable to install this unit unless
TWO 120mm fans are on hand to install with it.
Dilemma
#2:
Fortunately, I DID have
two 120mm fans I could get my hands on. One of
them was the one at the rear of my PC case already.
The second one was in the bottom of a PSU that
wasn’t in use at the time. So, with two
120mm fans to use, the next question arose: Which
direction should the fans be forcing the air?
As many already know, the fans should blow ONTO
the heatsink. This forces the cooler environmental
air downward onto the heatsink and makes for the
better use of the airflow. However, since the
manual doesn’t even state that the fans
are essential, it also doesn’t even include
which way the fans should be installed. This could
cause inexperienced users some issues.
(NOTE:
The official online site at CoolerMaster for the
GeminII DOES show proper airflow. But, this is
of little help if one has only one PC and they’re
in the middle of installing this unit.)
With this in mind, I decided
to try it with the fans pulling air away from
the heatsink first. The results were much better
than without the fans, and the system would likely
function fine with them this way. However, the
resulting temperatures weren’t significantly
cooler than the Standard Intel cooler. So, it
really wouldn’t be a wise investment to
get the GeminII and install it this way only to
get the same kind of temperatures as the fan that
comes with the CPU.
Getting
it RIGHT:
After
toying with the possibility of passive cooling
(a dismal failure) and with the fans facing away
from the CPU and heatsink (not satisfactory),
it’s time now to get it right. The following
images show the CPU temperatures at different
times after boot up in various stages of uptime.
PC
Case is upright and with the cover on after 10
minutes.
At Three Hours uptime.
As mentioned previously,
these temperatures were registered with Prime95
running in order to stress the CPU to the max.
Compared to the temperatures with the Standard
Intel cooler, it’s very clear that the GeminII
can reduce the CPU temperature significantly under
load.
However, remember that,
along with the GeminII, the user will also have
to purchase separately two 120mm case fans.
What
About Noise?:
That’s a very good
question and one that needs to be considered when
looking at cooling devices and conditions. Noise
isn’t something that bothers me, as I’m
nearly deaf – as many members of DriverHeaven
already know. However, MOVEMENT and VIBRATION
DO! After installing the GeminII I can tell that
the case is vibrating more than previously. But,
it’s not nearly as much as even a CD or
DVD causes the system to vibrate when one is inserted
into a CD/DVD drive. And, at my keyboard –
which is only a foot or so away from the case,
I don’t feel any vibration at all.
However,
sensitive ears may very well pick up the noise
so it’s going to be important as to where
the PC is placed in relation to the user.
