INTRODUCTION

   With almost 20 years in the market CPU air coolers based on the typical C and U type heatsinks have very little left to offer in terms of cooling efficiency so it only goes to reason that manufacturers are turning towards other designs and/or technologies. For example, all-copper models were the first attempt in boosting cooling efficiency and even though they did succeed in doing just that the increased cost of such models made them far from popular. Different heatsink shapes have also been used by several manufacturers from time to time without however impressive enough results for them to even think about replacing U and C type models. So, you can all imagine my surprise when the latest Mirage 5 CPU Cooler by AeroCool arrived in the lab last month.

   AeroCool is a Taipei-based, global computer component (Chassis, PSU, Fan Controller, Cooling etc.) company with an outstanding record in product design and innovation. Driven by the mantra ‘Be Cool. Get AeroCool.’ we strive to provide innovation in design yet deliver an affordable solution to PC users worldwide. For more information, please visit www.aerocool.io

   Three things immediately stand out when set your eyes on the Mirage 5, the tall cylindrical design of its aluminum heatsink, the top mirror plate (which Aerocool has paired with addressable RGB LEDs - compatible with all the leading motherboard sync technologies like ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light and GIGABYTE RGB Fusion) and the lack of a fan (visible that is). Still with a TDP (thermal design power) of 150W the Mirage 5 is not only a unique looking CPU Cooler but it should also be able to hold its own even when used with relatively powerful CPUs. Even tall however the Mirage 5 is not a passive CPU cooler, instead Aerocool has equipped it with an 60mm hydraulic bearing fan (3000RPM/74.3CFM/2.13mmH2O/30dBA) which is positioned right at the center allowing it to quickly dissipate heat around it (360 degrees). The final piece of the puzzle is the heat core touch technology (also known to most of you as H.D.T) base of the Mirage 5 with its five 6mm thick black coated copper heatpipes.