INTRODUCTION

   A few weeks ago we received an email by one of you telling us that he didn't like the fact that the majority of our CPU Cooler reviews were about high and ultra-end models and not low-profile coolers designed primarily for HTPC use. So to clear this i will just say that it was never our intention to focus on a specific type of CPU Cooler but as some of you know the LGA1155 test system is not located in our lab (since aside the two LGA1366 and the one LGA2011 systems i don't own it) and ontop of that there aren't that many low-profile models in the market to begin with. Still since we don't want anyone feeling left out we have received three of the latest low-profile CPU Coolers to hit the stores and today we will start by taking a look at the Cooltek ITX30 Low-Profile CPU Cooler (Powered By Thermolab).

   Cooltek offers you high-quality PC cases and accessories at an outstanding price-performance-ratio. Our products meet internationally recognized quality standards and are distinguished by their durability and exceptional value for money. Our main area of expertise are a broad variety of PC cases, ranging from small HTPC-formats- like the award winning Coolcube family - to full-fledged Midi-Tower chassis that offer outstanding features for small costs. Besides our line of PC cases, we offer you selected products from the areas of noise reduction, PC modding, cooling and high-end power supplies. By choosing Cooltek products you opt for innovative technology and leading designs.

   The ITX30 Low-Profile CPU Cooler is actually manufactured by Thermolab (as I’m certain most of you reading these lines are well aware already) and is basically a very compact heatsink made almost entirely out of copper (only the mounting is not) which in turn is cooled by a thin 80mm high-speed fan placed at the top. Size is always an very important issue with tiny PC cases since the smaller the components the better airflow and clearance you will have in the case so this is where we expect the compact ITX30 to shine, however it's size will most likely reduce its cooling efficiency although the all-copper design paired with the high-RPM 80mm fan are two things that will certainly help quite a bit. How much is something that remains to be seen.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Our sample didn't feature the Cooltek logo but it does come inside the same plain cardboard package with the manufacturer logo and model name at the front.

The socket compatibility and the dimensions of the ITX30 are placed on the left side.

On the opposite side we see a list with possible uses for the cooler.

The sticker used to keep the box sealed has information regarding the cooler on it.

Since the cardboard box is slightly larger compared to the cooler just piece of cardboard is placed at the top for extra protection.

Along with the ITX30 you will also get the installation instructions and 4 screws.

THE ITX30

The ITX30 is one of the smallest HTPC oriented low-profile CPU Coolers we've ever seen since it measures just 100mm in length, 94mm in width and 30mm in height and has a weight of just 300g with the 80mm fan.

Thermolab equipped the ITX30 with a high-RPM 80mm PWM fan that can reach speeds up to 2500RPM (+/- 300RPM) with just 27dBA of noise.

A total of 53 pure copper fins make the body of the ITX30.

Two 6mm all-copper heatpipes leave the copper base and pass through all 53 copper fins.

Three thin layers of thermal conductive material are pre-applied on the copper base.

TEST BED

TESTING METHODOLOGY

   As we have stated in the past the Intel I7-3770k system is not placed in our lab and so it's not our primary choice when testing CPU Coolers. Still since HTPC oriented models shouldn’t be used with our overclocked Core I7-3930k we have decided to take this path whenever one such model lands at our doorstep. As always our first concern is ambient temperatures so once again we keep the room temperature to around 21-23 degrees (not really hard but unfortunately not 100% accurate as in our lab) and as always to successfully record the load temperatures we use the latest OCCT application (for around 6-10 minutes) to push the processor to its limits so we can record its temperatures. After that is done we wait for about 10-20 minutes for the CPU to cool down and record the idle temperatures. This is done to allow time for the thermal conductive material to achieve the optimal performance level. Same procedure was then repeated with the Passmark BurnIn Test as a failsafe just in case the OCCT results were off. As many of you have pointed out time and again this procedure takes a lot more time than the usual peltier/thermometer tests but this way not only can we deliver real world results based on real CPUs but we can also triple check the results using a variety of programs. Last but not least the temperatures are recorded using both the latest versions of AIDA64 and RealTemp while the noise level tests are performed using a high precision ExTech HD600 Decibel Meter placed about 10-15cm above the CPU Cooler. 

TEST RESULTS

CONCLUSION

   Last time i had something from Thermolab on my test bench i think it was roughly 4 years ago when i tested their TRINITY CPU Cooler which although not at the top of the charts did perform very well for its price. Well it goes without saying really that almost after 4 years i was quite curious to see what the ITX30 was capable off and although it didn't introduce something new in terms of performance since it's did almost the same as the L9i by Noctua. On the other hand however it's smaller compared to the L9i and that will go a long way for people with small PC cases so if the price is right meaning less compared to the L9i i think Thermolab has a winner.

   The only two serious drawbacks i can think of regarding the ITX30 (aside the performance factor which is very good for the size) is its availability since Thermolab currently has it available mainly inside the EU through Cooltek and its price tag which is set at exactly the same as the AXP-200 muscle by Thermalright (34,99Euros @ PC-Cooling.de). Of course if the AXP-200 Muscle is too large for your case the ITX30 could be the ideal choice but if not then i see no reason for anyone to choose the ITX30 over the AXP-200 Muscle since the second is almost 10 full degrees better. The ITX30 excels at the noise level department since it's the most silent low-profile CPU Cooler in the chart (makes me wonder how it would perform with a better fan) but the difference with the AXP-200 Muscle is not really that significant to be a decicive factor. Overall an extremely tiny CPU Cooler which is a one way for people who can't fit a larger model in their cases and that along with its very low noise levels are enough fto get our recommendation. 

PROS

- Build Quality (All Copper)
- Compact Size (Smallest In Our Charts)
- Performance (For Its Size)
- Low Noise Levels

CONS

- Overall Performance
- Availability