CONCLUSION

   Just like most tower type CPU Coolers designed and manufactured by Xigmatek the Venus XP-SD1266 managed to keep up with some of the best units out there without breaking a sweat, however it did so at the cost of noise since 51.7dBA at full load is quite high for a single fan CPU Cooler no matter how one sees it. On the other hand the Venus XP-SD1266 is quite smaller than let’s say the NH-D14 by Noctua or the Silver Arrow by Thermalright so it's without doubt a more ideal solution for midi tower cases and generally for people who don't want to use up much space in the interior of their systems. Finally the ability to add a 2nd 120mm fan in push & pull configuration is also something very useful and can be used to keep the performance of the unit in the same high levels but with lower noise levels.

   The Xigmatek Venus XP-SD1266 currently retails for around USD60 inside the USA and 59.90Euros inside the EU (Caseking) a price tag which is almost on par with the balance between performance and price Xigmatek CPU Coolers have achieved in the past. Of course it could be better but taking into the performance factor i think it's quite reasonable. Bottom line Xigmatek has designed and manufactured yet another great performance CPU Cooler which can get even better with the addition of a second 120mm fan in push & pull but as mentioned before its Achilles heel is the high noise output which makes it a valid choice mostly for enthusiasts and overclockers who care first about the performance and price of a product and then everything else. Because of all the above the Xigmatek Venus XP-SD1266 CPU Coolers receives our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Very Good Performance
- Overall Size
- LED Fan 

CONS

- Noise Levels