14 DAY TRIAL // Even though CPU coolers are the best known type of PC temperature-reducing components, coolers actually come in many shapes and sizes, being used for many things, including heat dissipation for storage units and even memory modules. Out of all PC parts, however, the most needy, after the CPU, (and sometimes even more than the CPU) are graphics adapters. In fact, video cards, especially the most high-end ones, have gained the habit of putting on fin arrays and fan assemblies so massive that they hardly leave room for anything else to be installed in their proximity. Zalman is now continuing this trend, with the VF3000A VGA cooler.
Besides being among the best DirectX 11-capable graphics adapters that ATI, business unit of Advanced Micro Devices, has to offer, the Radeon HD 5850 and HD 5870 are known for having a significant overclocking headroom. This, naturally, makes them appealing to enthusiasts. Unfortunately, when pushing clocks higher than the reference settings, overheating becomes the first consequence that overclockers have to deal with. As such, Zalman's VF3000A will likely be appealing to those consumers that don't want water cooling but still intend to run their adapters at over 100%.
The cooling mechanism measures 239 (L) x 98 (W) x 51 (H) mm and weighs 430 grams. It is composed of a pure copper base and heatpipes, as well as a pure aluminum fin array that dissipates heat, which is then dispersed by the EBR Bearing fan, which measures 92(L) x 92(W) x 15(H) mm. The rotary speed of the fan itself can range between 1,300rpm and 2,500rpm. Consequently, sound output varies according to this speed, but still manages to not go over 32 dBA.
The Zalman VF3000A should start shipping soon and will be bundled with a FAN MATE 2 fan controller and a ZM-STG2 thermal compound. Unfortunately, the actual price has not been disclosed.
