Scythe Big Shuriken 2 processor cooler launched

Scythe presents the Big Shuriken 2, a new low-profile cooler with a nickel-plated copper base, five copper heatpipes, aluminium fins and a 120mm Slip Stream Slim PWM fan that delivers 12.13 - 45.47CFM at a noise level of 9.32 - 33.67dBA. The cooler measures 125 x 135 x 58 mm, it weighs 410g and is compatible with Intel LGA775/1155/1156/1366 and AMD Socket AM2/AM3/FM1 processors. The Scythe Shuriken 2 cooler will retail for around 30EUR (excl. VAT).

Japanese cooling expert Scythe announces the successor of Big Shuriken CPU Cooler. Big Shuriken 2 had to undergo further development on the heatsink and axial-fan side to provide better even performance and compatibility.

Applied improvements of heatsink are not obvious at first sight because main heatsink structure was inherited from Big Shuriken (1) CPU Cooler. Total amount of copper-heatpipes was increases from four to five pieces. Curved heatpipes are connecting the nickel-plated copper-base with the two upper layers of aluminum fins. Big Shuriken (1) was equipped with a solid heatsink on top of the copper-base which has been removed in the new version.

Consequently socket mounting is no longer achieved by using VTMS mounting mechanism but the F.M.S.B. 4 (Flip Mount Super Back-Plate 4) using screws and backlpate. Socket compatibility list has been kept long as usual, including latest Intel socket LGA1155, LGA1156, T / LGA775 and LGA1366 as well as AMD socket AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ and FM1.

New Version is furthermore equipped with a Slip Stream Slim 120 PWM axial-fan with a thickness of only 12 mm allowing the total height of Big Shuriken 2 being only 58 mm. Supplied 120 mm fan supports the PWM feature offering variable fan control between 500 and 2.000 rpm. Depending on fan speed and requirements the supplied fan is able to create airflow from 21 to 78 m�/h respectively from 12,13 to 45,47 CFM.

Scythe Big Shuriken 2 processor cooler launched - More news at DV Hardware

Alpenf�hn K2 processor cooler now available

Alpenf�hn's K2 is now available in Europe for 74.90EUR. This cooler weighs a whopping 1050g, it offers a nickel-plated copper base, eight nickel-plated copper heatpipes and two aluminium heatsinks that are cooled by up to three 120/140mm fans. Included with the cooler is a 120mm fan as well as a 140mm fan. The K2 is compatible with all contemporary desktop platforms from Intel and AMD.

Alpenf�hn is aiming at the performance crown under the CPU coolers with the K2. For this, Alpenf�hn is employing two cooling towers and ships the unit with two, potent Wing Boost fans. The middle fan with 140 mm is intended to keep the air flow at a maximum, while the smaller 120 mm unit in front is meant to offer maximal compatibility to modern mainboards, while still providing impressive air flow. Those wanting to go even further may install a third fan in the rear of the cooler. The Alpenf�hn K2 CPU cooler is available immediately at Caseking.

The cooler utilizes an incredible amount of materials with a massive weight of 1050 grams. Using more mass does not simply equate to greater performance, as only an intelligent use of such will make for a great cooler and this is something the Alpenf�hn engineers are certainly experts in. Eight heatpipes are embedded in a Copper, with both aspects featuring a high-quality Nickel plating. On top of that, all contact points between cooling fins, heatpipes and ground plate feature high-quality solder points to maximize the potential of the K2.

To dissipate the heat from the CPU, the fine and numerous Aluminum fins offer an incredibly large surface area and the ability to install up to three fans. Alpenf�hn ships the K2 with a 120 and larger 140 mm of the award winning Wing Boost cooling fans, which offer maximal air pressure in combination with an incredibly quiet operating noise. These fans feature a unique blade design and rubberized surface, virtually eliminating vibration at the source. While the Wing Boost series is available in black/blue and black/orange variants, Alpenf�hn is currently only shipping the black/white version with exclusively with the K2 cooler.

Both fans utilize PWM functionality, allowing for flexible adjustment of the rotation speed. As most mainboards only offer a single PWM connector for the CPU cooler, the included splitter enables to proper monitoring of both fans with a single such plug. At the slowest setting the 120 mm fan produces inaudible 8 dB(A) noise levels, while the 140 mm variant is just as quiet with 10 dB(A). But even at full throttle both manage to impress with an extremely quiet 25 dB(A) rating, while pushing 104m�/h and 108m�/h of air respectively.

On top of that, the Alpenf�hn K2 implements a modern fin design, which is not only great to look at. but also results in a clean air flow, further reducing the overall noise level. Besides the pair of fans, mounting systems for all modern sockets from AMD (AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1) and Intel (775, 1155, 1156, 1366) along with a backplate for a proper and worry-free installation, ship with the massive cooler.

The Alpenf�hn K2 CPU Cooler - 120/140mm is available immediately for a price of 74.90 Euro at www.caseking.de.

Alpenf�hn K2 processor cooler now available - More news at DV Hardware

How to Clean a Processor Fan

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No matter how well you keep house, there's bound to be dust floating in the air inside your home or office. Although you can easily clean this dust off furniture and other surfaces, once it gets inside a computer it can cause chip malfunctions, or, at the very least, cause your fan to operate loudly. Cleaning out your computer's fan is a necessary and common step in computer maintenance that any user can tackle without intimidation.

1). Power down your computer and disconnect all peripherals from the CPU, including the power cable.

2). Remove the computer from your workspace and take it to an open area, either outdoors or to a garage or other area that won't be harmed by dust clouds.

3). Unscrew the CPU's exterior case and remove it. Most cases are secured to the machine with a few screws around the edges of the back side.

4). Secure the fan by gently wedging the screwdriver through the vent in the back of the CPU and bracing it against a fan blade. This prevents the fan from spinning when you blow the dust off it and makes cleaning it faster and more effective.

5). Blow compressed air through the fan. Aim the air from the interior of the computer outward, so dislodged dust and other airborne particles don't settle on the circuits and connections inside the computer.

6). Replace the cover and secure it with the screws.

7). Connect your peripherals to the CPU.