Review: Thermalright Ultima-90 ES vs TT120 (56k warn)

[Battle_Rattle]

Review: Thermalright Ultima-90 ES vs Tuniq Tower 120

Thermalright has been releasing some interesting new products recently. I'd like to show you an engineering sample of what could be described as the “little brother” to the yet to be released Ultra 120 Extreme, the Ultima-90.

The Ultima-90 with 92mm Fan (Fan will probably not be included in production models)
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P1010154.jpg

Every review needs a known entity to compare a subject to and I chose the Sunbeam Tuniq Tower 120. The Tuniq has been one of the gold standards of high end air cooling for the past year.

The two coolers. The Ultima-90 is mainly intended for 92mm fans, but the sample I received included 120mm fan clips. I'll focus on 120mm fan performance.
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P1010153.jpg

Profile of the Ultima-90 and Tuniq
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P1010150.jpg

The Base of each, pre-lapped
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P1010151.jpg

Heatpipe configuration
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P1010152.jpg

Heatsink Dimensions

Thermalright Ultima-90(i)
48 fins 6 heat pipes
Heatsink size (LxWxH) 115 x 55 x 138
Heatpipe width = 6mm
Weight without fan = 453g

Sunbeam Tuniq Tower
51 fins 3 heatpipes
Size (LxWxH) 131x108x153
Heatpipe Width = 6mm
Weight with Fan = 965g

Testing Configuration

- Open Test Bench with Asus P5B-D
- Both Heatsinks lapped
- Lapped e6400
- Temperature measured by CoreTemp beta 0.94
- Load temperatures established by Orthos smallftt set at priority 9 for 5 minutes
- Idle temps established by idle time of 15 minutes with minimal XP background applications
- Ambient 20c-21c
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Grease with 48 hour “burn-in.” Note: The best application of TIM was used for each Heatsink.
- Bolt-thru mounting for each HS. The Ultima-90 should also offer push pins in the kit.

The test bed
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/P3160165.jpg

Testing:

I'll dispense with stock settings as they shouldn't apply to this level of performance and move to some decent overclocking of an e6400 (L630A992) at 3.5Ghz and 3.7Ghz. Vcore is the issue, so let's see the results.

Test 1) E6400 3.5Ghz (7x500) - 1.36 VCore - As5 - 20c-21c Ambient
Idle and Load Temperatures
Tuniq (Stock Fan) – 27c idle – 51c load
Ultima-90 (Scythe S-Flex) - 27c idle – 47c load

Tuniq Load at 3.5Ghz screenshot - http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/?action=view&current=Tuniq_Load_3500_As5_20c_1-36v_1900_.jpg

Ultima-90 Load at 3.5Ghz screenshot -
http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/?action=view&current=Ultima-90_Load_3500_As5_21c_1-36v_1.jpg

For test 2 I decided to use the stock Tuniq Fan at full rpm for each heatsink, reviews that ignore this methodology always concern me.

Test 2) E6400 3.7Ghz (8x463) - 1.4875 VCore - Arctic Silver 5 TIM - 120mm Fan (used Tuniq Fan on both for 1 to 1 comparison) - 20c-21c Ambient
Idle and load Temperatures
Tuniq - Idle 33c - Load 62c
Ultima-90 - Idle 32c – Load 57c

Tuniq at 3.7Ghz – 1.48 vcore - Load
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/Tuniq_Load_3700_As5_20c_1-48v_1900_.jpg

Ultima-90 at 3.7Ghz – 1.48 vcore - Load
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/Ultima-90_Load_3700_As5_21c_1-48v_T.jpg

Looking at the Ultima-90 I bet “push-pull” has entered your minds, so let see a result from two Scythe S-Flex-F fans in a push pull configuration.

Test 3) – Same as test 2 except Ultima-90 is in push pull using Scythe S-Flex-F fans at full rpm.
Ultima-90 - Idle 32c – Load 54c

Screen Shot of Test 3
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/Ultima-90_Load_3700_As5_21c_1-48v_S.jpg

Test 4) - Same as Test 2 except a single high rpm/high cfm 92mm fan (Panaflo 70cfm) was used
Ultima-90 - Idle 32 - Load 53c

Screenshot of Test 4
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/Ultima-90_Load_3700_As5_21c_1-48v_9.jpg

Noise:

Noise is a matter of taste and mine leans towards the quite side. The Scythe S-Flex was very silent into the 1300rpm ranges. The Tuniq fan was quite loud in the upper ranges as is any fan. One thing worth mentioning was that the S-Flex was noticeably less efficient while in the Tuniq.


Final Remarks

The Ultima-90 has delivered some note worthy results in the two weeks spent testing. The Ultima-90, in conjunction with an e6400 is outperforming a heatsink that dwarfs it in size - why? The answer could be in the heat pipe number combined with the large amount of fins. There are 6 heatpipe coolers such as the Scythe Ninja and 45+ fin coolers like the Tuniq. The performance differential between the Ultima-90 and Tuniq appears to come from combining the two. A 48 fin cooler with 6x6mm heatpipes seems very efficient at heat dissipation. Therein is the difference, never in my searching have a found a heatsink that so densely packs the two together. Distance between the base and the bottom fins may also come into play. Heat does not have to travel long on the Ultima-90 before it reaches the lowest fins. Lastly, the Ultima-90 heatpipes converge right at the beginning and travel the breadth of the base.

For the future, I look forward to more examples of employing 7-9mm heatpipe solutions as has been done on the Enzotech Ultra-X and Thermalright IFX-14.

At this point, I have to say the Ultima-90, once delivered, should be an outstanding high performance cooler at what will probably be a reasonable price.

I'd like to thank Thermalright for sending me this engineering sample and SVC.com for sending the Tuniq out quickly and in good condition.

Many thanks also must go out to ChaosMinionX at Xtremesystems forums for helping me in the methodology of this review. I promise I will get a run of coollabs liquid pro in soon!

If there are any requests or questions please ask them. I'm hitting a bit of a wall with my e6400 at 3.8Ghz, but I could do some suicide runs with 1.5-1.6 vcore...

Cheers ~ Battle_Rattle

Addendum:

Several people expressed interest in performance differences between heatpipes oriented vertically (as they are in the original testing) and horizontally, as they would be in most computer cases. I tested this, here are the results in degrees of change.

Tuniq
Vertical Idle to Horizontal Idle = Delta rise of 1c
Vertical Load to Horizontal Load = No Change

Ultima-90
Vertical Idle to Horizontal Idle = Delta rise of 1c
Vertical Load to Horizontal Load = Delta rise of 1c

[Vapor]

Very nice review and HSF....can't wait for this, the big brother to this and the IFX-14 as well...

Also, is it just me or is this just a short version of the Ultra-120 Extreme? Seems to be the same dimensions otherwise :idea:

[Volkswagen]

wow those are great results and its like half of the weight of the Tuniq....

Once some of these new ThermalRight hsf's come out it will be time to retire my TT BT

[NickS]

Man, Thermalright's back and they want the crown forever!

[Kunaak]

Thermalright has definatly been setting a new standard for air cooling.
I like that thier results are consistent from various websites and different reviewers. so it doesnt seem like just a anomaly from 1 site.

they are making some top knotch stuff indeed.

[zhangmaster12]

i would be dissapointed if it didnt do better, it has twice the number of heatpipes than the tuniq

[Okda]

WOw

that is very good

i think my next heatsink will be the Ultima-120

[Lestat]

very nice!!

you have posted this review in about 50 different forums. is it your review ?

and where is the price ? availability ?

[Battle_Rattle]

very nice!!

you have posted this review in about 50 different forums. is it your review ?

and where is the price ? availability ?


Yeh it is.... I posted in the 4 tech forums that I actively post in and lurk in... We must have similar tastes.

When will the Ultra-120 Extreme, Ultima-90, and IFX-14 be out? No clue, but I would imagine it would be available thoughout their entire dealer network...

Btw... someone posted that I didn't test this right because the heatpipes were oriented vertically on not horizontally. I need an extra pair of hands to help me but the Idle delta from vertical to horizontal was a rise of 1c... In the interest of completeness ill put another round in and post an addendum.

[LuckyNV]

that shouldn't matter with these particular heatpipe designs. the only heatpipe cooler that I know with extreme problems with vertical mounting is the HR-03 series.

[apexracing]

Stunning results from that new cooler. :) This looks like the cooler I've been wanting for a while.

[RealTelstar]

How is the mounting for s775 on the ultra-90?

[Stapler]

I'm glad to see Thermalright stepping up their game again. Great review.

[ineedaname]

I dunno wuts up with thermalright lately. They're really trying to rip through every last piece of competition in front of them.

The only problem now is WHERE DO I GET ONE!!!!!!

I've been waiting 4 the Ultra 120 Extreme or IFX 14 to come out so i can slap it on my E6600.

I'm really curious to know if the IFX 14 actually beats the Ultra 120 Extreme.

[s1rrah]

I'm really curious to know if the IFX 14 actually beats the Ultra 120 Extreme.

considering simply, physics ... it's likely the IX-14 will be the best performing and most modifiable air cooler we've ever seen.

...

otherwise, and to the reviewer ...

kick arse work!!

so glad to see that better performance can be had with half the size/space.

...

but me?

i'm waiting for the IX-14.

:toast:

[Revv23]

thermalright is going to be competing with no one but themselves soon haha. :)

looks like im going to have to finnaly get off the TTBT wagon. Makes me sad.

[FLMJIGGY]

nice review and thanks. what is the price on this bad boy.

[Blaineikans]

This seems to be what I've been looking for, in fact I almost bit on the Ultra 90 several times. The width is what I'm concerned with as it will most likely fit in my case. =] =] =] =]

[erwinz]

very nice.. looking forward for this hsf.. :)

[nikolas61]

nice review

:toast:

[Getttosmurf]

if it doesnt come with the useless push pins il put one in my next build , nice review :toast:

[RealTelstar]

This ultima-90 is a real gem, light, performant and VERY CHEAP :)

I cant wait for the new TR coolers, I'm getting an Enzo.
I dont think i'll be disappointed :)

[Lestat]

when is this supposed to hit the streets?
in the USA that is.

[Dekara]

Great review, seems to be good choice.

[RealTelstar]

AFAIK is already available (and cheap).

[Okda]

AFAIK is already available (and cheap).

where did u get this info from ?

[pumbertot]

and we are to believe you have no bias towards either sink, having received an engineering sample? sorry to be a doubter but just seems too big a difference in temps for me when usually comparing 2 great heatsinks you see maybe a 1-2 degree delta.
now Im not saying im wrong and maybe will go with this HSF but im sceptical.

[RealTelstar]

where did u get this info from ?

I was looking at online resellers for the enzotech ultra-x and I saw this heatsink on two of them.

[Battle_Rattle]

and we are to believe you have no bias towards either sink, having received an engineering sample? sorry to be a doubter but just seems too big a difference in temps for me when usually comparing 2 great heatsinks you see maybe a 1-2 degree delta.
now Im not saying im wrong and maybe will go with this HSF but im sceptical.

Don't apologize at all... It is VERY good to be skeptical... It is what makes these forums good.

I was very careful with the main dependent variable, application of TIM. I went for the best application, meaning I went through many rounds of applications and didn't start testing until I found the best temperature (or better) I had previously seen.

Although the Anandtech article about the Ultra-120 "Plus" doesn't state what Vcore they were using, one can extrapolate that my results are withing bounds of their x6800 results, given that the Ultima-90 appears to be just a shorter version of the Ultra-120 Plus

See here, second chart are load temps.. compare Tuniq and Ultra Plus at different load temps
http://www.anandtech.com/casecooling/showdoc.aspx?i=2943&p=4

[pumbertot]

ok now Iam a believer. bloody wow is all I can say. now if only they will come into stock over in Australia soon. good for testing cpus before puting them under the prommy. :D

[S_G]

I was looking at online resellers for the enzotech ultra-x and I saw this heatsink on two of them.

Really? I've had no luck finding this heatsink. Any chance I could bother you for a link?

This review really makes me want to toss out my Ninja. By the way, any plans on testing this out in fanless mode?

[FLMJIGGY]

Any word on this? Price availability?

[Super strokey]

Will the ultima work in a coolermaster 832 with the side fan bracket in use? I ask this as my big typhoon seems to be coming a touch out of balance and makes a little bit of noise everyonce in a while. Ill more than likely get a new cooler when i upgrade later this month.

[Lestat]

no one has it so its not available.

can anyone give some more insight into this ?

[Battle_Rattle]

Will the ultima work in a coolermaster 832 with the side fan bracket in use? I ask this as my big typhoon seems to be coming a touch out of balance and makes a little bit of noise everyonce in a while. Ill more than likely get a new cooler when i upgrade later this month.

I would think so, the Ultima-90 with a 120mm fan stands 6 3/4 inches high. Could be tight though.



@ Lestat... I will ask Thermalright

[Blaineikans]

This is the last piece to my PC puzzle. I diced up my case today to make room for it (microfly) and could really use this as my proc gets toasty.

Any new information on release date?

[Big SturL]

What mounting solution does the Thermalright use? I friggin hate the stock 775 mounts, which you have with coolers such as Infinity and so on.

[LuckyNV]

What mounting solution does the Thermalright use? I friggin hate the stock 775 mounts, which you have with coolers such as Infinity and so on.

http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_product_accessories.htm#acc_lga775

[Battle_Rattle]

From Thermalright...

will release IFX14 first, and then Ultra-120 eXtreme, and then Ultima-90.... Hopefully, IFX-14 will hit retail in the next two weeks.


Lets hope - BR

[Freddy]

Great test and GREAT results, Battle_Rattle! :toast:

Can you please tell me if the installation equipment for the Ultima-90 is the same as for the Ultra-90, meaning that I could still install it in my slightly older Socket-478 system, preferably using the supplied equipment, but if I have to, using the Ultra-90 P4-478 Heatsink Retention Kit (http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_product_accessories.htm#acc_p4478)?...

Thanks! :thumbsup:

Freddy

[Battle_Rattle]

Can you please tell me if the installation equipment for the Ultima-90 is the same as for the Ultra-90, meaning that I could still install it in my slightly older Socket-478 system[/URL]?...

Freddy

I would bet you have to buy that kit... here's a pic of everything that came in the ES. Verify when it comes out... and thanks man

http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/?action=view&current=P3050093.jpg

[Freddy]

I would bet you have to buy that kit... here's a pic of everything that came in the ES. Verify when it comes out... and thanks manThanks for the answer! That's no problem: I'd be happy to buy that kit, as long as it still fits; so it really does?... :)

Freddy :thumbsup:

[ineedaname]

Man does any1 know when this is comin out?

[Battle_Rattle]

Man does any1 know when this is comin out?

I heard among the Ultima, 120 Extreme, and the IFX... that the Ultima would come out last

[EneergE]

Man does any1 know when this is comin out?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5664/cpu-tri-39/Thermalright_Ultra-120_eXtreme_CPU_Heatsink_-_Socket_775_AM2_-_PRE-ORDER_-_Ships_424.html

Looks like the 24th

[avi85]

I would bet you have to buy that kit... here's a pic of everything that came in the ES. Verify when it comes out... and thanks man

http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r198/Battle_Rattle/?action=view&current=P3050093.jpg

I noticed that it comes with an am2 bracket but no am2 mounting clips, any word on whether the retail version will be am2 compatible?

[Sneaky]

Thermalright is GOD... have yet to see any product that wasn't top end from them

[TAX]

Spotted this yesterday on the thermalright site!

http://i15.tinypic.com/2cdv0w9.jpg

Only in the Intel section though, and all the links just link to the Ultra-90 info.

www.thermalright.com (http://www.thermalright.com)

[Battle_Rattle]

Spotted this yesterday on the thermalright site!

http://i15.tinypic.com/2cdv0w9.jpg

Only in the Intel section though, and all the links just link to the Ultra-90 info.

www.thermalright.com (http://www.thermalright.com)

Well, Thermalright is including a fan... thats new for them afaik

[Freddy]

Well, Thermalright is including a fan... thats new for them afaikSecond time... ;) XP-90RT was the first. :) But what fan will it be this time?...

[Spanki]

Well, Thermalright is including a fan... thats new for them afaik

BR, did you say 'which' S-Flex fan you tested with anywhere? (RPM, CFM, dBA?)

This looks like the perfect HSF for me, if I can figure out what fan to use :). It seems like the 92mm fans would have less dead-spot issue at the hub, but quieter 120mm fans can be found with better cfm/noise ratios.

[Battle_Rattle]

BR, did you say 'which' S-Flex fan you tested with anywhere? (RPM, CFM, dBA?)

This looks like the perfect HSF for me, if I can figure out what fan to use :). It seems like the 92mm fans would have less dead-spot issue at the hub, but quieter 120mm fans can be found with better cfm/noise ratios.

It was the F(ast) version... i forget the specific ratings...

I like that fan alot, but use your favorite

[Cupcake]

I always loved the Ultra 90 , cant wait for the ultima 90 :D

[Spanki]

It was the F(ast) version... i forget the specific ratings...

I like that fan alot, but use your favorite

Thanks - I'm just trying to get it into context (ie. what speed fan you were running to get the temperatures you got, etc). I didn't notice the 'F'(ast) on there, or at least I didn't think that that might tell me which one it was, so thanks.

[TEDY]

when this will be available?????!!!!

[raker]

nice.

[ColdMiser]

To Battle_Rattle or whoever actually has an ultima-90.

I have about 112-114mm of space to put in a HSF in my mobo/case. Thermalright's site says the Ultima-90 measures 115mm in "length". I know I could just mount the cooler turned 90 degrees, but would rather have the airflow front to back.

Does someone mind measuring the ultima-90? Is it really 115mm? Is it 114, or 116? Just curious to see if I can somehow make it work (when it actually goes to market). Thanks!

[Battle_Rattle]

To Battle_Rattle or whoever actually has an ultima-90.

I have about 112-114mm of space to put in a HSF in my mobo/case. Thermalright's site says the Ultima-90 measures 115mm in "length". I know I could just mount the cooler turned 90 degrees, but would rather have the airflow front to back.

Does someone mind measuring the ultima-90? Is it really 115mm? Is it 114, or 116? Just curious to see if I can somehow make it work (when it actually goes to market). Thanks!

I'm gonna go by memory and say from the base to the top of the crimped heat pipes is indeed 115mm... With a 120mm Fan installed it extends out quite a bit beyond 115mm's...

I had a narrow case too.... PITA!

[ColdMiser]

Thanks man. The dimension I was thinking about was side-to-side...from one side of the heatsink fins to the other side (in the longer dimension).

BTW -- thanks a ton for posting this review. I saw it somewhere else first, but given my space constraints, it was great to see a posting on this heatsink because it definitely looks worth waiting for!

[makopolo]

What is the distance between the mobo and the bottom fins?
Thanks in advance.

[ColdMiser]

FYI...for anyone interested in the Ultima-90. I traded emails with Thermalright and they said they believed the Ultima-90 would be available in mid-June.

[TEDY]

excellent ultima 90 is gonna rox.

[Battle_Rattle]

Wow... June....thats longer than I thought...

This thing is still in my case, still trudging along really well...

Makopolo, I still haven't measured the from the mobo base to the bottom fins, I would go with the Ultra-120 extreme measurements.

[G.Foyle]

From Scythe, Thermaltake and Thermalright ONLY Thermalright has quality mounting system. I just feel cheated when I spend lots of money on one of highest-end coolers and I get these stupid push pins, like on stock intel HSF. It's like you bought a quad core, g80 sli, 8 hdds in raid rig and got a 300w generic PSU. Infinity's mounting sux, and TT BT mounting sux even more. Ultra-120 has the perfect mounting. I can't see how they could improve that. Oh yeah, they could make the screws curled so it could be mounted without a scrwedriver, but it's still most perfect mounting I have seen.

[ineedaname]

thermalright really has 2 do a better job pumping out these coolers faster.

They supply of ultra 120 extreme's are very low and i can only imagine ultima 90 being very low as well as the ifx 14.

Hopefully they prove me wrong and get those new coolers out fast when they become available.

[ColdMiser]

thermalright really has 2 do a better job pumping out these coolers faster.

They supply of ultra 120 extreme's are very low and i can only imagine ultima 90 being very low as well as the ifx 14.

Hopefully they prove me wrong and get those new coolers out fast when they become available.

I agree, and what is weird about it is that they are only hurting their own sales. People will just go buy a T.Tower or something else. These things must be harder to make well than it would seem.

[Okda]

guys 120UX has been in stock in several shops including petra for sometime now

[Fallengod]

Anyone have any info on how much the Ultima-90's are supposed to cost? Id love to know. That thing is indeed an intriguing heatsink.

[ColdMiser]

guys 120UX has been in stock in several shops including petra for sometime now

Unfortunately, the 120 doesn't fit in my case.

[Spanki]

FYI...for anyone interested in the Ultima-90. I traded emails with Thermalright and they said they believed the Ultima-90 would be available in mid-June.

They never answered my e-mails.. any further word on a release date for this?

[elec999]

So Ultra 90 is better then the Tuniq, I wonder how is the ultra 120.
Thanks

[CERO]

I got a reply from Thermalright they said they delayed the release till mid-july :<

[Okda]

hope this is not the same for the IFX-14

[CERO]

Hmz I dont know if that also apply for the IFX-14 but, what I have heared that they release the Ultima first then the IFX-14 but it might happen it the same time who knows:P

[Ajfina]

the 120 extreme is out at the eggs wondering if performance like the 90i?
can anyone confirm this?

[WSX]

I got a reply from Thermalright they said they delayed the release till mid-july :<

aaaah so mid-july, Intel price drops around the same time, wallet takes another beating!

[BIKeINSTEIN]

Sorry for bumping up this old thread.

It's almost mid-July; any news on the Ultima 90 front?:p:

[apexracing]

I'm rather excited to hear more about the Ultima-90, as well. Specifically, if they plan to do a s939 clip for it. I still have a s939 x2 that could use some extra cooling. :p:

[Icer]

I got a reply from Thermalright they said they delayed the release till mid-july :<



Has anyone seen this available to be purchased yet?

[CERO]

hey I got again a mail from them they said 25 july , a day before intel price drop the product would be officially released!

[evoic]

I pray to God that this lives up to it's expectations.
It would be perfect for me, because the larger heatsinks are bit size-prohibitive for my case / PSU set-up.
If the heatsink is over 110mm wide, there's not enough room for me.
I believe what I read about the ultima-90, there should be no problems with clearance - and the cooling will be as good or better than the Ultra 120's.

Fingers crossed.

[Spanki]

I pray to God that this lives up to it's expectations.
It would be perfect for me, because the larger heatsinks are bit size-prohibitive for my case / PSU set-up.
If the heatsink is over 110mm wide, there's not enough room for me.
I believe what I read about the ultima-90, there should be no problems with clearance - and the cooling will be as good or better than the Ultra 120's.

Fingers crossed.

Dimensions can be found here (http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/images/ultima90_install/90size.jpg).

[BIKeINSTEIN]

I'm rather excited to hear more about the Ultima-90, as well. Specifically, if they plan to do a s939 clip for it. I still have a s939 x2 that could use some extra cooling. :p:
Why don't you get a socket 939 kit from someone using their Ultra120 on a C2D- like i did for my friend's ultra120 Extreme.;)
i.e. if you can live with the usual 'blowing hot air towards the psu' orientation on most 939 mobos unless u have an UltraD or likes or some case like the nine hundred that have nice exhaust at the top and psu at the bottom.:)

I hope the s-clip meant for HR-01/SI-128 fits the Ultima90 even with its extra pipes- like how a few frnds use it for their ultra120s to make it face the rear case fan- will be one awesome combo for old but still functional 939 dual core setups.:p:

hey I got again a mail from them they said 25 july , a day before intel price drop the product would be officially released!
Awesome.:up:
I am so anxious- though i have a few nice 120mm fans, i already purchased a couple of nice 92mm fans for it from Sidewinders.:D
Finding good 80 and 120 mm fans in India is a pain- 92mms (esp something good enough) are almost non-existent.:(

I pray to God that this lives up to it's expectations.
It would be perfect for me, because the larger heatsinks are bit size-prohibitive for my case / PSU set-up.
If the heatsink is over 110mm wide, there's not enough room for me.
I believe what I read about the ultima-90, there should be no problems with clearance - and the cooling will be as good or better than the Ultra 120's.
Fingers crossed.
Toes crossed too here- but i have a feeling it will be one nice lil rockstar in its own right.
Hoping to revive an old Wavemaster:p: - sweetlooking cabby but Ultra120 is no go in that.:shakes:

[TheGooch]

email back from thermalright on july 17 regarding the ultima

"Next week at our major US resellers."

[Icer]

Found it listed here for $44.99 but it shows Out of Stock! Thermalright Ultima-90I CPU Cooler (http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90I-CPU-Cooler-p-16607.html)

[Start]

So this doesn't include a fan right?

[apexracing]

I'm a bit out of touch with these new coolers, is this ( http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Socket-939-Bolt-Thru-Kit-p-16603.html ) the bit I need to use the Ultima-90 with s939?

Sorry about this, I haven't looked at CPU coolers in almost two years. :ROTF:

[evoic]

Found it listed here for $44.99 but it shows Out of Stock! Thermalright Ultima-90I CPU Cooler (http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90I-CPU-Cooler-p-16607.html)

NICE PRICE! :clap:

[naokaji]

I'm a bit out of touch with these new coolers, is this ( http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Socket-939-Bolt-Thru-Kit-p-16603.html ) the bit I need to use the Ultima-90 with s939?

Sorry about this, I haven't looked at CPU coolers in almost two years. :ROTF:

yes, thats the bracket used to mount the coolers (the thermalright ones, not valid for other coolers) on s939.

[amandpm]

Found it listed here for $44.99 but it shows Out of Stock! Thermalright Ultima-90I CPU Cooler (http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90I-CPU-Cooler-p-16607.html)

I emailed them and they told me it would be in stock with in a week and they would contact me when they have it in so i am :shoot: for 2 of them.

[amandpm]

hey I got again a mail from them they said 25 july , a day before intel price drop the product would be officially released!

Do you think the Ultima-90i will interfear with any of the side fans on the Cm stacker 830 evo (black)? I have the same case

[CERO]

Do you think the Ultima-90i will interfear with any of the side fans on the Cm stacker 830 evo (black)? I have the same case


Hey amandpm, I think when u use the Xtreme 120 it might not fit, the Height is 16.05 centimeters. However the Ultima-90I is according to the specs 13,90 cm ( 14cm) tall, maybe it might fit, I have to measure it , good that u remind me, almost forgot to do it, before purchasing it.

*edit Oke a m8 of mine, Got a Big Typhoon VX with same case, he said he cant use the side fan on that area, if I take it in account, the VX meassure a Height of 10,3cm + 2.5cm fan on it which makes it = 12,8cm tall. So ques u cant use it but u have to meassure it, so I cant confirm it.

[Start]

I'm pretty sure this thing will fit.This thing is about ~14cm tall (http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_product_Ultima_90A.htm) and the Enzotech Ultra-X is about 14.7 cm tall (http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2082). You can clearly see from Chaos's rig (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2274916&postcount=956) with the Ultra-X in a Stacker with the 4 side fans as well :)

So it SHOULD fit just fine.

[CERO]

Thnx for the confirmation speedfreak:)

[amandpm]

I'm pretty sure this thing will fit.This thing is about ~14cm tall (http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_product_Ultima_90A.htm) and the Enzotech Ultra-X is about 14.7 cm tall (http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2082). You can clearly see from Chaos's rig (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2274916&postcount=956) with the Ultra-X in a Stacker with the 4 side fans as well :)

So it SHOULD fit just fine.

Yea Thanks for the confirmation speedfreak, I would like to have all the fans there:)

[amandpm]

Now just Ultima-90 can't get the link right but you can check it out ->http://www.thermalright.com/default.htm

[Start]

This thing needs to come out already.

[amandpm]

This thing needs to come out already.
Yes for sure I hope it is this comming week when it arrives @ etailers I sent back the 120 Ultra E ( to tall ) with out moding 2 cases.

[Battle_Rattle]

Yes for sure I hope it is this comming week when it arrives @ etailers I sent back the 120 Ultra E ( to tall ) with out moding 2 cases.

Yeh i didnt think it would be this long...

Everyone waiting for the shortness... do measure before buying, It's not THAT much shorter.

[LuckyNV]

Hey Battle, I'm particularly waiting for this cooler for my bros comp, I need a strong tower cooler and isn't heavy as he transports his comp to uni and back home every term by car, assuming I use bolt through mounting, would this cooler be alright in your opinion?

I don't see any other strong low-weight cooler, I can't source an Enzo in UK, plus I <3 Thermalright :>

[Battle_Rattle]

Hey Battle, I'm particularly waiting for this cooler for my bros comp, I need a strong tower cooler and isn't heavy as he transports his comp to uni and back home every term by car, assuming I use bolt through mounting, would this cooler be alright in your opinion?

I don't see any other strong low-weight cooler, I can't source an Enzo in UK, plus I <3 Thermalright :>

Ummmmm I could not recommend it either way, but yes I dont think there would be a problem.... but if he's moving the computer twice a year I would just have him remove it... No need driving on pins and needles.... Just have him lay the tower flat in the boot and he can get whatever tower he likes? :)

[Start]

ETA: 8/7

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90-CPU-Cooler-p-16614.html

[amandpm]

ETA: 8/7

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90-CPU-Cooler-p-16614.html

I bit 4 two of them on pre-order. Glad to see them arriving finally.

[CERO]

Hey I need to wait 2 long here in the Netherlands, I went for the TRUE120., unfortunately I have to sacrifice 1 fan for that area. But it cant be helped

[amandpm]

Hey I need to wait 2 long here in the Netherlands, I went for the TRUE120., unfortunately I have to sacrifice 1 fan for that area. But it cant be helped

I had the exact same thing happen with the Nzxt Zero & THRM 120 X it was close but just hitting a fan so i couldn't close the side panel, the Ultima 90 hopfully should fit that case and the CM 830.

[ColdMiser]

ETA: 8/7

http://www.heatsinkfactory.com/Thermalright-Ultima-90-CPU-Cooler-p-16614.html

Put one on order...thanks for the post.

[Start]

Well some of you may have gotten it already so any comments?

[amandpm]

Well some of you may have gotten it already so any comments?

Shipped but has not arrived at door step yet.

[ineedaname]

They're in stock here guys.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thulforinso7.html

[L'enFer]

it would be interesting to see Ultima 90, Ultra 120 and IFX-14 comparison.

[ineedaname]

it would be interesting to see Ultima 90, Ultra 120 and IFX-14 comparison.

I'd like to see the SI 128 SE also thrown into that mix.

Its actually a bit more expensive than the ultima and has 8mm heat pipes.

[TheBeast1590]

I've seen some reviews of SI 128 and i wold say that this cooler is not the one from my dreams ))

[amandpm]

They arrived today 2 ultima 90's I opened one up and was quite impressed.
The base has a mirror like reflection to it, this time they did it right, I will check with a razor blade in a bit and maybe take a few pictures.--->no fan

[Start]

They arrived today 2 ultima 90's I opened one up and was quite impressed.
The base has a mirror like reflection to it, this time they did it right, I will check with a razor blade in a bit and maybe take a few pictures.--->no fan

Results! Results! Results!

[amandpm]

Results! Results! Results!

I took a few pictures but having a problem getting them to 200kb from about 460kb no time to mess with it got to work early in the AM try again tomorrow.
But I did see light under the razor blade so maybe a laping will me needed.

[Ace-a-Rue]

I took a few pictures but having a problem getting them to 200kb from about 460kb no time to mess with it got to work early in the AM try again tomorrow.
But I did see light under the razor blade so maybe a laping will me needed.

to get them reduced...you just highlight the picture with your mouse and right click the mouse button to produce the sub-menu...from there, you slide down to "send to"...a new sub-menu will pop up...you now click on "mail recepient"...now, left click...a new box pops up with two options...the default is reduced the size of the picture....now send the pictures to yourself...after doing that go into you mail program...go to the send folder and the pictures should be there already reduced well below the 200 kb...or...just download the pictures from your email server.

[Start]

I took a few pictures but having a problem getting them to 200kb from about 460kb no time to mess with it got to work early in the AM try again tomorrow.
But I did see light under the razor blade so maybe a laping will me needed.

Results :confused:

[ineedaname]

I've seen some reviews of SI 128 and i wold say that this cooler is not the one from my dreams ))

Did you mean SI 128 or SI 128 SE.

The SE is the new version with 8mm heatpipes.

[Vapor]

Did you mean SI 128 or SI 128 SE.

The SE is the new version with 8mm heatpipes.The original SI-128 had 8mm heatpipes too....

SE has the HR-series fins. Works better for low-RPM fans. SE = Silent Edition.

[ineedaname]

The original SI-128 had 8mm heatpipes too....

SE has the HR-series fins. Works better for low-RPM fans. SE = Silent Edition.

ooops my bad then :p:

[BIKeINSTEIN]

Waiting for reports on the retail ultima90.:D

A TRUE120 is just a few bucks more but even if this is finally as good as the TRU120 or maybe a lil better(i think that will be too much:p: )- the reduced height and weight will be worth it.:)

[amandpm]

Waiting for reports on the retail ultima90.:D

A TRUE120 is just a few bucks more but even if this is finally as good as the TRU120 or maybe a lil better(i think that will be too much:p: )- the reduced height and weight will be worth it.:)

I have 2 of them but still gathering parts for builds :(

[Eeyore69]

One thing to keep in mind when ordering the Thermalright Ultima-90 concerns the fan that will have to be ordered for it. I just received my Ultima-90 and found that the fan mounting clips only work with 1" thick fans; they hold the fan by the outside edge of the fan and not by the inside edge as the other Thermalright heatsinks do. I want to use either a 90mm or 120mm fan on the heatsink that are both 1.5" thick. I am going to have to come up with a way to attach the heatsink other than using the stock mounting clips. Especially since Thermalright support indicates that they only have the stock clip and nothing else that would hold the thicker fan. Why they didn't design the mounting clip to hold the fan in the "normal" position I cannot fathom.

By the way, if anyone has used a thicker fan and has a method of attaching it to the heatsink please let me know. Right now I am planning on using the standard wire clips with plastic ties. Or spacers of the proper length screwed onto the fan to provide mounting holes at the required 1" distance to allow use of the provided clips.

[apexracing]

Looking at some pictures, the Ultima 90 does have holes further back, perhaps XP-90 fan clips could be used if the distance is the same. I plan to buy an Ultima 90 soon, I'll test some things out and report what I find.

[Eeyore69]

The Ultima-90 does have an additional set of fan mounting holes. These are for mounting a second fan in a push-pull configuration. However, to do that you would have to order another set of clips or find another mounting method for the second fan.

Also, here is a link to a new review on the Ultima-90 and how it stacks up against some other heatsinks:

http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3068 .

[Battle_Rattle]

Excellent... ty for linking.

My results aren't all that different from theirs. :D

The only thing I would take issue with (and this goes for any reviewer) is the explanation of TIM application. Essentially there is none.

Anyone would do well to go through the motions (and say so) of applying, reapplying, and only starting testing once the best temperature was found. No one really knows what they're dealing with until they've seen the new HS under multiple installs of controlled conditions.

Good to see they have started to share their vCore stats, that was a major weakness before.

[BIKeINSTEIN]

One thing to keep in mind when ordering the Thermalright Ultima-90 concerns the fan that will have to be ordered for it. I just received my Ultima-90 and found that the fan mounting clips only work with 1" thick fans; they hold the fan by the outside edge of the fan and not by the inside edge as the other Thermalright heatsinks do. I want to use either a 90mm or 120mm fan on the heatsink that are both 1.5" thick. I am going to have to come up with a way to attach the heatsink other than using the stock mounting clips. Especially since Thermalright support indicates that they only have the stock clip and nothing else that would hold the thicker fan. Why they didn't design the mounting clip to hold the fan in the "normal" position I cannot fathom.

By the way, if anyone has used a thicker fan and has a method of attaching it to the heatsink please let me know. Right now I am planning on using the standard wire clips with plastic ties. Or spacers of the proper length screwed onto the fan to provide mounting holes at the required 1" distance to allow use of the provided clips.
Pardon me for this.

I was looking at ultima pics and esp at the top where the fan holes are.
I think it has another set of holes to attach anoher fan.:rolleyes:
Also was trying to figure out the width of the fan and the distance between the 2 locations for inserting the wire clips on the cooler.:p:

Will you please try this?:)
Use the wireclips in the other set of fan holes to mount the same fan in the same position- esp the 92 mm ones.
Will this allow the wire clips to grab the inner edge of the fan?:confused:

[Battle_Rattle]

I think it has another set of holes to attach anoher fan.:rolleyes:

It does



Also was trying to figure out the width of the fan and the distance between the 2 locations for inserting the wire clips on the cooler.:p:


about 34mm



Use the wireclips in the other set of fan holes to mount the same fan in the same position- esp the 92 mm ones.
Will this allow the wire clips to grab the inner edge of the fan?:confused:

I understand what you mean...

The distance from the clip hole to the desired fan hole looks a little long. More than that though, the problem is the crimped heat pipes at the top of the cooler. The crimped heat pipes may obstruct the bend in the fan clip wires, and if it didn't, the bend may be completely gone. That bend is pretty crucial for tension on the fan.

You can always try... have backups though

[Ace-a-Rue]

it looks like you could use small or thin plastic ties to wrap around the heatpipe within the fins to secure a large size 38mm fan

[BIKeINSTEIN]

It does
about 34mm
I understand what you mean...
The distance from the clip hole to the desired fan hole looks a little long. More than that though, the problem is the crimped heat pipes at the top of the cooler. The crimped heat pipes may obstruct the bend in the fan clip wires, and if it didn't, the bend may be completely gone. That bend is pretty crucial for tension on the fan.

You can always try... have backups though
Thank you.:)

Hmmm...

Time to take a look at XP-90 or some other clips if they will suit the purpose.
Sidewinders does have XP90 clips for retail.:p:

it looks like you could use small or thin plastic ties to wrap around the heatpipe within the fins to secure a large size 38mm fan
That is the ultimate solution- but wanted to give the stock clips or the XP 90 clips or custom clips a go.:p:

Cableties have always been the ultimate saviour- be it cables or dual fans in push-pull or single fans.
Like using a Panaflo H1A on the AC Freezer 64 pro with a vantec 92mm rubber dampener and cable ties.:D
When its cleaning time- just snip them off- clean the fan and heatsink- use new ones.
Cheap and effective- so don't pinch the pocket too- you get 100s in the price of a pair wire clips.:p:

[Ace-a-Rue]

i put this puppy on my quad core "G0" and i had to add 2 fans (push-pull) to make up the difference from Ultra-X....i have a silverstone 120mm in front and a silverstone 92mm pulling....the 120 is a 2.5K and the 92 is a 3.8K speed fan.

the 92 mm or 90 mm clips were not even close to being able to hold on to the fan...it was a joke!:down:...finally figured out that i had to bend the points that covered the screw holes....the 120mm clips worked perfectly!

the under the board brace (back plate) and TR's solution to insert these base studs, with a rubber "O" ring for holding in position, is a COMPLETE JOKE!...their mounting solution at least from the bottom is miserable!!!...many thumbs down on that approach:down: :down: :down: ...i had to use super glue to keep the base studs in position so it would not fall out from the back plate as i tried to push the studs into the mobo holes.

don't waste your money on this cooler...you would be better off shelling out a few more bucks and buying the Ultra-X...at least you can use a 38mm fan on that puppy!:up:...AND...if you are into Xtreme cooling, just buy an extra set of 120 clips from sidewindercomputers.com and you can mount two 120mm X 38mm fans on the Ultra-X.

[evoic]

.....and there you have it.

[BIKeINSTEIN]

i put this puppy on my quad core "G0" and i had to add 2 fans (push-pull) to make up the difference from Ultra-X....i have a silverstone 120mm in front and a silverstone 92mm pulling....the 120 is a 2.5K and the 92 is a 3.8K speed fan.

the 92 mm or 90 mm clips were not even close to being able to hold on to the fan...it was a joke!:down:...finally figured out that i had to bend the points that covered the screw holes....the 120mm clips worked perfectly!

the under the board brace (back plate) and TR's solution to insert these base studs, with a rubber "O" ring for holding in position, is a COMPLETE JOKE!...their mounting solution at least from the bottom is miserable!!!...many thumbs down on that approach:down: :down: :down: ...i had to use super glue to keep the base studs in position so it would not fall out from the back plate as i tried to push the studs into the mobo holes.

don't waste your money on this cooler...you would be better off shelling out a few more bucks and buying the Ultra-X...at least you can use a 38mm fan on that puppy!:up:...AND...if you are into Xtreme cooling, just buy an extra set of 120 clips from sidewindercomputers.com and you can mount two 120mm X 38mm fans on the Ultra-X.
I think you mean the Thermalright Ultra 120 extreme.:)
(or did you mean the Enzotech Ultra-X.:eek: )

AFAIK, the Ultima 90 was never meant to beat the Ultra120X aka TRUE120.
The OP has shown that it matches a TuniQ tower 120 or a Thermalright Ultra 120(non-extreme).
And that kinda cooling with the reduced height and weight is helpful in some cases.
And that performance is way better than the ultra90.:p:

As far as the mounting is concerned, i think i will try using the TR Ultra120(non-extreme) plate on this if possible.:yepp:

[Ace-a-Rue]

sounds good to me!:up:

good luck with that alternative mounting...it should be less frustrating.;)

EDIT:...yes, Ultra 120-X:)

[Ace-a-Rue]

As far as the mounting is concerned, i think i will try using the TR Ultra120(non-extreme) plate on this if possible.:yepp:


the Ultra 120 base mobo plate will work with the provided screws in the Ultima 90; just checked!...to bad i didn't think of that!:)

actually, i liked what i did with my Ultra 120-X for additional cooling affect.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=156422

[Ace-a-Rue]

just checked thermalright's page...they now show a separate Ultima 90 model for 775 socket mobo's...they must have seen the writing on the wall!...good for them!:up:

[Start]

So those who have Stacker 83x, does it fit w/o removing any of the 4 side fans?

[noroger]

Great review, ill try to get a TT120 asap to cool down a quad.

[Z4P]

So those who have Stacker 83x, does it fit w/o removing any of the 4 side fans?

I have the 832, i have to remove the fan bracket that is directly above the TRU-E...but this is a bonus as i then used that to put another fan in the front panel ;)

[pet168]

just hooked up the ultima 90 + silverstone FM123

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/909/dsc00716nw9.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5172/dsc00717eq8.jpg

[apexracing]

Finally have an Ultima-90 on its way to my house. :D Should arrive by Wednesday (or Thursday for those in Europe and Asia).

I'll post plenty of pictures and a report on how it affects my system temperatures. :)

[apexracing]

Good news, Ultima-90 has arrived.

The Beast:

http://img13.imagevenue.com/loc732/th_37808__MG_4526_122_732lo.JPG (http://img13.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37808__MG_4526_122_732lo.JPG)http://img120.imagevenue.com/loc976/th_37815__MG_4528_122_976lo.JPG (http://img120.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37815__MG_4528_122_976lo.JPG)http://img22.imagevenue.com/loc783/th_37822__MG_4531_122_783lo.JPG (http://img22.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37822__MG_4531_122_783lo.JPG)http://img12.imagevenue.com/loc1017/th_37829__MG_4533_122_1017lo.JPG (http://img12.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37829__MG_4533_122_1017lo.JPG)
http://img131.imagevenue.com/loc463/th_37836__MG_4534_122_463lo.JPG (http://img131.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=37836__MG_4534_122_463lo.JPG)



Bad news, the bloke who packed it didn't include the s939 bracket, so I can't use it yet. I've ordered it from another e-tailer.

[64dragon]

its not supposed to include the 939 bracket, says on their site its seperate.

i got an ultima 90 about a month ago for my new am2 setup and it works great. i'm running push-pull with the 92 on bottom and 120 on top

[apexracing]

I'm aware of that, but it was included in my order, as an extra. At the last minute, my money for the supposed s939 bracket (the store had it confused with the AM2 kit) was returned and I ordered the correct bracket somewhere else. However, everything worked out and I'm using the Ultima-90 now. :)

[XSAlliN]

Finally - I FOUND A DECENT COOLER (in my opinion) for my future rig (hope it's done soon). All in need now, is a decent REV 2. for E8400 ... :(

[rockfella]

This cooler is really beast, HDT coolers have no chance to compete once voltage increased. :)