Xigmatek Launches Thor's Hammer Heat-Pipe Processor Cooler

Cooling company Xigmatek has released Thor's Hammer - a new high-end processor cooler. Aside from its unusual name, Thor's Hammer covers all the basics of today's heat-pipe coolers. It measures 120 x 50 x 159 mm, weights exactly half a kilo, and can be equipped with up to two 120mm fans. It is constructed out of many aluminum fins attached to four 8mm and three 6mm U-shaped heatpipes that are in direct contact with the CPU. The Xigmatek Thor's Hammer is designed for Socket 754, 939, AM2/AM2+, LGA 775 and Core i7 1366. It is priced at 56.90 Euro.

http://www.dvhardware.net/news/xigma...r_s_hammer.jpg

Techpowerup


Looks interesting, tho could performance crown of the TRUE is gonna be taken or not whats your bet?

looks interesting but HDT (of the same size) can never beat the true since it wont load the outside pipes without a plate or a huge IHS

Weirdest fin design I've ever seen :p:

I want one to play with :)

(as for it beating a stock TRUE, it probably will on a quad core....but vs. a lapped + washermod TRUE, no clue :))

Looks interesting :)

Looking forward to the performance :)

Looks pretty slik. Very cool design, but that looks like it takes up some good space...

Very interesting.

Like Zanzabar said, though, only the two inner heat pipes are going to make any reasonable contact with the hottest portions of the processor. Also it looks like it lacks the 'staggered' heatpipes that the TRUE has, which is supposed to ensure a more even heat transfer to the fins. The fin density also looks lower, which will help with slower 'quiet' fans, but will hurt the top end performance. It could just be the angle of the shots, though.

Until we get some reviews in, though, it's pointless to hypothesize.

Xigmatek better perform equal or similar with that price as well, since cost about the same... but overall I like the design

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

Weirdest fin design I've ever seen :p:

I want one to play with :)

(as for it beating a stock TRUE, it probably will on a quad core....but vs. a lapped + washermod TRUE, no clue :))

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Thing about the quadcore is the new ones are all single dies again, so the heat won't be as spread out anymore. I suppose the die is still pretty large but the heat will be more concentrated.

Looking forward to see how this one performs.

BTW, why is every1 still so all over TRUE, the HDT coolers from Xigmatek, OCZ, Sunbeam etc usually is about par or a few degrees better than unmodded TRUE and costs way less and is like abour par or 1~3C behind a lapped and modded TRUE. I'd take a HDT cooler over TRUE120 anyday unless the heatsink dropped to around 30 EUR.

Because a lapped TRUE is still the best. I have 2 TRUE's, both lapped, and 2 S1283's. All are on quads. The TRUE is 3-5c better at load, and when the ambients go higher, the TRUE shows even more of a difference. I run 100% 24/7, so I have a good idea on how these perform. The HDT's are a good value but if you want the best, go with a TRUE.

Here is a shot of my Q9650 with a TRUE, about 70f ambient right now.

Uh so all these 4 8mm heatpipe solutions are only as good as a 2 8mm heatpipe one? I don't believe that at all, reviews support my belief.

As for this cooler they previewed it last year, I actually thought it wouldn't get made. They had some weird name for it.

Why does everyone assume you can't do the mods your doing to the True to other coolers?

Stock performance with same fans is fair comparison you can't mod and upgrade something than compare it to it's old competition fairly. Besides you shouldn't have to lap a cooler that your paying for to make it perform as it should.

That's like saying a v8 fitted 500 horsepower civic could still be compared to a stock dodge charger in speed. Probably crap comparison but I'm not into cars.

My verdict it'll perform just as good or a little better than the True.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RPGWiZaRD

Looking forward to see how this one performs.

BTW, why is every1 still so all over TRUE, the HDT coolers from Xigmatek, OCZ, Sunbeam etc usually is about par or a few degrees better than unmodded TRUE and costs way less and is like abour par or 1~3C behind a lapped and modded TRUE. I'd take a HDT cooler over TRUE120 anyday unless the heatsink dropped to around 30 EUR.

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Because if you get the HDT plus the backmount plate theres not much of a diff in price, at least not via newegg......Thats what made me opt for the TRUE BLACK......they don't sell me a cooler and then sell me another kit well if you want better temps buy this $15 bracket that we should have included with the heatsink to begin with...........If they included the bracket like they should to begin with I would have got it......It's one thing when its for another socket....but two types for one socket.....you know type 1 is a fail stop including it and give the revised bracket with it...


As far as this sink the fins don't look like they are spaced as close as the 1284 EE, i suspect it will not perform as good due to not enough resistance....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

Thing about the quadcore is the new ones are all single dies again, so the heat won't be as spread out anymore. I suppose the die is still pretty large but the heat will be more concentrated.

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Yeah, time will tell with what's best on NHM. Kents and York (and probably Smithfield) did well on the S1284EE....my Conroe didn't (didn't test a Wolfdale).

For people who want more numbers on TRUE vs. HDT....here's my roundup of S1284EE vs. TRUE vs. TRUECu vs. IFX-14...I have a S1283 here, but for the life of me I can't get good temps with the hardmount or the pushpins, so it sucks across the board right now :p: (at first I was thinking it was bad contact....but it could be that it is just worse than I'm anticipating, which I suppose is possible)
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=209230

(I only consider using HSFs that can easily accommodate 2+ fans, just a 'thing' of mine...so no CCF or OCZ HDT)

Oh, and for those saying that only the two middle pipes do the 'work' how much you wanna wager? :p:

I'm willing to sacrifice my S1284EE and snip the outer pipes and compare :devil:

DO IT! I'm curious... I just got the s1283. :)

I'm curious too.

This cooler looks interesting, too bad I just bought the s1283 less than a week ago.

the s1283 dark night is on newegg now too btw

Quote:

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Originally Posted by [XC] 4X4N

Because a lapped TRUE is still the best. I have 2 TRUE's, both lapped, and 2 S1283's. All are on quads. The TRUE is 3-5c better at load, and when the ambients go higher, the TRUE shows even more of a difference. I run 100% 24/7, so I have a good idea on how these perform. The HDT's are a good value but if you want the best, go with a TRUE.

Here is a shot of my Q9650 with a TRUE, about 70f ambient right now.

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Was the processor also lapped?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crazydiamond

the s1283 dark night is on newegg now too btw

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Oh yeah... that looks pretty nice... looks like it runs a wee bit warmer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by methimpikehoses

Oh yeah... that looks pretty nice... looks like it runs a wee bit warmer.

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Faster fan + hardmount = cooler ;)

looks braveee

hope it preforms like a champ :)

Heh, I'm repacking my that I just opened s1283 for RMA... gonna go dark knight. :)

Buy Now:
Xigmatek Thor's Hammer S126384 Heatpipe Cooler
Only 56,90 EUR:)

If it were in the USA, that buy button would already have been hit :p:

http://www.nordichardware.com/image3.php?id=6531
http://www.nordichardware.com/image3.php?id=6529
Source

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/7...shammerly7.png
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/724/s1263847aa5.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6245/s1263841ir9.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/5669/s1263842cr7.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/7310/s1263843no6.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/2684/s1263844zu0.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9861/s1263845lt5.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6589/s1263846vy2.jpg

Still looking for a place to buy it in the USA :cool:

Interested in this one for more than just the obvious reasons.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

Still looking for a place to buy it in the USA :cool:

Interested in this one for more than just the obvious reasons.

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Will be waiting for your review on this and hopefully you can still answer some of my future questions :p:

that looks pretty nice, like the darker color

oh gosh dunno if it performs better than the true, but heck that cooler is beautiful! :shocked:

Is the TRUE even still king? Many reviews show the already released Vendetta 2 and HDT-S1283 ahead of it in performance. :shrug:

Didn't the Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer already dethrone the Xigma and the TRUE?

Some show them better some show them worse than the True.

It's hard to say really but most people say the True is best and I think it is slightly.

I guess since my username has Thor in it, I should get it :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by YukonTrooper

Is the TRUE even still king? Many reviews show the already released Vendetta 2 and HDT-S1283 ahead of it in performance. :shrug:

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The TRUE is the best heatsink on the market, and MUCH better then the Vendetta 2 and HDT-S1283.
The only heatsink that can perform about the same as a TRUE is the IFX-14.
The problem is that some stupid review sites, are comparing these coolers on some 45nm dualcore 1.25Vcore LOL! And they don't even prime load the CPU's! They just run some games and call the temps "fullload temps" LOL!
Since the heat is SO low on those, the results looks random.
Just put some high clocked quadcore and 1.4vcore, and you will see on the load temps, the TRUE beating the competition by 3 or 4C.
And if you lap and wash mod your TRUE, it becomes even more unbeatable.

I don't know much about this "Thor" heatsink. I really hope to see it beating the TRUE. But till today, TRUE is the king.

i know, thats so true:clap: and plus they use those uber low speed fans on the TRUE (those 40cfm fans), so cheap:down:

The new Mugen II performs almost like TRUE.

Probably, XIg's Thor and Schyte's Mugen II will go head-to-head on each other.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simps

The TRUE is the best heatsink on the market, and MUCH better then the Vendetta 2 and HDT-S1283

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I haven't seen any reviews of the 1283 and the TRUE with the same fan where the difference was so big i'd call it a big difference.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Levish

I haven't seen any reviews of the 1283 and the TRUE with the same fan where the difference was so big i'd call it a big difference.

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i got both n 2-3c difference is not big
the difference might be bigger with a quad

Id be willing to bet it does better on a i7 due to the larger IHS. On a Core2? Hard to say.

TRUE is win if you want to spend the time lapping and polishing. But unlapped the Xigs definitely give the TRUE a run for their money....

anyone got some previews/reviews?

Sure is an cool looking cooler.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Levish

I haven't seen any reviews of the 1283 and the TRUE with the same fan where the difference was so big i'd call it a big difference.

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Here's my S1283 data that I haven't put up yet...just been sitting in my .xlsx :p:

Guess this is as good a time as any post it up :)

E6700:
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3...ompareesf9.png

QX6700:
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5...mpareqxlz9.png

(included the lapped/hi-pres mounted TRUE just to show how good it can get--the hardmounted S1283 is already maxed out)

Another news:
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/17...iew/index.html

great idea ! been thinking of that setup for a while excp... the 6mm should be in touch with the chip and the 8mm should be on top helping

that way more heatpipes are in touch with the cpu ihs (6mm can get closer togather and more of them touch)

Vapor,

I like your comparisons very much.
It is clear by your chart, then when already doing push-pull, the difference from 1600RPM fans from 2000RPM fans are about 1-2C. But I am sure the noise difference is a lot, since I have both speed fans, and I can tell.

If possible for you, it would be nice if you could test on your next reviews, this kind of fan.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/pa12ulqu.html
It is a Panaflo 120x38 1700RPM rated 30db and 69CMF (model: FBA12G12L1BX). They run 1780-1800RPM at stock, despite rated 1700RPM.
Since 1800 is in between 1600 and 2000, and as I believe, these panaflo will kill every other fan you tested (except san ace) on static pressure, from my experience, I believe you would be impressed by the performance. I would say it would manage the same performance of those other 2000RPM.

Anyway, if it is possible for you, try to add them, on future reviews.
I, like you, have tested a LOT of fans. and I can tell you, those panaflo's are my all time favorite fans.

[]'s
Simps

I used Ultra Kaze 2000 for the 2000RPM fans....I've compared the Panaflos to the Ultra Kazes in my fan reviews and they're pretty comparable in terms of radiator performance....Ultra Kazes actually have less airflow loss (as a percentage), but seem to get a little louder on the radiator though, which equals out the higher airflow.

Incidentally, the San Ace is a pretty poor performer on the radiators in terms of airflow, but it also gets quieter (probably lowers RPM in a high-impedance environment via current sensing), so it equals out :)

(and yeah, difference between 1600RPM S-Flex Push/Pull and 2000RPM UK Push/Pull is minimal...much above 1600RPM on these HSF in push/pull definitely has poor scaling in terms of noise efficiency)

Thanks Vapor for including the graph, seems like 1284EE performs better than 1283 for Quad Core.

Just waiting to see the pricing for Thor and its performance - if not I will end of buying 1284EE for my I7 rig.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

I used Ultra Kaze 2000 for the 2000RPM fans....I've compared the Panaflos to the Ultra Kazes in my fan reviews and they're pretty comparable in terms of radiator performance....Ultra Kazes actually have less airflow loss (as a percentage), but seem to get a little louder on the radiator though, which equals out the higher airflow.

Incidentally, the San Ace is a pretty poor performer on the radiators in terms of airflow, but it also gets quieter (probably lowers RPM in a high-impedance environment via current sensing), so it equals out :)

(and yeah, difference between 1600RPM S-Flex Push/Pull and 2000RPM UK Push/Pull is minimal...much above 1600RPM on these HSF in push/pull definitely has poor scaling in terms of noise efficiency)

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Great info.
I guess what I was trying to say is this. The market has "labeled" over the last years, 120x38mm fans arround 1600RPM as low speed, and arround 2000RPM as middium speed. You know this.
What I am trying to say, is that, that panaflo FBA12G12L1BX, runs 1800RPM stock, and it is a 120x38mm. So it is in between a low speed and middium speed, and from my tests, I believe that is the sweet spot. It won't have the noise of a 2000RPM, but from my experience, and from beeing a panaflo, it will perform about the same as a 2000RPM (as your chart already shows 1600 performing close to 2000). I am talking push-pull configs here.

That is what I was trying to say, and that is why those are my all time favorite fans. If it is possible, try to include them on your next reviews. As I said, I believe you will be impressed.

They cost arround 15 bucks, so they are a bit expensive.

[]'s
Simps

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simps

Great info.
I guess what I was trying to say is this. The market has "labeled" over the last years, 120x38mm fans arround 1600RPM as low speed, and arround 2000RPM as middium speed. You know this.
What I am trying to say, is that, that panaflo FBA12G12L1BX, runs 1800RPM stock, and it is a 120x38mm. So it is in between a low speed and middium speed, and from my tests, I believe that is the sweet spot. It won't have the noise of a 2000RPM, but from my experience, and from beeing a panaflo, it will perform about the same as a 2000RPM (as your chart already shows 1600 performing close to 2000). I am talking push-pull configs here.

That is what I was trying to say, and that is why those are my all time favorite fans. If it is possible, try to include them on your next reviews. As I said, I believe you will be impressed.

They cost arround 15 bucks, so they are a bit expensive.

[]'s
Simps

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Oh, I already have some....they were in my first-first review way back when :p:

Definitely good for what they are :yepp:

My personal noise preferences have fallen down to the 800-1000RPM range though, where they're not the strongest (double ball bearing doesn't scale to low RPMs very well unfortunately).

for the price tag better be able to offer better/equal performance than TRUE otherwise is an epic fail...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

I used Ultra Kaze 2000 for the 2000RPM fans....I've compared the Panaflos to the Ultra Kazes in my fan reviews and they're pretty comparable in terms of radiator performance....Ultra Kazes actually have less airflow loss (as a percentage), but seem to get a little louder on the radiator though, which equals out the higher airflow.

Incidentally, the San Ace is a pretty poor performer on the radiators in terms of airflow, but it also gets quieter (probably lowers RPM in a high-impedance environment via current sensing), so it equals out :)

(and yeah, difference between 1600RPM S-Flex Push/Pull and 2000RPM UK Push/Pull is minimal...much above 1600RPM on these HSF in push/pull definitely has poor scaling in terms of noise efficiency)

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and here I'm using an ultra kaze 3,000 @ 2,400 rpm on my sunbeam CCF.

I've been using it on my phenom 9850 which hated 3.0ghz I need 1.4875 volts and idle was 41C load was 57C
stock clocks and volts chip would sit at 33C and top out 44C.

on to the new chip under it.
this new phenom II 940 I have is at 1.500 volts 3.792ghz and idles at 39C load 56C.

best part about H.D.T is you don't to lap it at all. My CCF is smooth and flat

i find it hard to belive that u dont have to lap, the HDT coolers that ive seen have one pipe thatssticking out like .1mm over the others. i like how cheap that the xigmatechs are but they wont be matching a true in this application. and i would bet that if u lapped the bottom then put a copper plate with .1-2mm between the cpu and the sink that it would perform better

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zanzabar

i find it hard to belive that u dont have to lap, the HDT coolers that ive seen have one pipe thatssticking out like .1mm over the others. i like how cheap that the xigmatechs are but they wont be matching a true in this application. and i would bet that if u lapped the bottom then put a copper plate with .1-2mm between the cpu and the sink that it would perform better

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In my experience, lapping has hurt the performance of HDT coolers :S

Just wanted to comment on the 1284EE I just got it 3 days ago I havent tested it yet but I can run my fingernail across the heatpipes and the metal barriers in between and it feels like one solid piece of metal smooth glide right across all the heatpipes.......this is super macro so you cant see this detail with the naked eye.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...1/P1010031.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...1/P1010032.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...1/P1010033.jpg

that is a vary nice finish

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vapor

In my experience, lapping has hurt the performance of HDT coolers :S

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How so, is it because of the reduced pressure from having flatter pipes?

I have no idea :confused:

looking forward to someone's tests on this one, will influence my next heatsink purchase :)

Found one at EURO store http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/...9.html-ref=128

Seems expensive 57Euro to 75$

I certainly looks the part with its aggresive exterior and the heatpipe arrangement look promising. Putting aside the looks I'll be keeping tabs on this topic to see if it can oust the TRUE from the top spot.

EYES PEELED

wow, 3 heapipes in addition to the 4 direct-touch heatpipes?? thats a total of 7 heatpipes:eek: looking foward to reviews :D

I really hope it come with a good build quality.

im just waiting for this one also.. this looks like it should be a awesome cooler. cant wait for it to hit the usa

Now DFI Lanparty cooler on the block as well, I wonder which would win...

Not the DFI :p:

but the DFI has 6 heatpipes O.O

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lkiller123

wow, 3 heapipes in addition to the 4 direct-touch heatpipes?? thats a total of 7 heatpipes:eek: looking foward to reviews :D

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I don't see how that will help much.

pipes inside pipes anyone for better lol

btw its heatpipes on top of the heatpipes. i think it will help cool down the heat that was left over from the HDT heapipes, so i think it may be able to beat the TRUE :D

I wonder who will triple stack heat-pipes first? Pretty soon we'll need to chain our heat-sinks to the roof of our cases.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by YukonTrooper

I wonder who will triple stack heat-pipes first? Pretty soon we'll need to chain our heat-sinks to the roof of our cases.

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it's a slippery slope my friend. one day a company comes out with the double stack next thing you know we're being ruled by robotic heatpipe overlords :)

Lmfao

cool maybe I will make an air cooling rig :shocked: I really like this thing :)

The wait is killing me, and I haven't seen any new info. Any updates?

same here :D when will it be released?

I'll ask Xigmatek, last answer I got was a rough estimate of about two months from two weeks ago for US retail.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vardan33

The wait is killing me, and I haven't seen any new info. Any updates?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by lkiller123

same here :D when will it be released?

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Reviewers in the US should have their Thors in 3 weeks and US retail is roughly 1 month away barring any last minute delays.

aww, thats March

I want it now!
@ Vapor, didn't know lapping the TRUE would be that big of a delta

That improvement is a pretty typical improvement for a Thermalright base being lapped...fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective.

Of course, lower heatloads will also see a smaller improvement in temps :up:

Wow, I wonder if this will be my present cooler? XIGMATEK-Dark Knight-S1283

this will be named HDT-S128364 :D lol :D

These were just listed on the Aussie Xigmatek's disty pricelist for RRP of $99.95. Except the cost price is > than that, so nfi.

It has the model as S126384 and LGA1366/LGA775 Mounting Brackets Incl. and Optional Fan

They are apparently expecting a new Xigmatek delivery in the next week or so, I imagine these will be on it.

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/175...ler/index.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Face

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/175...ler/index.html

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i really dont trust their review. tweaktown is a good site when it comes to video cards, but with coolers they fail. :shakes:
noctua's coolers beating TRUE by 2-3 degrees? :rofl:

Their artificial testbed is whacked out.

I understand why they did it, but their results clearly show it doesn't quite work :shakes:

Yeha looking at the chart there are starnge results that pop up and simply don't add up at all imo. I'll wait for more reviews on performance. On the other hand, that is definately one sexy cooler indeed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Face

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/175...ler/index.html

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I have a hard time to trust those results.

I wanna see a review with the v-core crankd up, I´m sure that the hammer will shine with some more heat..

Oh wow, unbelievable results with all the coolers idling at about 50 degrees... Hows that possible by the way?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lkiller123

Oh wow, unbelievable results with all the coolers idling at about 50 degrees... Hows that possible by the way?

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Nickel plating ??
I've got a rosewill Z5 ultra that sit at 42C on up near the lowest heat sink fins but the cores under it are only 33C at idle.

i thought that it is the core temperature, its not?!!

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.ph...=300&Itemid=62

Nice, a real review :up:

Performance is....as expected it seems. :)

the review seems ok but how can we be sure the guy reviewing the heatsink actually has his wits about him?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by taken from the reviewers top heatsinks list from the last page

SilenX IXC-120HA2: Similar to the CR-CCTF, but supports two 120mm fans. SilenX includes one of their iXtrema Pro Quiet fans, which I enthusiastically endorse.

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:rofl: :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: :rofl:

Olin's not bad, even if he likes SilenX :p:

FWIW, that could be interpreted that just likes the fact that the HSF comes with the "F" in heatsink fan. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marin

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.ph...=300&Itemid=62

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Thats what I´m talking about. Seems a lot more trustworthy.

no dual fan setups on benchmarkreviews?!!

That looks more of a respectable review than the last one. I would have loved to have seen the reviewers push the overclocking a little further.

Here is a even better review:

http://http://vr-zone.com/articles/heatsink-showdown-cooler-master-v10-vs.-xigmatek-thor-s-hammer/6605.html?doc=6605

I really don't trust the VR-ZONE review since the Hyper N-620 has a dual fan setup, and the Xigmatek doesn't. Anyways Im glad that they pushed the i7 to 4GHZ :D