From left to right: classic P4 cooler, reference design (old), and new reference design - made by EKL.

The same cooler from the top, showing the highly complex construction of the EKL model.

Because of the high rate of heat loss in the faster processors, Intel has brought out a new reference design for CPU coolers. To ensure cooling capacity is up to scratch, the P4 CPUs are equipped with an adequate processor cooler as part of a package. Three different P4 coolers are shown in the image. The one in the middle is the reference model, which is too expensive for mass-production. There is currently a new P4 design from Intel that has a tighter fit between the guide and rotating vanes. In addition, the rotating vane cuts the air to the guide vane just about vertically to achieve the lowest noise production possible. What sticks out with the new cooler design is the copper core that produces significantly improved thermal conduction from the CPU die. Looking ahead to the mid-term, it looks likely that heat loss of up to 100 watts can be expected - and that can only be handled by a high-tech cooler.

The standard for P4: simple and yet highly effective with lateral air ducts.

What's new: lateral openings on the cooler structure to carry off the air. This means that the components of the voltage regulator can be cooled if necessary.

Intel's latest design: a powerful CPU cooler for high heat loss.

Just like an engine's aircooled cylinder block: the cooler's fins are arranged parabolically, guaranteeing optimal air guiding and good cooling. The cooler's rotating vanes meet the cooling fins vertically.