A Cool Bunch: How To Put A Lid On The Die Temperature Of Your Athlon

Big, Heavy And High-quality: CoolerMaster HCC-003

The HCC-003 is based on a plate made of solid copper. The fins (aluminum) are somewhat thicker than on the HSC-001.

To optimize the thermal transition between the ribs and the base plate, the fins are attached to the base plate via pipes, as well. With a girth of 80 x 76 x 62, it's almost as robust as the HSC-001. It's definitely a heavyweight - 446 grams.

The measurement curve reveals the advantage of having a cooler with the excellent thermal properties of copper. It can keep the CPU three to four degrees Celsius icier than aluminum.

The HCC-003 is a very good all-around cooler. Its fan spins at 7,400 revolutions per minute, generating a noise level of 66 dB (A). This fan has no business being in an office PC.