OCZ Gladiator MAX CPU Cooler Review

Aftermarket Backplate Performance

As mentioned earlier in this review we just happened to have the backplate system Xigmatek sells for their S1284 and since the Gladiator is nothing more than a highly refined clone of the S1284 (just as the Vendetta 2 is a refined S1283 clone) it fits perfectly. With this enhanced backplate system installed we then repeated out Q6600 stock speed test to see if it would have any impact on its results. This is what we found out:


When you only look at the performance numbers, it does become difficult to recommend the backplate upgrade. However, the temperature differences only tell half the story since both the original and backplate upgraded numbers are the absolute best of the best and represent what the Gladiator Max is capable of under perfect, tightly controlled conditions. I truly doubt that either numbers will be easily accomplished in real world situations and the fact there is any difference between the two sets of numbers just prove how much better the backplate system is over the standard pushpin setup.

The other half of the story is the backplate system makes not only for a much more stable long term platform but makes obtaining great results from this cooler EASY. If you take your time when installing it, you should see an immediate improvement over the standard setup. When you add in the added long term durability, the low upgrade cost of $10 is a no brainer and we now really, really wish OCZ had stepped up their game and included it for free. This cooler is not priced as cheaply as the Vendetta 2 is, and a included backplate would have gone a long, long way towards justifying the added expense.