Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme 1366 RT CPU Cooler Review

Fan Design

It is now time to focus our attention and lens on the new accessory accompanying some Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme models, like the 1366 RT version we are looking at today. For the first time in the Ultra-120/Ultra-120 eXtreme history, a fan is included and with that fan comes a fancy new fan holder unlike anything we have seen on a TRUE before.

The new fan holder plays in perfect tune with the Thermalright design philosophy. Form is important, but function is just as important with everything Thermalright designs and this fan holder is no different. It is very well designed and appears that it will do its job extremely well. The good design includes simple implementation of features and precise design features that work well with the heat sink but also don't hinder its esthetics. In the second photo above, we can see the retention mechanism that locks the fan in place. Simple, easy to use, tool-free, and very effective. To pop the fan out we simply apply a bit of pressure and to insert a fan, just slide it in place and it will lock in tight.

At the bottom of the fan holder are two notches on either side that allow for the fan cable to exit the holder in an orderly fashion. The notches are at the universal location for 120mm fans and should accommodate any standard fan available. The fan that is included with the Ultra-120 eXtreme-1366 is a Thermalright branded TR-FDB-12-1600. This is a fluid dynamic bearing fan which should equate to smooth, quiet operation. The fan rotates at 1600RPM and is rated for 60,000 hours of operation. The rated air flow is 63.7CFM making 28dBA of noise. The dimensions are 120mmx25mm and being so, the fan holder should house comfortably any 120mmx25mm fan that you may want to use.

The key to any fan attachment is the attaching mechanism. The Ultra-120 series of past used wire clips to attach fans. These clips were the bain of many users existence, but like myself, many love the wire clips so this new apparatus isn't a welcome site. As we can see, there are two sets of fingers extending out from the fan holder. These are the means to which the holder attaches to the heat sink. They are designed to reach around the side of the heat sink and clamp in place just past the cooling fin seam running up the side. We have already seen photos of the fan attached and above is another angle. We won't get into much discussion about this fan attachment right now, that will be saved for the next section where we discuss the installation of the Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme-1366.