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| by AkG | July 4, 2009 | ||
| Conclusion ConclusionSimply put, the GlacialTech UFO V51 is a classic example of form over function. On the surface there really isn’t a lot to find fault with, as it’s a fairly standard downdraft cooler with a low noise profile. Unfortunately, when you start to use it, you quickly realize the exterior bling means nothing when it comes to performance. Maybe we wouldn’t be so hard on this cooler if it had a usable installation procedure…you know one which the engineers actually put some thought and testing into. However, this cooler's biggest sin is that of PRIDE simply because GlacialTech has the audacity to call this a “Gaming Solution”. We're still trying to figure out what makes ANY cooler a "gaming" unit but what we can tell you is that this isn't it. Indeed, it’s hard to reconcile let alone justify the use of low noise fans when GlacialTech states their intended market is PC gamers. When you are running Nvidia's and ATI's powerful (and noisy) GPUs, does it really matter how much more quiet your CPU cooler is? Would it have mattered at all to have higher speed fans with better cooling performance? As it stands, we just cannot recommend the UFO as there are better coolers out there with MUCH easier installation processes that fill every possible point of the air cooling market. If for whatever reason you look at this cooler and think “I've got to have this to finish off my tricked out, yellow PC”….go for it! Just remember to block off a few hours and a good and large alcohol budget for installation (might want to throw in a few bucks for antacids and headache medicine while you’re at it); for everyone else we recommend staying far, FAR away from this so called “Gaming Solution”. Pros - Pretty looking in a plastic sort of way - i7 “compatible” or at least as compatible as the other options - Quiet fans Cons - Price - No backplate - “Minimally Exceptional” / Sub optimal installation procedure - “Minimally Exceptional” / Sub optimal performance results - Way to much plastic used - Built for gamers? Nope. | ||
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