On first inspection of the box one is left with a very positive feeling. While it maybe a little colourful when compared to a drab cardboard box that some other heatsinks come in, it does have a very distinctive and refined look to it. It doesn’t scream and yell but it does still catch the eye if you were looking at it in a retail environment.


Even better is that the fact that the box is crammed with relevant information that would certainly help a first time buyer in making a decision. Especially if that first time buyer was to see this box on display at his local computer store.


When you actually open the box you are greeted to a very simple yet effective packaging scheme. No bubble wrap or vacuum sealed packaging here! Rather you have an easy to remove molded two piece plastic container that protects and supports the heatsink in transit. This makes for a very easy and intuitive removal with no tools or scissors required. One has to simply remove the top half of the plastic container, remove the heatsink and fan combo, remove the small protective cap on the bottom of the heatsink and install it. No hassle, no plastic clamshells to break into and best of all no chances of damage while removing it from the box.


As with many other CPU heatsinks in this price range, the list of accessories is very short. Besides a simple instruction pamphlet with lots of pictures you get a sticker and that is it. Other than that the only other thing in the box besides the A1 itself is it’s own retention bracket. It is obvious that this was done to help keep the A1 in its intended price range and is normal for today’s cost cutting “value added” marketplace.