Thermaltake TMG A1 AM2 CPU Cooler Review

Processor Cooling Benchmarks


s939 Temperature Results



With the AMD X2 4400+ 2.2ghz 939 system the Thermaltake TMG A1 lowered idle temperatures on average more than 9c and maximum load temperature by 6*C. More importantly these lower load temperature allowed for a even higher, safer overclock. Definitely a good first showing for the A1.


AM2 Temperature Results



The cooling trend that started with the 939 system continued with the AM2 4800+ 2.4ghz system. The TMG A1 lowered idle temperatures by an average of 8.7*C and maximum load temperature by 7.7*C. Once again these lower load temperatures allowed for a higher overclock.

As you can see from the above charts the TMG A1 did a very good job at cooling both the 939 and AM2 X2 processors. It significantly lowered idle temperatures and it allowed for a higher overclock on both systems. More importantly the A1 did it all this with markedly decreased noise levels. Even when the A1’s fan was running at full speed (as confirmed by SpeedFan) it was not audible over the case fans.

This combination of cooling and quiet operation is an admirable feat, especially considering the fact that the AMD 4 heatpipe cooler is not a bad cooler. When the X2s were the best processor on the market this stock cooler was able to hold its own against many aftermarket coolers. The only negative thing is that an even higher overclock was not possible. It became pretty obvious around the 2.9Ghz mark the TMG A1 was starting to become overwhelmed even at idle. The most likely culprit is that the fan just couldn’t move enough air to be effective in removing the heat that the CPU’s were creating. With the fan that this heatsink is paired with it becomes very obvious that it was not meant to be used for massive overclocks.