Review

PC Perspective
July 2006
Vigor Monsoon II Active TEC CPU Cooling System

Summary  | Introduction and Features  | Background Theory  | Components and Design  | Components and Design(Cont'd)
 | Vigor Force Super Tower Case and Surf HDD Cooler  | Installation  | Testing  | Conclusions

Introduction and Features

When Ryan first asked if I was interested in reviewing the new Monsoon II cooler from Vigor Gaming, I was skeptical. In my experience, most CPU coolers that use an air-cooled Peltier Device (Thermoelectric Cooler) have been destined to failure due to poor performance and/or extreme noise. However, the Vigor Monsoon II came recommended from a respected source so I decided to give it a go. And as you will see in the following review, I'm glad I did... :)

The Vigor Monsoon II is not a typical CPU heatsink fan. In addition to a copper base, large aluminum fins, and 92mm LED fan, the Monsoon II cooler incorporates both heat pipes and active Thermoelectric Cooling. It comes with a control module that automatically adjusts the cooler's fan speed and turns on and off the Peltier device to maintain a target CPU temperature.

Vigor Gaming supplies high performance desktop and laptop computers to meet the needs of demanding PC gamers worldwide. They have a close working relationship with Macstek who supplies the Vigor Gaming super tower case, Surf HDD cooler, and the Monsoon II active TEC cooling system for their desktop gaming systems.

The Vigor Monsoon II is currently available as an option when ordering the Vigor Force Recon desktop gaming rig and will soon be available as a separate accessory item. The Monsoon II is a second generations MACS cooler that has been designed to deliver excellent CPU cooling and be easy to install, with models that support both Intel LGA775 and AMD K8 platforms.

Vigor Monsoon II Main Features:

• Active CPU Cooling: The first CPU cooling system to combine software controlled active TEC technology and heat pipe cooling modules
• Automatic Temperature Control: 5.25" bay controller with LCD display
• Ultra-low Thermal resistance provides extreme cooling performance
• Automatic fan speed control
• Fail-Safe Protection

Monsoon II Technical Specifications

Model Number	Monsoon II TEC CPU Cooling System
Socket Type	Socket 754/939/940/AM2/775
Cooler Dimensions (DxWxH)	5.51 x 3.74 x 6.30 in
Thermoelectric Chip	1.57 x 1.57 in / 12V DC
Heat Sink Material	4 heat pipes, Aluminum Fin & Copper Base
Heat Sink Dimensions (DxWxH)	3.54 x 3.54 x 6.30 in
Fan Dimensions	3.62 x 3.62 x 0.98 in
Fan Voltage Rating	12V DC
Fan Speed	Low-2000 rpm Mid-2400 rpm High-2600 rpm
Noise Level	24 dB(A) ~ 34 dB(A)
Weight	1.85 lb (with Fan)
Thermal Resistance	0.13(°C/W)
Control Interface System	5.25" Management Unit
LCD Display	Ο
Temperature Monitor Range	0°C~99°C/32°F~210.2°F
TEC Temperature Response Time to Control Unit	‹1 second
Control Unit
TEC Sensor	TEC temperature sensor on Cooling Assembly
Power Input	12V DC / 5A
Controller Dimensions(DxWxH)	5.90 x 5.74 X 1.69 in
Weight	1 lb
*** Vigor Gaming reserves the right to modify specifications and designs. All specifications and designs are subject to change without prior notice.

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